Wright will continue in the business as non-executive director and will take over as chairman next year.
His replacement, Cross, is a fully qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants and has more than 12 years’ experience working in the finance teams of organisations such as Clarke Roxburgh and Jelf.
She joined Personal Touch in January 2012 and has been part of the team of board directors. Wright intends to continue to offer support to his successor.
He said: “After very careful consideration with our board members and LDC, our major shareholder, it was great to see that Jane received a unanimous showing of support as the best possible candidate to take the business forward for the long term.
“Her unrivalled understanding of the complex challenges the market currently presents and her insight into the needs of adviser firms really impressed us.”
Wright, who was CEO of the company for five years, said that whilst it was a difficult decision to step away from day-to-day management he was looking forward to focussing on more strategic guidance and to supporting Cross and her team with practical advice and guidance.
Cross said: “With so much progress having been made by the network, under Max’s leadership, over the past few years, taking up this new role will inevitably be a very hard act to follow but I am thoroughly driven by the long-term challenge of keeping up the great work and building on it going forward.”
