Sesame Bankhall Group has appointed Jeff Woods as business development director.
Previously national accounts director at Vitality Life, he has 25 years of industry experience, having started his career at Royal Sun Alliance and held senior positions at Linear Mortgage Network, Pink Home Loans and PruProtect.
Mr Woods will report into SBG sales director Mark Graves, working closely with firms to help them develop and achieve their business objectives.
In addition to his arrival next month (February), the group has also appointed two new business development managers and two regional sales managers, a move which it stated demonstrates a commitment to delivering face-to-face adviser development support to firms operating within the PMS Mortgage Club and appointed representative network.
Mr Graves said that SBG has ambitious plans to enhance the service provided to firms.
He said: “We are very pleased that these talented individuals have chosen to join our team at an exciting time for our rejuvenated business.
“Bolstering our face-to-face support will complement our highly regarded mortgage desk and will put us in an even stronger position to make the advice process stronger and more efficient for advisers.”
Mr Graves himself only moved to the firm at the start of December, having previously been the boss of the Pink Network.
At the start of September, SBG confirmed an executive team reshuffle, following the completion of its strategic review, with head of mortgages and general insurance John Cupis leaving the business. His replacement Lisa Martin also left just three weeks after being promoted to the position.
In November, managing director Stephen Gazard revealed there would be no knee jerk response, rather discussion with stakeholders to identify gaps and fill them. “We’re looking for a dynamic sales director to come in an ensure that propositions remain at the forefront and keep the client bank growing,” he added.
Earlier this month, Bankhall launched a series of business development workshops for adviser firms at eight venues across the UK, focusing on business growth, with an emphasis on the impact and challenges for business leaders in managing expansion.
peter.walker@ft.com
