Financial Planning firm One Four Nine has launched a new "culture and talent strategy" to develop the careers of its workforce, particularly among acquired firms.

One Four Nine launched in late 2021 and has already acquired three Financial Planning firms.

The firm said it expects to make a number of additional acquisitions this year, prompting the need for a dedicated HR leader.

The strategy aims to develop rising talent and facilitate succession planning among the firms it acquires.

The strategy will include a mentoring and training framework to facilitate succession planning via proactive career progression of younger talent within the group.

It will also include the establishment of a ‘collaborative internal community’ where Financial Planning professionals can share ideas and experiences.

Employees outside of ‘traditional’ adviser career pathways will be given the chance to pursue qualifications with company support and established advisers will be given access to a broader suite of products and services.

One Four Nine has appointed Sue Holmes as human resources director to lead the strategy. She joins from technology-led consultancy firm Premier and is a Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development.

Ms Holmes has formerly held HR positions at the Pension Protection Fund, Ingenious Group, Mazars and Thomson Reuters.

She will be responsible for promoting a ‘collegiate and progressive’ culture to attract new talent and retain existing employees.

Matthew Bugden, CEO at One Four Nine, said: “Our staff are our greatest resource, and as our numbers grow, so too does the need for an effective culture and talent plan. As we continue to work on establishing One Four Nine’s brand identity, it was important to appoint an HR director who understands the values we want to instil across the Group.

“Sue’s background and demonstrable track record make her a natural fit with our principles, as we nurture the next generation of leaders in the financial advice sector.

“With further acquisitions planned for 2022, Sue will be an integral part of welcoming new advisers and their teams to the firm, fostering an environment where our exceptional staff can flourish.”