Walker Crips Group plc, the listed financial services group, with activities including stockbroking, investment and wealth management, announces the following changes to its Executive Board directors with effect from 6 September 2017.

Rodney Fitzgerald, who has been Chief Executive Officer (‘CEO’) and Group Finance Director for the last ten years, will be stepping back from his position as CEO and retaining the role of Group Finance Director as part of a phased retirement.

Sean Lam, who has held the role of Group Managing Director for the same period of ten years, will succeed Rodney as CEO.

Mark Rushton, Chief Investment Officer, will assume responsibility of the investment management & stockbroking subsidiary, Walker Crips Stockbrokers Ltd, as CEO, subject to FCA approval.

David Gelber, Chairman, Walker Crips, says: “Rodney has done a tremendous job in leading the business for over 10 years as CEO and has played a pivotal role in managing the transformation of the group from private client stockbrokers into an integrated investment and wealth management house.

“His successor, Sean Lam, has already played a key part in the success of the Group, previously as CEO of Walker Crips Stockbrokers Ltd and as Group Managing Director with dual responsibility over Group operations and technology, making him the ideal person to lead Walker Crips into the future.

“Mark Rushton has also been instrumental in our recent rapid growth, attracting a series of new teams of advisers to the Group since joining in 2012, which has changed the quality of our revenue streams and enhanced the processes and culture throughout the organisation.”

Rodney Fitzgerald, who previously served as Group Finance Director for 8 years until 2007, says:  “It has been a privilege to have served as CEO and to have seen the organisation grow significantly to the next level as a fully-listed independent investment/wealth management group, which is now well positioned for the next phase of growth under Sean Lam’s leadership.”

Sean Lam said: “I am humbled and honoured to be appointed CEO. Our firm has been serving clients for an incredible 103 years because of the dedication of our Investment Managers. In today’s era of dramatic technological change, we are now positioned to engage a higher gear, a higher level of intensity, a different mindset and to be a ‘technology driven financial services company’ creating new offerings to clients, value to shareholders and greater opportunities for our staff.”

Mark Rushton added: “Since joining 5 years ago I have relished building and developing this special firm with our management and investment teams who are committed to good customer outcomes. I look forward enthusiastically to serving clients, colleagues and shareholders in my new role.”