Ex-Countrywide financial services director Nigel Stockton (pictured) is set to join acquisitive national financial planning and wealth management firm Bellpenny as chief executive in September.
Peter Curran, confirmed as managing director, financial services today at Countrywide effectively replaces Stockton at the property and financial services company on 1 September this year.
Curran was recruited to build the financial services division at Countrywide on 1 June after 20 years with Lloyds Banking group. He served as Lloyds’ head of strategic partnerships following a stint as director of intermediaries. Before that, he was managing director of mortgages at Bank of Scotland.
Bellpenny, owned by Oaktree Capital Management, confirmed its current chief executive officer Kevin Ronaldson, will step down but remain with the business as founder director.
The company has seen rapid expansion to more than £3bn funds under management and 70 financial planners and bought its 25th IFA firm in May this year.
Stockton’s previous roles include Lloyds Banking Group, sales director for mortgages; managing director of Birmingham Midshires and he has also held various commercial directorships with the Financial Times.
Bellpenny’s chairman, Grenville Turner said: “In Nigel we’re especially fortunate to have a tailor-made replacement for Kevin. He and I have worked closely together for much of the past 20 years and I can’t think of anyone better equipped to drive Bellpenny to even greater heights.”
Nigel Stockton, CEO designate of Bellpenny, said: “I am really excited at the prospect of taking the reins at Bellpenny. I have been a passionate proponent of professional, cost-effective advice in the mortgage and insurance arena for many years. I look forward to applying this experience to the investment world where both the consumer need and commercial opportunity are, if anything, even greater.”
Countrywide has also confirmed other members of its executive team today to support CEO Alison Platt with the creation of four business units, which are retail, B2B, London and financial services supported by a central team.
Samantha Tyrer has been appointed managing director, retail after joining from Dixons Carphone and is tasked with leading the sales and lettings business.
Paul Creffield has been appointed managing director, business to business, to oversee the B2B elements of the firm including Lambert Smith Hampton, land and new homes including Hamptons residential development investment, professional services, corporate property services and corporate business.
Ex-finance director for estate agency, financial services and London and premier Graham Bell has been appointed managing director, London and will lead the residential property investment team.
Kate Brown is now group HR director and Andrew Pennells, former sales director with the estate agency division is now group transformation and change director.
Alison Platt, chief executive officer, Countrywide, said: “I firmly believe the executive team announced today has the experience and passion to create the best environment and structure for our people to deliver outstanding customer experience while ensuring we make the most of all the opportunities in the UK property sector, both residential and commercial.”
She added: “The appointment of Peter Curran, a career professional with over 20 years’ experience to lead our financial services offering is testament to the important relationship we have with the lending community. This will add significantly to our capability in financial services, a key focus for us given the growth of the broker market.
“Both Peter and Nigel have worked together for a number of years and their professional support for each other will ensure a smooth transition.”
