The Institute of Financial Planning has appointed Steve Gazzard CFPCM - currently the organisation's Chief Operating Officer - as its interim chief executive with immediate effect.

IFP CEO Nick Cann CFPCM suffered a stroke at the end of March and is spending some time away from his post while he recuperates. Mr Cann continues to recover at home and he and his family have asked to thank everyone for their get well messages and all of the support they have received. Hundreds of messages have been received by the IFP and Mr Cann and a special 'get well soon' website has been set at getwellsoonnick.co.uk.

IFP President Rebecca Taylor FIFP, CFPCM said: "Nick has worked tirelessly to develop Financial Planning as a profession in the UK. I am sure I can speak for all IFP members and for the large number of Nick's friends across the profession, when I say that we very much look forward to his return when he has fully recovered from this illness."

On the interim appointment of Steve Gazzard, she said: "Steve brings a deep understanding of the IFP, the Financial Planning profession, and the wider Financial Services industry. His interim appointment will bring focus on the delivery of the agreed strategy as we progress through the second half of the year, and will allow us to develop our plans for the future.

"I am looking forward to continuing to build the IFP with Steve and the IFP team, especially during these exciting times within our profession, and to working with both Steve and Nick at some point in the not too distant future'.

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Mr Gazzard has extensive experience in the financial services industry, having held a number of senior management and operational roles in the UK, across the insurance, banking and investment sectors. He has been working with Nick Cann, as part of the IFP's senior management team in Bristol for the past five years.

Steve Gazzard said: "As a team, we remain in close contact with Nick who is a very hard act to follow. While the whole IFP team has been hit hard by his absence, we have continued to work to deliver our plan, and maintain valuable support to members. I would never have chosen these circumstances, but I look forward to the challenge of leading the IFP in Nick's absence, and handing back the reins to him at some point in future."