Chartered Financial Planning firm Attivo has appointed Jo French as its chief executive, as the company said it looks to continue its growth trajectory.

Ms French joins from Schroders, where she was business transformation director.

The firm said she will lead the delivery of operational improvements through the deployment of new technology and an operational excellence change programme to ensure the business continues to grow and improve the client experience and service.

She will also take on the running of the investment operations team and will be responsible for Attivo’s investment platform strategy.

Attivo chairman Stephen Harper continues in his role and will lead the strategy for the business. 

Ms French has more than 25 years of global business experience, including being chief operating officer at Benchmark Capital. Her previous experience includes being MD at specialist SIPP firm Pointon York, and MD for operations and service recovery at Embark Group. She also spent 6 years with NFU Mutual Insurance. 

She said: “As client requirements become more complex, and technology evolves, it is essential that the advice landscape is shaped to properly reflect the dynamic challenges of the modern family.

“The team at Attivo is determined to put lifestyle Financial Planning firmly at the heart of the UK advice market. It’s hugely exciting to be asked to help make that happen.”

Stephen Harper, chairman, Attivo said: “We are a hugely ambitious business, with a significant growth plan already underway.

“The experience, attitude, and know-how that Jo brings is going to be hugely valuable as the business continues to expand and we navigate this next chapter.”

Attivo was founded in 2005 and provides lifestyle Financial Planning to businesses and individuals. In the last 10 years, the firm has acquired more than 40 Financial Planning businesses and is headquartered in Cheltenham, with offices in London, Cardiff, Liverpool, Darlington, Harrogate, and Newbury.