Platform and SIPP provider AJ Bell has promoted CFO Michael Summersgill to the newly-created role of deputy chief executive officer.

He will take up the new position on 1 October. 

He has been chief financial officer since 2011 and is currently responsible for the company’s finance and operations functions. 

In his new role, Mr Summersgill will support CEO and founder Andy Bell with the development of the company’s platform and growth strategy.

In other changes at AJ Bell, Roger Stott has been appointed chief operating officer and will join the board on 1 October.  He is currently group finance director.  

AJ Bell is also searching for a new CFO to join the board. 

Margaret Hassall has been appointed as a non-executive director and will join the board on 1 September. She recently stepped down as a non-executive director at recently-sold AJ Bell rival Nucleus Financial Group where she chaired the remuneration committee. 

Les Platts, chair of AJ Bell, said: “These changes will further strengthen the board, both at executive and non-executive level, as the business embarks on the next phase of its long-term growth. The changes, together with the planned recruitment of a new chief financial officer, will bring greater experience and diversity to the board.”

Andy Bell, chief executive of AJ Bell, said: “Our business is growing quickly and there are exciting opportunities to take advantage of in the investment platform market. It is important that we have the resources and expertise within the business to support this growth and that includes the Board. 

"I am as enthusiastic as I have ever been about the prospects for the business and I am looking forward to working with Michael, Roger, Margaret and the rest of the team as we embark on our next phase of growth.”