Sesame Bankhall Group has appointed the former leader of the Pink Network, Mark Graves, as sales director.
Mr Graves will take up his new role next week, and will report to executive chairman John Cowan.
He will be joining Sesame Bankhall’s executive committee and work alongside Sesame Bankhall’s managing director Stephen Gazard.
Mr Graves previously worked at LSL for 10 years in a range of senior roles, which included leading the Pink Network.
Prior to this, he helped to build one of the largest mortgage brokerages as managing director of Mortgages Direct.
In 2003 Mr Graves set up his own mortgage business, Linear Mortgage Network, which was later acquired by LSL.
Sesame Bankhall executive chairman John Cowan said: “Mark has built a strong and successful track record based on his close working relationship with adviser firms.
“It was clear from our first meeting that he is the ideal person with the right credentials to further strengthen our experienced executive team. We are thrilled that Mark has agreed to join us and help to quickly put our plans into action.
“Following the completion of our strategic review we are now focused on the future. This appointment is a further signal to our members, clients and staff, along with the wider market, that we are absolutely committed to driving our business forward as we embark on a new phase of growth and development.”
Mr Graves said: “SBG is a rejuvenated business with a strong adviser base and a positive vision for the future.
“I have been impressed by the group’s strong team ethos and its commitment to work closely with advisers on a range of valuable new initiatives.
“I believe the business, its members and clients are beginning an exciting new chapter and I am looking forward to contributing to this future success.”
Mr Graves appointment comes after FTAdviser broke the news back in September that two years after then owner Friends Life launched a strategic review into the future of the intermediary, Sesame Bankhall revealed a new structure to the management team and that John Cupis, who was head of mortgages and general insurance, was leaving the business.
His exit follows hot on the heels of Jim Newman, who retired in June, Jon Dear, who was marketing and propositions director but left in April, and Pan Andreas, who was wealth director up until July.
Today it was announced Defaqto has hired Mr Andreas as head of insight for its funds and discretionary fund management team.
ruth.gillbe@ft.com
