UK wealth manager Charles Stanley and Raymond James Wealth Management (RJWM), part of the wider US-headquartered financial services group Raymond James, make senior hire whose knowledge of their business is "exceptional."

RaymondJames Wealth Management (RJWM) and Charles Stanley & Co (CSC) have appointed Kim Jenson (pictured) as interim CEO, subject to regulatory approval, after CEO Paul Abberley stepped down to pursue opportunities outside of the firm.

Jenson will assume immediate responsibility for overseeing the Raymond James UK wealth management business while an external search for a permanent CEO is underway, the firm said in a statement. Peter Moores remains CEO of Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS).

Jenson is joining from Raymond James Financial in the US where she was chief operating officer for Raymond James' US Private Client Group, a business with over $1.5 trillion in assets under administration that supports more than 1.5 million clients.

Jenson, who has relocated to the UK as part of her new role, will be based in London. In addition to her eight-year tenure at Raymond James, she has more than 40 years of experience.

Prior to joining Raymond James, Jenson was a managing director in UBS Wealth Management Americas Chicago market, where she was responsible for market leadership, business development, recruitment and risk management. Previously, she was the firm’s chief of staff for the CEO, beginning her career there as a divisional director. Jenson also spent 15 years at Piper Jaffray (now Piper Sandler) in Minneapolis where she was a member of the private client business executive committee.

“The board is delighted to be able to call on a leader with Kim’s track record and client-focused leadership as we continue the integration of the two businesses,” Sandy Kinney Pritchard, RJWM, CSC and RJIS board of directors chair, said. “Paul has been instrumental in laying the foundation for a successful integration. We are grateful for Paul’s 11 years of significant contribution to Charles Stanley and Raymond James Wealth Management, and his commitment to innovation in client propositions and service provision.”

“Kim’s industry experience and deep knowledge of our business is exceptional, and she has earned a reputation for her client focus, as well as her thoughtful and impactful leadership,” Raymond James Financial, executive chair, Paul Reilly added. “Working with the board and our collective UK leadership team, I am confident in our ability to seize the tremendous potential of the combined Raymond James and Charles Stanley businesses.” 

RJWM comprises Raymond James Investment Services (RJIS) and Charles Stanley, with assets under management and administration of the combined UK wealth management group standing at £40 billion ($53 billion). 

US-listed Raymond James Financial bought Charles Stanley, the UK-headquartered group, in 2022.