National wealth management group Attivo has made the first three of 50 new appointments it plans to make this year as part of its “ambitious” growth plans.
James Cobb is the firm’s new group technical manager, Teresa Crew will head up the technical research team and Nicholas Palmer is the group’s new private client investment manager.
As reported in January, the Cheltenham-based financial advice firm intends to double personnel numbers over the course of the year, to 80 members of staff and a payroll increase of around £2.5m.
Mr Cobb was a technical manager at Hargreaves and has been brought in to ensure Attivo has the right structure, skills and framework to grow a robust financial services business.
He will also have oversight into the investment committee and will support delivery of the group’s pension propositions.
Ms Crew was wealth planning manager at Towry, overseeing a team of paraplanners.
She has been appointed to oversee the development and recruitment of the para planning team, ensuring - with the support of Mr Cobb - that the team achieve the advanced diploma in financial planning in addition to Chartered status.
Mr Palmer will be based in Attivo’s new London office, working with the group’s private clients, creating and managing bespoke investment solutions. He will sit on the investment committee, focusing on fixed income, absolute return, Europe and North American sectors.
Stephen Harper, Attivo’s chief executive, said: “The opportunity provided by the pensions revolution has thrown into the spotlight the lack of technically qualified chartered financial planners in the industry.
“The need for professional, expert, intelligent, independent advice is paramount, now more than ever, and these three appointments will ensure Attivo is at the forefront of financial planning as a true profession.”
peter.walker@ft.com
