Big changes at Stan Life’s 1825; Julie Scott new CEO

Steve Murray, Julie Scott and Michael Wall

Standard Life’s financial planning business 1825 announced changes to its senior leadership team “as the business enters the next stage of its growth.”

Steve Murray will move from the job of CEO to take up the newly created position of chairman.

“At the same time, this change to focus more fully on strategic development in 1825 enables Steve to take on the wider role of managing director, commercial and strategy for Standard Life where he will drive overall commercial decision making and lead on a number of strategic initiatives,” said 1825.

Julie Scott, currently chief operating officer, will take on the role of CEO and will continue to report to Murray.

Michael Wall joins the 1825 senior leadership team — from Old Mutual Wealth where he was a regional director based in West Yorkshire — with an initial focus on business development across all the planning firms.

Both Murray and Scott will continue to sit on the Standard Life Executive Committee.

Since returning to the pensions and savings business, Standard Life, nearly three years ago, Scott has held a number of senior roles.

She was part of the team that launched 1825.

Murray said: “I’m delighted to be taking on the role of chairman of 1825 helping its continued strategic development as well as the broader commercial and strategy role in Standard Life.

“With 1825 now firmly established as a UK wide financial planning business with over 8,000 clients and AUA (assets under administration) of £3.4 billion we are looking to move to the next phase of development.

“Our acquisition pipeline is very healthy and we continue to explore exciting opportunities.

“Julie is well established within 1825 and extremely well placed to take over the day to day running of the business.

“Michael’s experience across different financial planning organisations and his spell running his own consultancy, will add an extra dimension to the leadership team and will offer us invaluable insight within 1825, ensuring we are well positioned to take advantage of opportunities available to us as we grow the business.”

Scott said: “It’s an exciting time to be part of the team at 1825 as we continue to grow and go from strength to strength.

“I’m looking forward to taking on my new role and continuing to have a close working relationship with Steve.

“We have worked hard to establish a successful business and to bring fresh thinking to financial planning, ensuring more people get a great outcome as a result.”