Paul Pettit, the managing director of adviser fintech firm Origo, is to retire in February after 28 years with the firm and the hunt is on for his replacement.

Mr Pettitt was recruited in 1989 and had several roles in marketing and IT before joining the Origo board in 1997 and becoming MD in 2003.

Origo says he has helped its board provide better standards and governance services for the financial services industry. The company helps savings, investment, retirement and protection institutions and platforms to deliver “better customer outcomes and achieve significant efficiencies” through technology. These services include the £110bn+ Options Transfers service and the UNIPASS digital identity for advisers.

Mr Pettitt said: “It has been a real privilege to lead a fantastic team of people at Origo and to have been able to help our customers deliver digital services that have made such a positive impact for the consumer and their financial advisers.

“Origo has enabled me to work with senior executives on the Origo Board, our customers, and at a policy/strategy level engaging with trade bodies and government, to ensure our industry delivers key digital services for the benefit of consumers and financial advisers. While I will miss such a rich daily tapestry, I am ready for new challenges and I am sure that Origo will continue to prosper and go from strength to strength under new leadership.”

Iain Duffin, chairman of Origo, said: “On behalf of the Origo board and myself, I wish to thank Paul for his valuable service and commitment over his time with Origo. He and his team have together built a strong and leading company in its field. Under Paul’s leadership, Origo has won a number of prestigious awards for technical innovation and service during his tenure. I wish Paul and his family all the best in the future.”

Origo has instructed recruitment specialists FWB Park Brown to undertake the search and recruitment process.

Origo is the not-for-profit fintech company which aims to improve connectivity between financial services companies while improving financial outcomes for consumers.