Lee Harris, whose role at the bank was described as a “premier relationship manager, wealth adviser”, leaves after nine years in that job.

He joins the wealth manager’s Exeter office where there is already a well-established Financial Planning team.

At HSBC, he specialised in the provision of bespoke financial advice to a portfolio of high net worth clients, covering investing, protection, retirement and estate planning.

The Financial Planning business started a hiring drive for “high calibre Financial Planners” when it announced in January that it had rebranded as the Tilney Group. Tilney revealed the major rebrand following the takeover of Towry.

Mr Harris has previously worked at Lloyds and Liverpool Victoria. With over 25 years of experience, he has “a strong track record of building strong relationships with clients throughout Devon and in particular Sidmouth”, Tilney stated.

Mark Wilkins, managing partner at Tilney, said: “We are thrilled to announce Lee’s appointment, which adds further strength to our financial advice offering in Exeter and East Devon.

“The continued growth of the Tilney Exeter team will help reinforce Tilney’s “two expert” approach to supporting clients with both Financial Planning advice and tailored investment management within the area. Lee brings considerable expertise in both retirement planning, investments and estate planning.”

Mr Harris said: “I am pleased to be joining at such an exciting time for Tilney. The company has undergone a period of strong expansion recently, making a series of acquisitions, and this looks set to continue over the coming months.”

The enlarged Tilney Group is a nationwide firm with over 300 Financial Planners, investment managers and advisers supporting over 100,000 clients from a network of 30 offices across the UK, the company stated.