The parent company of Openwork has appointed a chairman in the latest reshuffle at the top of the advice network.
Andy Smart will join Openwork Holdings Limited as its chairman, 15 years after he helped create Openwork as part of the Zurich Global Life team.
He is currently chairman of Openwork Limited, the parent company's main regulated subsidiary, and heads the risk and compliance committee.
Mr Smart will replace Christopher Rodrigues who is stepping down after six years in the role, but who will stay on as a corporate adviser until the end of the year.
The move is the latest change at the top of Openwork, following the appointment of Philip Howell as its chief executive in February.
Mr Howell formerly headed up listed wealth manager Rathbone Brothers and joined Openwork following the departure of Mark Duckworth, who left the company at the beginning of the year after a decade within its ranks.
Mr Howell said: "I look forward to working closely with Andy, drawing upon his deep knowledge of the business as we enter an exciting new chapter for Openwork.
"On behalf of colleagues across the Openwork family, I would like to thank Christopher for his outstanding service and in particular the advice and guidance he has given me over the last few months."
Openwork has an adviser count of more than 3,900 and earlier this year reported a record year for mortgage and protection recruitment.
Incoming chairman Mr Smart said: "The transformation of Openwork into one of the UK’s biggest and longest-established networks has been a major achievement for everyone involved with the business and I look forward to working with the board and executive team to continue the success story."
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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