Chartered Financial Planner Ian Pickford, CEO of Forvis Mazars Financial Planning, will step down to become an independent non-executive director at fintech Fintel, owner of SimplyBiz, Defaqto and RSMR.

Mr Pickford, 64, has more than 35 years’ experience as a Financial Planner.

He will shortly step down as a partner at Forvis Mazars LLP, where he was the CEO of Forvis Mazars Financial Planning, where he grew the business substantially.

He led the firm's Financial Planning business for 13 years, and in 2021 became head of its private client business which encompasses the Financial Planning, personal tax advisory, compliance and Trusts & Estates teams.  

In his new role at Fintel he will assist the strategic development of the firm’s core service propositions to the UK advice market.

He will additionally serve as chair of the company's remuneration and nomination committees.

Mr Pickford said: “Fintel, through SimplyBiz, is already renowned in the sector as a services platform for IFAs, has the research brand in Defaqto, and is well poised to emerge as a digital provider to the exciting sector. I look forward to working with the board to accelerate the safe growth of the business."

The company said Mr Pickford “was selected due to his in-depth knowledge of the wealth management market and strong alignment to the company's values and strategic objectives.”

Phil Smith, non-executive chair, said: "Ian brings a great deal of leadership experience within the wealth management sector and will provide an important customer perspective on the board alongside his skills which complement those of our other directors."