Fairstone welcomes Russell Bignall to Spearhead New Organisational Structure

Fairstone announces the appointment of Russell Bignall as it’s Group Managing Director, commencing from 1^st October. The appointment, which marks the final stage in a new organisational structure for the company, has been designed to support a more ambitious growth strategy through to 2030.

Russell brings over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, including his most recent role at ABRDN which encompassed Managing Director responsibility for sales as well as Chief Executive responsibility for ABRDN Portfolio Solutions.

Commenting on the development, Lee Hartley, CEO and Founder of Fairstone said: “Fairstone has reached a scale that requires a more robust organisational structure. Including the firms currently being onboarded, our pro-forma revenue has jumped by 38% since the beginning of the last year to reach £160m. It is essential that we have the leadership and resources to continue our expansion and capitalise on the growing market opportunities.”

In his new position Russell will lead a recently appointed team of six Managing Directors, each responsible for specific functions and regions across the UK. This leadership structure will focus on driving organic growth and advice standards as well as taking ownership for client proposition and the development of the next generation of advisers through Fairstone’s graduate programme.

“Russell’s appointment is the result of an intensive year-long search during which we interviewed over 35 candidates for the role,” added Lee Hartley. “I was flattered by the quality of the individuals who put themselves forward. Russell is the perfect fit, and I am delighted to welcome him to Fairstone. His extensive industry experience and proven ability to manage a business of real scale will be invaluable as we continue to grow.”

Commenting on his new role, Russell Bignall said: “I am passionate about delivering tangible value to clients through quality, whole-of-market advice. Fairstone’s approach to client service and its reputation as the most trusted wealth advisory firm in the industry, aligns perfectly with my values, and I am excited to join the team during this dynamic period of growth. I look forward to supporting the group’s expansion while ensuring we continue to create the best possible environment for both clients and advisers.”

Lee Hartley concluded:

“This appointment is the final piece in our new management structure and also the first step towards creating a succession plan for myself. Over the past twelve months, we’ve secured a host of strategic appointments and made some key role changes to ensure we have the skills and resources necessary to achieve our 2030 vision. Russell’s leadership, alongside Nick Stebbing’s recent appointment as Chief Operating Officer, marks our transition into a larger, more corporate organisation.”