Octopus has appointed a chief executive for its investments business as it looks to expand its retail distribution network.
Ruth Handcock has been appointed to the chief executive role at Octopus Investments, taking over from co-founder Simon Rogerson who remains CEO of the wider Group.
Mr Rogerson will also become executive chairman at Octopus Investments.
Prior to joining Octopus, Ms Handcock was chief customer officer at UK challenger bank Tandem. As CEO, she will be responsible for driving the growth of the firm’s distribution network and product range.
Mr Rogerson said: "We’re thrilled Ruth has agreed to take over the reins and lead Octopus Investments through its next exciting stage of growth.
"She has already made a big contribution to the business and brings with her great skills and a shared passion to see more people benefit from financial advice.
"This goal remains unchanged: we passionately believe in the difference that great financial planning can make to people, their families and lives."
He added: "Octopus Group has grown rapidly in the last few years and this feels the right time for me to focus on the wider group.
"I will continue to be involved with Octopus Investments and I am looking forward to working alongside Ruth, as we support more advisers across the UK by developing meaningful financial solutions and services for them and their clients."
Ms Handcock added: "I’m looking forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the company grows and continues to innovate.
"Technology is a huge driving force for change within financial services and we want to lead the charge. We’ve built up a significant team with tech expertise to help develop new solutions for advisers, following the success of Octopus Cash and Choice."
Ms Handcock said she would focus on broadening out the products and services offered to advisers and expected technology to be at the heart of this.
She said: "Octopus remains an entrepreneurial business at its core and has a talented team of people working hard to make a real difference to both our advisers and their clients. My focus will be on ensuring we continue to invest and deliver on our commitment to advisers."
Octopus has also appointed Jonathan Digges as its chief investment officer, with responsibility for the fund management activity of the group. Mr Digges has worked at Octopus is various roles since 2015.
Meanwhile, Sam Handfield-Jones has been hired as growth and innovation director at Octopus Investments.
Octopus Investments currently manages more than £8.5bn for retail and institutional investors and specialises in property financing, healthcare infrastructure, multi manager and smaller company investments, venture capital and renewable energy investments.
