Benchmark, a leading provider of financial planning solutions and part of the Schroders Group, is today announcing two senior appointments as it targets further acquisitions.
Ian McMillan has joined from Deloitte in the newly-created role of Acquisitions Director, reporting into Ed Dymott, Benchmark’s Managing Director. Ian will be responsible for driving the business’ acquisitions activity, building on the 26 IFA firm transactions the business has completed over the past 5 years.
Ian spent 15 years at Deloitte, most recently as a M&A Transaction Services Director on the Financial Institutions Group. He has extensive deal experience spanning both public and private transactions across the value spectrum from bolt-ons to platform deals and FTSE 100 takeovers.
Furthermore, Stephen Robarts has also joined from KPMG, assuming the position of Head of Acquisition Finance, who will work alongside Ian. Stephen spent five years at KPMG, most recently as an Associate Director within the Financial Institutions Transaction Services team. He has previously worked at Deloitte & Touche and Grant Thornton.
Earlier this year, Benchmark further expanded its UK footprint with the acquisition of Redbourne Wealth Management and plans to announce further news in this space over the coming months.
Ed Dymott, Managing Director Wealth, Benchmark, commented:
“Benchmark is focused on supporting high-quality financial planning firms at every stage, right from when a business is established, through to helping them run more efficiently, accelerate their growth and ultimately plan for succession. Our succession planning options are resonating strongly with advisers due to their flexibility and positive long-term client outcomes.
“These exciting appointments announced today will enable us to further accelerate our plans and support more advisers who are seeking to exit to Benchmark. We are delighted to have two people of Ian and Stephen's calibre join our business at this exciting time.”