He joins the business from Zurich Financial Services where he worked as a chief financial officer for the firm’s Isle of Man operations.
Mr Clifford worked for Zurich for 15 years and helped to launch Openwork when it was formed in 2005 as Zurich’s exclusive multi-tied financial distribution network.
Chief executive of Openwork Mary-Anne McIntyre said: “Simon’s considerable financial acumen and in-depth knowledge of the sector will be of great benefit to us as we seek to grow the business over the coming years.
“Having been involved in the creation of Openwork, he has a real passion for the business and is as excited as I am about the opportunities facing us.”
Openwork has also appointed Simon Brunt, the firm’s finance director since 2005, to work as a strategic integration director. Mr Brunt will be responsible for managing the integration and delivery of the 2Plan RI and IFA businesses.