Employee-owned Financial Planning firm Paradigm Norton has appointed experienced lawyer Philippa Hann to be its new chief executive designate.

She will replace long-standing current chief executive and co-founder Barry Horner in April, subject to regulatory approval.

Ms Hann is a qualified lawyer with extensive experience, most recently serving as the head of litigation at Clarke Willmott solicitors, where she led a team of more than 120 professionals.

She has been a non-executive director on the Paradigm Norton board for the past 18 months and will continue in the role for the remainder of 2024.

Mr Horner, a leading figure in UK Financial Planning, will remain as chair of the company he co-founded. Mr Horner is a former member of the board and chair of the global CFP Financial Planning standards body, the Financial Planning Standards Board, and is a former President of the Institute of Financial Planning which merged with the CISI in 2015.

Paradigm Norton is based in Bristol but has offices in London, Exeter and Torquay.

The firm said the leadership transition is aimed to guide Paradigm Norton into its next phase of growth and innovation.

Ms Hann said: "My journey into the financial services sector has been developed over two decades as a lawyer and is driven by a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and client satisfaction.

“I believe that the core values of both law and financial services are closely aligned - trust, precision and a relentless pursuit of the best outcomes. Together, we will build on our strong foundation, embrace innovation and navigate the complexities of the financial world with confidence and clarity."

Barry Horner will reach his 65th birthday next year and step down as chief executive but will remain as chair of the main board and will work part-time, focusing on attracting new clients to the business.

He said: “I cannot imagine handing over the CEO mantle to anyone better equipped and more qualified for the job than Philippa. Philippa brings a wealth of knowledge of the profession, strong leadership skills, and a passion for client service.”

Bristol-based Paradigm Norton provides Financial Planning, investment portfolio management and tax and estates services to their clients. In March 2019, the firm transferred its ownership to an Employee Ownership Trust, often called ‘John Lewis-style ownership’ and also became a B-Corp certified firm which means it actively champions “meaningful change” in the sector to address imbalances.

In 2021 it acquired two Chartered Financial Planning firms, Tower Hill Associates and Clover Wealth Management, which added an office in Exeter to its existing Bristol, London and Torquay offices.