Acquisitive Financial Planning firm Independent Wealth Planners has hired Helen Thornton for the newly created role of chief people officer.

She will be responsible for attracting new staff, retaining existing talent and driving staff engagement.

She will also be responsible for ensuring IWP’s culture supports its continued growth ambitions.

There have been several changes in senior management at IWP this year. 

The firm hired a new group CEO in January to succeed founder David Inglesfield who is stepping down from the role.

New CEO Rob Allen joined IWP last November, starting as group managing director after a career working at a senior level in corporate banking.

James Hunter has also resigned his position as IWP’s CFO and will leave the business at the end of Q1. Gordon Millar has been appointed interim CFO.

Ms Thornton joins IWP from credit management firm Lowell, where she was UK people director.

She has over 20 years of experience in senior HR roles within education, transport and financial services.

She is also a board trustee of Dixons Academies Trust, a multi-academy trust of 15 schools serving the communities of West Yorkshire and the North West.

Ms Thornton said: “People are at the heart of every advice business and IWP’s structure has the added advantage of bringing together a wealth of experience and talent across the country. We want to build on these strengths to create an environment where we continue to attract the best people and where our existing colleagues can thrive.

“I am looking forward to joining forces with our IFA firms and central team to help share best practice and develop an inclusive culture across the Group, while making sure we continue to support all the positive aspects of working for a local business.”

IWP has acquired a large number of Financial Planning firms since its inception in 2019.

The group now comprises over 30 IFA firms, with 400 staff and over £6bn in assets under management and advice.