Fairstone Creates New Organisational Design to Drive Strategic Growth

Fairstone today announces a new organisational design across its wealth advisory, training and central paraplanning functions.

The updated structure will bring the group’s National and Partnership functions into a unified advisory business and forms a pivotal part of Fairstone’s commitment to enhance operational efficiencies and continue to foster organic growth.

The change has resulted in the appointment of six Managing Directors, each with dedicated functional responsibilities, with three appointed to the Northern, Central and Southern regions of the UK.

After seven successful years serving as Managing Director within the group, Mike Slater assumes the role of Managing Director for the Central region.

Shona Lowe, joins Fairstone as Managing Director, North, bringing with her over two decades of expertise in financial services, most recently as Managing Director of the Private Client division at abrdn.

Tony Hanlon is the new Managing Director, South. Previously Chief Operating Officer at WHIreland, he brings with him extensive knowledge gained from roles at Brewin Dolphin and HSBC.

Lee Hartley, Chief Executive Officer at Fairstone, said: “The development to our organisational design signifies our commitment to delivering outstanding client outcomes, enhanced training and development for our advisors and ultimately a fitter, stronger business for the future.”

He added: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Shona and Tony as we gear up for our next stage of growth. We have been looking for a particular set of characteristics to ensure we continue to foster an agile, performance driven culture dedicated to providing our clients with the very best services and client outcomes. I’m pleased to say with Shona and Tony we have found the right fit.”

The new organisational design introduces three roles dedicated to enriching client experience, adviser development, and growth, respectively.

Mortgage and Protection will remain under the stewardship of Steve Easter, appointed as Managing Director Mortgage and Protection.

Peter Donaldson transitions from his previous role as Managing Director of the Partnership business to spearhead the Growth function, concentrating on adviser recruitment, retention, and development.

Marguerite Peyton assumes the role of Managing Director for the Group’s Financial Planning function, overseeing the advice journey, training, and central paraplanning.

The wealth advisory function has been further strengthened with the appointment of Nick Stebbing as Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience in steering commercial strategies for European wealth management firms. Nick will lead Fairstone’s investment management proposition, Fairstone Private Wealth.

Nick’s appointment marks the departure of former Chief Commercial Officer, Adam Smith who will be leaving to pursue opportunities outside of Fairstone from 30 April.

Lee concluded: “I would like to welcome Nick, and I would like to thank Adam for his contribution to Fairstone over the last 5 years and wish him well for the future.

“I am highly confident that alongside our already vastly experienced senior management team, the addition of Nick, Shona and Tony will provide the transformative leadership to take the business forward over the next decade.”