Stephen Gazard is leaving Sesame Bankhall Group, it was announced this morning.

Managing director Mr Gazard is exiting after four years with SBG to take up a new role elsewhere in the industry. It has not been revealed yet where he is moving to.

Mr Gazard said: “SBG has a clear direction of travel, loyal clients and members, and a hugely talented team to take the business forward.

“I believe everyone can be truly proud of what has been delivered, particularly in terms of culture and consumer outcomes, which I am very proud to have played my small part in. I look forward to seeing the Group continue to go from strength to strength.”

John Cowan, executive chairman, SBG, wished him well in his new role and said: “Stephen will continue to support the business over the coming weeks as part of a smooth transition. On behalf of myself and the Group I would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and important contribution whilst at SBG.”

Mark Graves will move from sales director to become managing director of Sesame & PMS.

Julie Sadler, compliance & risk director, will become managing director of Bankhall.

Stuart Davies, network operations director, becomes group operations director.

They will report to Mr Cowan. He said: “I am very pleased that Mark, Julie and Stuart are taking up their new roles at SBG and I also want to wish Stephen well in his new role. SBG has a clear strategy, financial stability and three leading financial advisory brands – Sesame, Bankhall and PMS. We have invested heavily in new services to support advisers and we have a very strong and committed management team.

“Sesame and PMS combined account for over 25 per cent of all UK intermediated mortgage lending, whilst Bankhall supports over 5,000 directly authorised advisers and has recently expanded its range of services to deliver even more specialist support.

“These are exciting times for our group and together we will ensure that thousands of advisers are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.”