The new COO has in-depth experience and expertise in strategy, transformation, marketing and distribution as well as building and leading teams that deliver growth, value and efficiency.

Sesame Bankhall Group, a UK-appointed representative network, has appointed Paul Wilson as chief operating officer, subject to FCA approval.

Wilson, who is joining from Aviva, has over 30 years’ financial services experience. He has held a series of wide-ranging senior executive positions, previouisly as chief marketing officer at Aviva, director of consulting at Barclays Wealth, and divisional director of business development at St James’s Place.

Currently a non-executive director of SBG’s board, Wilson will officially start his new role on 3 July.

He will replace Richard Howells who left the business earlier this month to take up a new role elsewhere in the industry.

“I am pleased to welcome Paul to SBG. With in-depth experience and expertise in strategy, transformation, marketing and distribution as well as building and leading teams that deliver growth, value and efficiency, he will be an excellent addition to our experienced leadership team," John Cowan, interim chief executive officer at Sesame Bankhall Group, said. “With the hard work, expertise and commitment of our people, we are in a strong position to take advantage of the many opportunities ahead, and I am incredibly optimistic and positive about the future direction of the business.”

Wilson said: “I am delighted to be joining SBG. Having been on the board for the past two years, I know what a vibrant and ambitious business it is and I’m looking forward to working with the rest of the team to help them deliver on the group’s long-term objectives.”

Sesame Bankhall Group, which brings together Sesame Network, Bankhall, and PMS Mortgage Club, reaches over 10,000 professional financial advisors. PMS operates one of the UK’s largest mortgage clubs for mortgage brokers who are directly regulated by the FCA.