IFA network ValidPath has hired Jon Barham from Bankhall Group to be its new commercial director as it plans to expand its network proposition to advisers seeking retirement or management buy-outs.

Mr Barham has been appointed commercial director of the Cardiff-based network with immediate effect.  

ValidPath says Mr Barham will manage the development of its proposition for independent financial advisers and will be focused on supporting advisers who want an independent retirement, growth or management buyout.

Cardiff-based ValidPath describes itself as an independently-owned 'IFA network community'. It is platform and provider ‘agnostic’ and has more than 450 agency relationships. 

Mr Barham will report to Angus MacNee, CEO of ValidPath and parent group Rimbal.

Mr Barham has worked in the financial services sector for over 30 years and was most recently head of Directly Authorised Consultancy at Bankhall Support Services.  He has also held senior positions at Tenet Group, Financial Associates, Mortgage Intelligence and MGM Assurance.

Mr MacNee, CEO, ValidPath, said: “As we continually look to develop our adviser proposition, it is imperative that we invest in our infrastructure, operations and people. Jon’s industry expertise comes at a pivotal time for both the sector and ValidPath’s development and will be of great benefit to the group as we continue to expand our adviser proposition.”

Mr Barham said: “Having spent over 30 years in the financial services sector, there are few roles that really excite you and where you feel there is a clear vision for the business. I wanted my next challenge to be about making the sector better for advisers and providing better outcomes for their clients. 

“I had watched what Rimbal had built to support its ValidPath proposition and was impressed by the management team and vision, it was therefore an easy decision for me to make.  I look forward to working with the team to drive the network forward and positively impact the sector.”