WH Ireland Group (LON: WHI) ihas today announced the appointment of Simon Lough as a Non-Executive Director of the Company, subject to FCA approval. He will also serve on the Audit, Risk and Remuneration Committees.
After graduating from Oxford University, Simon joined Kleinwort Benson in 1984, moving to work in their Tokyo office in 1986. In 1991, he joined Banca della Svizzera Italiana, working in Tokyo and then their London office. In 1996, Simon left investment banking, joining, and co-investing, in the forerunner of the Heartwood wealth management business. His managerial role initially entailed establishing a London office for the growing business. He subsequently headed both the client and investment teams, before becoming Chief Executive in November 2008. In May 2013, Heartwood became a wholly owned subsidiary of Handelsbanken and Simon continued as Chief Executive until July 2014 and subsequently left on the third anniversary of its acquisition.
From 2013-16, he was also a member of the Financial Conduct Authority’s Smaller Business Practitioner Panel, nominated by the Wealth Management Association (now called PIMFA – Personal Investment Management & Financial Advice Association) to represent the wealth management sector.
Tim Steel, WH Ireland Group PLC Chairman, commented:
“The Board would like to welcome Simon to the Group and I look forward to working with him. He has spent his entire career in the City and has first-hand experience of growing and developing a significant wealth manager. We believe that he will be able to bring his extensive wealth management experience, gained over 20 years, in support of the new executive management team as we move forward to expand and develop our business.”
Simon Lough commented:
“I am really excited by the challenge of helping the new management team at WH Ireland. While recent financial results make it clear change has been and remains necessary, the potential of WH Ireland excites me. The brand is well known, the key shareholders are supportive, and I have been impressed by the new management team and their recovery plans. I am confident my experience in wealth management can contribute to those plans, and help the WH Ireland business add value for clients, employees and shareholders.”
