Investment and wealth manager M&G has appointed former Sesame Bankhall Group chief Ross Liston as chief executive of its Financial Planning-focused wealth division M&G Wealth Advice.

Joining M&G Wealth alongside him from SBG will be Campbell Stanners.

The appointments confirm M&G Wealth's ambitions to expand its advice services, with plans to double its number of advisers over the next four to five years. In the last year it has snapped up independent financial advice firms Sandringham Partners and Continuum.

David Montgomery, managing director, M&G Wealth, said: “We have ambitious plans driven by our desire to give as many people access to advice services and investment solutions that suit their circumstances and requirements. This is our primary focus.”

Mr Liston will lead the company’s advice arm comprising direct, restricted and independent services. His appointment is subject to regulatory approval.

Campbell Stanners will take on the role of business development director. He was previously advisory relationship director for its SBG's Mortgage Club, Premier Mortgage Services and Bankhall.

Mr Montgomery said: “We are delighted to welcome both Ross and Campbell to M&G Wealth. They have an infectious passion for success and significant track records in building businesses, inspiring colleagues and delivering outstanding outcomes for clients.”

Mr Liston said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining M&G given its ambitions and commitment to the growing wealth market. The group’s vision for the business is dynamic and bold, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead and shape the Wealth Advice business, building on its current quality offering.”

Mr Liston has more than 30 years of experience in UK financial services. At SBG, he was responsible for driving the strategic and operational performance of the group and the development and implementation of its business strategy, relationship management and client engagement across all its brands, home to more than 10,500 advisers.

He was previously head of advisory relationships at Standard Life Aberdeen where he was responsible for leading its UK distribution teams and establishing the company’s position as a market leader in pensions, platform, and investment sectors.

He said: “I firmly believe that we are about to enter a golden age for advice. We can play an important role in this, through our market-leading offering, digital innovation, and strong customer relationships.”