Wren Sterling executive chairperson Ian Darby left the nationwide independent financial planner firm at the end of 2024.
Darby worked for Wren Sterling for just under a decade and led its buyout from the Towergate Group in 2015.
Towergate Financial rebranded to Wren Sterling following the management buyout.
Wren Sterling said Darby had “helped steer the business to deliver strong performance and client outcomes.”
He will remain a significant shareholder of the business, but Wren Sterling believes his departure comes at a time when the business is “well positioned for its next phase of growth”.
This is due to the business recently securing “additional facilities to fund its ongoing M&A programme.”
His position as executive chairperson in Wren Sterling Financial Planning will not be replaced.
Clementine Vaughan, a non-executive director of Magnus Financial Discretional Management will step up to become non-executive chair of Wren Sterling’s discretionary fund manager, subject to FCA approval.
Wren Sterling’s DFM is Magnus, and works exclusively with Wren Sterling financial advisers.
Wren Sterling chief executive James Twining said: “Ian’s retirement will mark the end of a remarkable career with Wren Sterling, from its original inception to the business it has become today. Under his leadership, Wren Sterling has made critical changes to its strategy, structure and organisation that position it strongly for future success. This work continues, and we thank Ian wholeheartedly for his leadership and contribution to our business.”
Darby added: “I am very proud of what has been achieved at Wren Sterling over the last nine years, in terms of what has been delivered both the shareholders and clients. Having led the business through its secondary buyout and helped embed the new management team and strategy, now is the right time for me to step down. I leave the business confident in its strategy, management team and long-term growth prospects.”
