One of the best known figures in UK investment, Justin Urquhart Stewart, is to take on a new ambassadorial role at 7IM, the company he co-founded, as he retires and steps down from his full-time position with the firm.

A familiar figure in his red braces, Mr Urquhart Stewart is well known for his regular appearances on TV, radio and in print media as well as public speaking at events.

The firm says in his new role from January he will continue to represent the firm both as an ‘ambassador and adviser’ to the business.

He was one of the original founders who set up the firm in 2002.

Since then 7IM has grown from a start-up investment management company into a firm employing more than 300 staff and managing over £14bn of assets. The company works with both consumers and advises and has been a long term supporter of the Financial Planning profession.

Mr Urquhart Stewart helped launch a number of innovations including multi-manager funds, the award-winning 7IMagine app and more recently 7IM’s Retirement Income Service. He has also been instrumental in expanding 7IM’s presence in Scotland with the acquisition of TCAM in 2018.

He said: “Over the last two decades it has been a great privilege to watch 7IM grow from an idea to a dynamic business looking after over £14bn worth of assets for its clients. As I take this next step, I do so in the comfort of knowing we have a highly capable and experienced senior management team in place who will be able to take the business forward.

 “I’m delighted and privileged to be continuing to work with the firm in an ambassadorial role, and am excited to see Dean and the wider team write the next chapter of 7IM’s history.”

Dean Proctor, chief executive of 7IM, said: “Justin has been instrumental in building 7IM into the multi-faceted business it is today. We are incredibly appreciative for everything Justin has done and will continue to do for 7IM. Justin is one of the most respected and recognised industry figures so we are delighted that we are still able to retain his knowledge, expertise and counsel within the business.

“His advice will be pivotal as we continue to grow and innovate, and we have invested in bringing fresh and diverse talent into the business, creating a new generation ready to step into Justin’s shoes – if not his red braces!”