New Managing Director for Pareto Financial Planning

Paul Stones has been promoted to Managing Director of Pareto Financial Planning, with John Stevenson MBE focussing on strategy and growth.

The promotion follows a number of key appointments at Pareto over the last 12 months taking the team to 60. The board of directors was recently strengthened with the promotion of Nicky Aspray to Operations Director and Chris Romain joining as Finance Director last year.

Paul has worked in Financial Services for 30 years, 11 of which have been at Pareto. He first headed up a key strategic partnership with Alexander & Co Accountants, later moving into Head of Client Services and a board director in 2017.

Of the promotion Paul says, “I am delighted to accept the position of Managing Director. The past 12 months have been particularly challenging for everyone, but our operational resilience has allowed us to emerge in a position of strength well placed to manage any ongoing impacts and to support our future growth.

Our investments in talent and technology have set out an exciting course for the year ahead. I am thrilled to take on this new position and am looking forward to the challenge of achieving the next steps in Pareto’s growth.”

As well as heading up key relationships with intermediaries and clients, Paul will manage the day-to-day operations of Pareto with the support of the existing board and management team.

John adds, “2020 brought unparalleled uncertainty to every sector including financial services; however, this time of disruption is also an opportunity for growth. It has enabled Pareto to refocus our strategy and develop some exciting and ambitious strategic plans.

Our clients remain at the heart of everything we do, and we hope these changes to our management structure allow us to continue to provide, if not enhance, our outstanding service levels.”

Pareto recently released their financial year-end statement announcing an increase in turnover to £5.4 million with assets under management now standing at £935 million. Their Employee Benefits department also saw growth of 31% as a result of companies increased focus on staff retention and health and wellbeing.

Looking forward, Pareto are concentrating on expanding their relationships with strategic partners, focusing on working with accountancy practices as introducers, and growing Adviser numbers accordingly.