He joins the board of the group’s discretionary fund management business.

Mr Berens’ 28 year career in the fund management industry included positions at JP Morgan AM, Artemis IM and Stratevolve.

In his NED role at One Four Nine Portfolio Management Mr Berens will advise on key issues relevant to the firm’s growth plans. He will also have a seat on One Four Nine’s Portfolio Monitoring Steering Group and Investment Governance Committee, two key stewardship initiatives offering objective investment oversight.

He currently serves as head of client relationships and distribution at the UK’s largest charity investment manager, CCLA, where he is leading its move into the intermediary market.

Prior to taking up his position at CCLA he worked closely with One Four Nine Portfolio Management helping the team to shape the investment proposition.

He said: “I am thrilled to be joining the board of such an exciting firm at the start of its journey. One Four Nine Portfolio Management offers a compelling investment proposition to advisers and their clients, with the expertise and resources needed to maintain a competitive and sustainable edge.

“There is a high level of synergy between this appointment and my role at CCLA allowing me to further deepen my knowledge and relationships within the discretionary fund management sector.  I’ve spent my entire career in the fund management and adviser industries, and I know that firms with an entrepreneurial and dynamic culture are the ones which grow to lead the market.

“With One Four Nine Group having already completed its first acquisitions of financial advice firms, I am relishing the opportunity to help the business with its next stage of evolution.”

One Four Nine Portfolio Management offers active, passive and sustainable model portfolio solutions. It is led by chief investment officer Dr Bevan Blair.

The firm has made a number of acquisitions since its launch in October. The most recent acquisition, Chartered Financial Planning firm Total Wealth Planning, brought total group assets under management to over £540m.

The firm is backed by private equity house Copper Street Capital.