Ron Walker founded Clarion Wealth back in 1985 and has seen the company, now based in Alderley Edge, go from strength to strength.
The Walker family had owned 100 per cent of the business since its establishment, but in October last year ago Ron sold 60 per cent of his stake to key board members and senior managers Adam Wareing, Matt Sherratt, Alistair Cartwright, and John Winstanley.
Now, before Ron retires, business development director John has been appointed the firm’s new MD.
Ron said: “John is the ideal person to lead our team into the future, continuing the legacy and client-focused culture of the business.
“Over the next four years, before I finally retire, we will ensure he has everything he needs to succeed.”
John, who began his advisory career in 2007, has enjoyed a successful six years with Clarion Wealth and began his new role on December 1.
He said: “It is an honour to be chosen to lead this fantastic business Ron has built up over the last four decades and to be entrusted with maintaining the service-led culture long into the future.
“There are lots of exciting opportunities we are looking to explore as we aim to reinforce our position as one of the leading wealth management specialists in the North West.”
Speaking of the management buyout, in which John played a key role, Ron added: “I was determined that we wouldn’t sell to a consolidator because my priority was to ensure the deeply client-centred culture of the firm would continue for decades to come.
“It’s likely a consolidator would have required us to compromise our brand, service proposition, and overall control of the firm’s culture.
“As such, the goal of sticking to ‘the Clarion way’ (making life easier for clients and giving them space to enjoy life) drove the decision to opt for a management buyout.
“It took years to build the ideal team to take over the helm, so this was certainly a long-term mission that couldn’t have happened overnight.
“We have had no clients or staff leave us during this transitionary period and I feel that speaks volumes for our approach. I’m delighted we are all collectively thriving in this new era, and the future is secured under the leadership of John.”
Ron concluded: “My goal was to build a financial planning firm that was commercially successful but compassionate and holistic – dedicated to supporting people and businesses throughout their financial journey while considering and respecting all aspects of their entire life circumstances.
“I’m thrilled to say we have achieved that goal.”
