Schroders-owned Benchmark Capital has hired Zurich’s David White as group managing director as the firm plans to “significantly increase” its footprint in the UK wealth market.
The firm announced today (November 27) Mr White would join the business in February 2020, working closely with Benchmark’s chief executive Ian Cooke to develop and implement a “future growth strategy”.
Benchmark, which is majority owned by Schroders, has an advice business, Aspect8, a network, Best Practice IFA, two outsourcing businesses for advisers, Evolution Wealth and Creative Technologies, and a discretionary fund management service.
Prior to joining the firm, Mr White held senior positions with Zurich insurance as chief executive of its Europe, the Middle East and Africa travel insurance business and previously as managing director of Zurich’s UK retail business.
Before his stint at Zurich Mr White was head of Fidelity’s FundsNetwork platform.
Benchmark appears to have strong growth ambitions, hiring Alex Funk as chief investment officer back in August to target the DFM space in order to expand the business and launching into the self-invested personal pension space in June.
Mr Cooke said today the group has plans to “significantly increase” its footprint in the wealth market and that Mr White would be central to those ambitions.
Peter Harrison, Schroders Group chief executive and chairman of Benchmark Capital, said: “Benchmark Capital’s award-winning technology is a key part of our UK wealth growth strategy.
“The business is focused on delivering investment and client service excellence and I am pleased that Mr White will be joining the business to work with Mr Cooke and his team to continue building on these strong foundations.”
Mr White said: “I am delighted to be joining Benchmark Capital at a very exciting time for the company.
“Mr Cooke and his team have built a solid foundation among the wealth and financial planning community and working together we plan to go from strength to strength, supporting Schroders’ ambitions in the UK retail wealth space."
imogen.tew@ft.com
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