Dozens of tributes have poured in after the unexpected death of industry veteran Don Wild at the age of 69.
Mr Wild was a founding board member at Financial Planner Integrity365 and had a long career in financial services, including over 30 years at Standard Life where he helped establish its financial advice arm 1825.
In a statement Integrity365, where he was a regular coach and mentor, said: “It is with the deepest sadness that we announce the unexpected death of our much-loved board member, colleague, mentor and, most importantly, dear friend, Don Wild.
“A member of the founding board and integral part of the Integrity365 family, Don worked daily to coach, mentor and develop the next generation of financial advisory talent within the business, a passion he held dear to his heart following his retirement from a long and illustrious career within the financial services industry.”
Mr Wild was a pivotal figure in the setting up of Integrity365 and had been chair of the Integrity365 Investment Committee as well as a business development coach.
The company said: “His friendship, guidance and support have helped shape not only individual development but also the client-centric approach to financial advice that Don was so proud of. Don was an incredibly trustworthy and knowledgeable person who always wanted to help; he had the unwavering trust and respect of the team, and we couldn’t be more grateful for his time with us, both personally and professionally.”
Mr Wild enjoyed a 45 year career, starting at Endsleigh Insurance and then moving to Standard Life for over three decades, enjoying several senior roles including regional manager, head of national accounts and head of industry engagement.
Although he officially retired in 2017 he continued to work as a consultant and coach and formed Wild Ochre Consulting.
Dozens of tributes have poured for the industry veteran.
Matt Goy, CEO of Integrity365, “Don was one of the kindest and most genuine individuals I have had the pleasure of working with. No challenge was too big, and he went about his day with such class and enthusiasm. He was so proud of everyone at Integrity365 and the journey we have been on. Personally, I will miss working with Don, the four phone calls a day we had and all of the support he gave. But most of all we will all miss our very dear friend.’”
Graham Dow said on LinkedIn: “The biggest thing I reflect on is that whenever you said the name “Don Wild”, people instinctively smiled - that was the impact he had on us all. In whatever capacity you dealt with him, he made you feel better. What a dreadful loss this is. “
Dynamic Planner senior executive Colin Sloss said: “Very sad. A Great man who I've had the pleasure of knowing for over 30 years, from his Standard Life National Accounts role to his Wild Ochre Consultancy. Saw him regularly at Owen James and other industry events, most recently at the Festival of Finance where he was on good form, as always. Loved life and our industry and was always balanced and humble, and a great sense of humour. We had many laughs over the years. Taken far too young, thoughts are with his family.”
Industry entrepreneur Lee Robertson said: “Don was such a great and supportive friend through good times and bad. Encyclopaedic in knowledge which he was always willing to share, often over a pint. Like so many others, I will miss his wisdom, counsel and friendship greatly. My condolences to his family and colleagues. He leaves a massive legacy in every way.”
Retired industry executive Lawrence Gilgallon said: “Tragic news. First came across Don when I was at Scottish Mutual in the early 1990’s (Don at Standard Life). A true gentleman/mentor and well respected by the Industry. A font of knowledge and wisdom. Will be sorely missed. To me he was always Mr Standard Life and a shining beacon guiding clients, staff and competitors to achieve their goals. RIP friend."