Standard Life’s Financial Planning arm 1825 has expanded its team by snapping up a St James Place boss and says it is unaffected by the group merger with Aberdeen.

The Scottish-based Financial Planning outfit said it was ‘business as usual’ despite the announcement of 800 job losses in the new Standard Life Aberdeen group, which is being created after the companies merged.

Chartered Financial Planner Mark Tootill has been appointed managing director for 1825’s North East region, as part of a new management team line up. He joins from St James Place Wealth Management where he was senior partnership development manager.

With nearly 25 years’ experience in the industry he previously worked at Prudential and Wesleyan Assurance Society.

The firm has also given two existing employees new roles in the senior level shake up.

Tim Johnson takes on the newly created role of Financial Planning director.

Steve Lloyd FPFS becomes Financial Planning and client service director.

Steve Murray, chief executive of 1825, said: “We still see attractive opportunities for growth for 1825. It is business as usual and our development plans are unchanged.”

Asked if any of the 800 jobs set to be lost in coming years included roles in financial advice, Standard Life said it did not have any further detail on that at the moment.

Steve Murray, 1825 CEO, said: “I am delighted Mark will be joining Tim, Steve and the wider 1825 leadership team in the North East. Mark’s experience and expertise will further strengthen the capability we already have, as we seek to build and grow our business further.”

Mr Tootill, who will join 1825 in early July, said: “It continues to be an exciting time for the financial planning industry with an ever increasing demand for quality advice. There are significant opportunities to add value and deliver the best outcomes for customers and I am looking forward to working with the team in Leeds and the wider 1825 business to achieve this.”

Mr Johnson’s new role as Financial Planning director will focus on relationships with key clients and the mentoring and development of financial planning talent.

He has been with the business for over 20 years holding a number of leading roles in that time.

As well as his Financial Planning commitments Steve will be responsible for the “end to end client experience, ensuring great planning, service, and support is consistently delivered to clients”.