Mr Bell has already been working as a non-executive director at the firm and joins from AJ Bell where he worked as operations director.
He previously worked as head of operations at Pointon York in the late 1990s.
Geoffrey Pointon, group chairman, said: "We are delighted to have secured a chief executive with such a broad experience within the Sipp market. Over 20 years of experience in the self-administered and self-invested marketplace is rare and we are delighted that Ian brings his detailed experience from both insurers and standalone providers."
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Mr Bell said he was looking to make Pointon York a 'strong, truly independent provider' of pensions.
He said: "The focus of the future is about pension provision for all, not just the selected wealthy. PY's various platform-based Sipps present an excellent opportunity for people to have the benefits of investment flexibility at low cost.
"There is lots of talent in the company and this will help to secure the aspiration to be a strong, truly independent provider."
There was also a departure from the firm with managing director Jo French leaving to join Hornbuckle Mitchell.

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