Blackfinch Group, the Gloucester-based investment and tax business, has appointed a new chief distribution officer. Nicholas French is taking over from Jerry Price, who will continue to work for the firm, offering support with "strategic initiatives".
Mr French previously worked at investment management firm Marlborough Group as head of adviser solutions and as the chief executive of financial company Select Platform. He also spent 12 years at Russell Investments, where he was managing director.
Mr French has also been involved in consulting, mergers and acquisitions and had various roles at Zurich and Skandia Life (Old Mutual) over the past 25 years.
He said: “I’m excited to be joining Blackfinch at such an important time. With the new Consumer Duty requirements adapting our outlook on advice, and government legislative changes putting tax thresholds within the reality of increasing amounts of society, we have the opportunity to show advisers that by combining investment and tax planning solutions even more we can help adviser businesses continue to thrive over the coming years.”
Blackfinch, which is based at Gloucester Business Park, has recently expanded its energy, ventures and property teams. The firm said its growth had enabled the business to "evolve" the scale of investments being made and "adapt" the proposition it offers financial advisers around the UK.
“I am absolutely delighted Nick has joined so we can accelerate our ambitious growth plans," added Richard Cook, chief executive of Blackfinch.
"It is my belief that Nick’s experience in strategically supporting adviser businesses to evolve and increase their value multiples over time significantly enhances the overall Blackfinch proposition. I look forward to sharing our plans with advisers in the coming months. I would also like to place on record my thanks to Jerry for his crucial role in the establishment and growth of the group over the last 10 years.”
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