Rob Clifford will take over as chief executive of the mortgage and insurance network.
Adams founded Stonebridge as an independent brokerage in 1988 and has overseen its growth into a major network.
He will remain involved in the business in a non-executive capacity, providing advice and support to the management team and board.
Adams said this felt like the right time to move into a more consultative role and allow Clifford and the team to take the business forward.
“I have been very fortunate to work with some amazing people over the last three decades and it is down to them that the business is where it is right now and that I’m able to make this personal decision at a time which is right for me and the business,” he said.
“I will continue to be involved in an advisory capacity and accessible to the team and key partners.
“This business has truly been my baby for over 30 years and I am 100% confident that all our stakeholders will continue to see this group deliver everything they want from it, and that they will be part of our continued success for many, many years to come,” he added.
Significant ambitions
Clifford joined the Stonebridge board in 2015 and moved to his current director role a year ago.
He has more than 25 years’ experience within the mortgage industry and will lead the firm’s management team and be accountable for its strategy from this summer.
Clifford said he was sorry that Adams would be stepping back, but pleased he would continue to play a significant part in the firm.
“I am very pleased to now lead the business as its CEO, four years after I joined its board as a director, given we have significant ambitions and projects to launch which will benefit our advisers and member firms,” Clifford said.
“We have a fantastic senior management team who have been in post for many years and together I know we can build on the incredible work that the team have achieved to date,” he added.
