Openwork director Claire Limon has been named as managing director of Openwork’s fast growing restricted advice wealth manager 2plan Wealth Management. 

She will be responsible for the leadership of 2plan and will report to Stuart Dodson, managing director of The Openwork Partnership which owns 2plan.

The appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Latest FCA registration data analysed by Autus Data Services revealed that Leeds-based 2plan was one of the fastest growing adviser firms, increasing adviser numbers by 146 to 593 over the past year.

Ms Limon is currently partnership director at Openwork where she has worked since 2017. Prior to Openwork she held senior roles at Countrywide and Bank of Scotland. 

One of her key roles at Openwork, which has nearly 3,000 advisers in total, has been to build the Partnership Development model.

Launched in 2007, 2plan specialises in wealth management services for private investors and corporate clients and offers pensions, investments, insurance and mortgage business. It operates nationally.

Openwork says the aim is for 2plan to work “much closer” with the Openwork Partnership to ensure advisers and customers are better served.

Ms Limon will take over from Chris Smallwood who has announced his retirement from 2plan. The firm says she will work with Mr Smallwood to ensure a smooth transition and will fully take over in April.

Stuart Dodson, managing director of The Openwork Partnership, said: “I am delighted that Claire has accepted the role as MD of 2plan. She has been a key member of the leadership team at Openwork and she will be a great fit at 2plan as we enter our new strategic period. We would like to thank Chris Smallwood for his dedication and unflinching leadership after 17 years at the helm, we wish him all the best for the future."

Ms Limon said: “I am really excited to be joining a very successful business such as 2plan, a business that has gone from start-up status to one of the largest IFA firms in the UK. Having been at the Openwork Partnership for over seven years, working alongside our members and the leadership team is a great example of how collaboration can add real value to our advisers, colleagues and ultimately our customers. “

Further changes at 2plan sees the appointment of Philip Howell as executive chair replacing Pete Davis who will remain on the board for continuity. Mr Howell will take up this position over the coming months, in addition to his role as executive chair at The Openwork Partnership. 

Financial Planning Today Analysis: Openwork has used the retirement of Chris Smallwood from 2plan to bring Openwork and 2plan much closer together. Other appointments suggest the two arms will become more co-ordinated in future rather than operating as two separate entities. Openwork remains one of the UK’s biggest financial adviser networks but is likely to see more benefit in one combined business rather than separate arms.