AJ Bell's non-executive chairman Jim Martin palms to retire from the board in December, after almost seven years as chairman. He will be succeeded by Les Platts, currently senior non-executive director.
Mr Martin was chief executive of N Brown Group plc from 1983 until he retired in 2002, at which point he became non-executive deputy chairman until 2005. During the last 10 years, he has been a non-executive chairman of a number of private, equity-backed and listed companies in a range of sectors whilst pursuing his numerous charitable interests.
Mr Platts joined AJ Bell in September 2008 having retired as an audit partner and practice senior partner for the north-east with international professional services firm Deloitte. Over a period of 33 years with Deloitte, he gained extensive UK and international experience across all industry sectors, including FTSE 100, FTSE 250, smaller listed PLCs, large private companies and private equity investments. He advised at board level on a wide range of financial, commercial and governance issues. He is also a non-executive director of Leeds Building Society and Honorary Treasurer of Lancashire County Cricket Club.
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Mr Martin, the retiring chairman, said: "I have thoroughly enjoyed the last seven years as non-executive chairman of AJ Bell. In this time I have had the pleasure of working with the joint founder and chief executive Andy Bell and his management team who are dedicated to offering high quality, good value products and services to customers and since 2007 have more than trebled revenue and profits."
He continued: "'AJ Bell has developed into one of the fastest growing investment platforms in the UK and continues to increase both customer numbers and assets under administration at an impressive rate. I am delighted to be handing over to Les who is an able and experienced individual and he will do very well in his new role as chairman."
Mr Platts, the incoming chairman, said: "Jim has made a major contribution to the development and success of AJ Bell. On behalf of Andy Bell, the business and its shareholders, I would like to thank Jim for his service on the Board and wish him every success in the future. He leaves the business in great shape, with a strong team in place and a sound platform for excellent customer service and continued growth.'