Consulting firm Mercer has announced the appointment of Steve Sands as leader of its UK Financial Planning Business.

The firm says Mr Sands will be responsible for leading the continued integration of the JLT and Mercer Jelf Financial Planning teams into one business and for setting the strategic direction to drive further growth and further assist individuals as they plan to improve their financial wellness.

He will oversee a 200-strong team that includes 50 Financial Planners and will report to Benoit Hudon, Mercer’s UK wealth leader.

Mr Sands has more than 25 years’ experience in the Financial Planning profession, with particular expertise in wealth management and platform technology.

Most recently, he was the UK Director of platform distribution and workplace relationships at Standard Life.

Prior to this role, he was head of workplace relationships and he also served as head of UK platform intermediary relationships and head of UK platform relationships.
 
He said: “I am delighted to take on this role at Mercer at such an exciting time.

“In an ever more complex world of pensions and investment, we are well positioned to help our clients navigate their financial challenges.

“With a technology enabled process, we aim to help them meet their long-term objectives and ultimately give them piece of mind.”
 
Mr Hudon said: “Financial Planning can be a complicated and time consuming process, so having trustworthy expert advice is key.

“We are pleased to have Steve join us, as we feel that his passion and comprehensive knowledge of the market will ultimately help our clients best address their financial issues and goals.”