Liston was most recently interim CEO as Sesame Bankhall Group, taking on the role from 1 August after Michele Golunska left the chief executive role to become managing director at wealth and advice at Aviva.
The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.
He has worked at SBG for around four years, initially joining as managing director for Bankhall and PMS Club and then taking on the role for group managing director for distribution.
Before that, he worked at Standard Life Aberdeen for almost 30 years in various senior roles, including head of adviser relationships, head of strategic partnerships and head of advisory distribution.
Liston will also be joined by Campbell Stanners, also from SBG, where he was advisory relationships director for their mortgage club, mortgage services and Bankhall.
Stanners will take on the role of business development director at M&G Wealth Advice.
M&G Wealth plan to double adviser numbers
M&G Wealth said that it had plans to grow its advice services, with an ambition to double its number of advisers over the next four to five years.
In the past year, the company has acquired financial advice firms Sandringham Partners and Continuum, the latter of which is subject to regulatory approval.
After its acquisition of Continuum, its adviser numbers are 500, with a plan to increase to 1,000.
David Montgomery, managing director at M&G Wealth, said: “We have ambitious plans driven by our desire to give as many people access to advice services and investment solutions that suit their circumstances and requirements. This is our primary focus.
“Ross is widely respected for helping organisations innovate, thrive, and grow. We are increasing the number of our own advisers and over the last two years we have been fortunate to speak to many businesses and some of the industry’s leading talent who share our drive and vision and are attracted by the strength and capabilities we offer.”
He continued: “We are delighted to welcome both Ross and Campbell to M&G Wealth. They have an infectious passion for success and significant track records in building businesses, inspiring colleagues and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients.”
‘Exciting time to join M&G’
Liston said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining M&G given its ambitions and commitment to the growing wealth market. The group’s vision for the business is dynamic and bold, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead and shape the Wealth Advice business, building on its current quality offering.
“I firmly believe that we are about to enter a golden age for advice. We can play an important role in this, through our market-leading offering, digital innovation, and strong customer relationships. I’m hugely looking forward to joining the leadership team at M&G and playing my part in leading the change over the coming years.”
