Fairstone boss takes new role in reshuffle

A wealth management firm founder is switching roles in a senior reshuffle.

Fairstone Group chief executive Lee Hartley is moving to a deputy chair role.

The company says he will be replaced by a “highly experienced executive from within the financial services sector” later this year.

Lee, who has overseen Doxford-headquartered Fairstone’s rise from start-up to national operator across nearly two decades, will begin his new role on October 1.

The announcement comes just days after the firm secured its 100th downstream buyout programme partnership and unveiled plans to double assets under management to £40 billion by the end of 2030.

Lee said: “I’m really looking forward to helping guide the business from a new seat. 

“We’ve massively improved our senior management team and organisational design over the last 18 months, and this is one of the principal reasons why I’m now able to make this decision.

“We’re in superb shape and we know exactly where we are heading; this feels like the right time and the right decision.”

David Hickey, Fairstone independent chair, added: “I’m delighted Lee will be remaining with the business and will continue to play an active role on the board.

“It’s inevitable a founder-led business will have to deal with this kind of transition at some stage, and I’m extremely pleased we’re able to do this in a manner which only strengthens the company.

“We have a fantastic culture and a very distinct strategy at Fairstone.

“Lee has been the chief architect in both respects, and these are the foundations of the great business it has become.”

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