A former senior manager at Zurich and Octopus has been hired by Chartered Financial Planning firm Fairstone Group.

Mike Slater becomes divisional director, with immediate effect and he will join the group’s Executive Committee.

With over twenty years’ experience within the financial advice and investment sectors, Mr Slater has held senior roles heading up strategic partnerships at Zurich, Openwork and Octopus.

Based in Fairstone’s London headquarters, he will be responsible for managing the City office as well as working closely with Fairstone’s partner firms to drive growth. He will also be supporting the wider business development team by identifying high quality Downstream Buy Out targets.

Mr Slater said: “Working within the financial advice and investment management sectors, I have had a number of touch points with Fairstone over the years and have always been impressed by its culture and professional approach. With so many opportunities available to the group, I am delighted to be joining the team at this exciting time in its ongoing development.”

Fairstone chief executive Lee Hartley said: “We are delighted to welcome Mike to Fairstone’s senior management team. His experience of working with some of the UK’s leading financial services organisations will be of great benefit for the future growth of the company and further reinforces our commitment to growing and broadening Fairstone’s proposition.”