Brown Shipley, the wealth planner and investment manager, has hired Alan Mathewson as its new chief executive, subject to regulatory approval. He is due to start his new role by April.

Mr Mathewson will move from Santander UK, where he has worked for over three years as managing director of wealth management and private banking. He led Santander’s move into the UK private banking and wealth management market, including the launch of its digital investment channel.

The 47-year-old held a number of other senior roles during his 22 years at Santander, including CEO of Cater Allen Private Bank, CEO of Santander Insurance, CEO of Santander Cards and managing director of Santander's Retail Branch Network.  He has 30 years of financial services experience and started his career with Lloyds Banking Group.

Brown Shipley’s current chief executive Ian Sackfield announced in March that he had decided to step down once a replacement had been appointed and he had handed over to his successor. Mr Sackfield will remain with the business providing advice on key client relationships as a client director.

David Rough, chairman of Brown Shipley, said: “I am delighted that Alan is set to join Brown Shipley. He has significant leadership skills, together with both specific wealth management and broad financial services experience, including a successful track record of growing wealth management businesses as a CEO.

“As CEO of Santander’s wealth management and private banking business, Alan has significantly enhanced the client service propositions, particularly through leveraging technological advancements. I am confident that, given Alan’s mix of experience, drive and enthusiasm, he will build upon the impressive foundations Brown Shipley has as a UK-wide full-service wealth manager and that he will continue to drive the business forward.

“On behalf of the Board, I would also like to thank Ian for his significant contribution to Brown Shipley and its success during his time as CEO.  He has led the business admirably, delivering significant growth in AuM and having successfully integrated recent acquisitions. I am extremely pleased Brown Shipley will continue to benefit from his wealth of experience in his role as client director once Alan takes over.”

Mr Mathewson said: “I am thrilled to be joining Brown Shipley, a well-established and successful firm with ambitious growth plans. Its focus on providing a compelling wealth management proposition to its clients and placing the client at the heart of everything it does is something I aim to build upon. I very much look forward to starting the role and building upon Brown Shipley’s long history of success.”