Travis joins the PFS from New Model Business Academy,which he has headed-up for the past five years. He will be responsible for the society’s professional development programme, which delivers business-relevant CPD through a national schedule of conferences and events, to meet the evolving needs of its 36,000 members.
Chief executive, Keith Richards, said:
“Despite such positive growth in member attendance, our support programme must continue to develop in line with the changing needs of our members and their clients. The need for professional advice was on the increase even before the government’s introduction of pension freedoms, which have seen the trend accelerate further.
“Lee brings extensive, relevant experience to the executive team at a crucial point of further evolution for all of us. We have some exciting plans for the future and need the right people in place to deliver against our strategic objectives.”
Commenting on his appointment, Travis added:
“The last 11 years have enabled me to work closely with many advisers around the UK, actively supporting them in their own personal and business development. I now hope to put my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to good effect in the on-going implementation of the Personal Finance Society’s comprehensive professional development programme.”
The PFS has also confirmed the appointment of two new directors to their board: John White and Jonathan Rees.
John White has spent more than quarter of a century in financial services. He has significant experience advising on private client financial planning, investment management, corporate pensions and employee benefits. Over the last few years he has also led on the acquisitions of financial services businesses, including Giles Financial Services, Hornbuckle Mitchell IFA, Vantis Financial Management and the Chancery Group.
Jonathan Rees joins as a non-executive director, focussing on regulatory issues and promoting consumer interest, having originally been appointed as a lay director in April this year.
He is currently a lay director of the Lending Standards Board, a director of Ombudsman Services and the Employers Network on Equality and Inclusion, as well as a Trustee of Citizens Advice and the NACAB pension fund.
Jonathan has a civil service background spanning 35 years, with a strong focus on strategy, regulation, change management and partnership working. His last role was as director general of the Government Equalities Office from 2008 to 2013. Prior to that he worked in more than 10 government departments both in Whitehall and overseas.
Commenting on the appointments, PFS chief executive Keith Richards said:
“We are delighted to attract such high calibre individualswho bring complementary skills, experience and insight to an already diverse board, tosupport the new direction of evolution the society is taking.
“John has top level regulatory and professional advice experience from a larger firm perspective, whilst Jonathan has an unrivalled knowledge of the way the government and civil service operate.
“Equally importantly, both appreciate the ultimate importance of providing the right outcome for consumers – further enhancingour stated policy of serving the public by guiding the profession.”
