At its AGM today new chair Anne Gunther will take over from David Kiddie who is stepping down from the board after 18 months.

The move, previously announced, has now received regulatory approval.

Ms Gunther is a Chartered Banker, and an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (UK).

She has worked in financial services for the past 40 years including roles at MBNA, Masthaven Bank, NEW Devon NHS Clinical Commissioning Group and Bracken Holdings Ltd.

Former chair Mr Kiddie will leave the board after 18 months in the role but will continue to assist the company in a consultancy role linked to the development of the group's investment proposition. Mr Kiddie's appointment as chair was delayed due to post-Covid delays at the FCA in ratifying senior financial services appointments.

Also stepping down from the board today is NED Edward Knapp. A search for his replacement is under way.

At the AGM today the group said it continues to see “sustained demand” for advice and this should bolster growth in its advice business. The company said this year so far it had signed up 249 new advice clients.

The company is also focusing on developing its investment proposition and Maven, its private equity business. Maven has a “strong pipeline” of deals planned, the firm said. 

The group is also focusing on synergies with acquired businesses, advancing key strategic initiatives, including the introduction of a new pension banking proposition and offering clients better interest rates.

The group is also continuing to roll-out the group-wide client relationship management system, Xplan, to improve operational efficiency.

Mattioli Woods says it continues to trade in line with the board's expectations.