The IFP announced today that Mr Gazzard, who has been serving as acting CEO following the stroke suffered by CEO Nick Cann, has decided to stand down and will leave straightaway. He informed the IFP of his decision last month.
The departure comes as the IFP board announced today that it had voted to approve the merger with the Charteted Institute for Securities & Investment following consultation with members which took place in August and September.
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Chartered Accountant Richard Lee has been appointed as project manager to oversee continuing work on the merger between the IFP and CISI, expected to take place in November.
Mr Gazzard became acting CEO in 2013 after CEO Nick Cann suffered a major stroke. Mr Cann will also leave the organisation by mutual agreement, the IFP announced today.
Mr Gazzard has been involved in many IFP campaigns, most recently the IFP 'Spread The Word' drive to promote Financial Planning and the benefits of IFP membership. He has been a strong advocate of professional Financial Planning and its benefits to consumers.
He is widely respected throughout the industry for his calm and professional approach and his enthusiasm for professional Financial Planning and the IFP's membership.
Steve Gazzard CFPCM said in a statement released by the IFP: “I want to thank all those members and other supporters who have said yes to the many favours I've asked and who have supported me personally.
“I am grateful for the support of IFP staff, humbled by their incredible commitment, and lucky to have made so many new friends. Everyone connected to the IFP can be proud of what it has achieved in developing the profession of Financial Planning, and I am thankful for the opportunity to have played a small part in that journey.”
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IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP CFPCM said: “Steve has done an outstanding job for the IFP over the past seven and a half years whilst Nick has made a massive contribution to the success of the IFP since he joined in 1999. Both have played such an important part in driving forward the Financial Planning profession.
“The IFP Board and I wish to say a very big thank you to both Steve and Nick for the massive contribution they have made to the development of the IFP and the Financial Planning profession. Their strong leadership, commitment and enthusiasm for the Financial Planning profession and the IFP in particular have been so inspiring to IFP members, the board and IFP staff alike. We wish them well for the future in whatever they choose to do.”
Mr Gazzard became interim IFP CEO in July 2013, shortly after CEO Nick Cann suffered a major stroke just before he addressed a group of students about careers in Financial Planning.
Prior to taking over as interim CEO during Mr Cann's recuperation,Mr Gazzard was chief operating officer of the IFP, joining the organisation in February 2008. In his role as chief operating officer he was responsible for the day to day management of the organisation including responsibility for finance and personnel, operations, membership, business development and key projects.
He has had a long career in financial services including spells at Save & Prosper, Egg and Fidelity.
He has also been chair of governors for a local school and retains a keen interest in rugby coaching.