Adviser network Sesame Bankhall Group has appointed Martin Schultheiss to the newly-created role of chief operating officer. 

Working across the firm’s three advisory brands – Sesame, Bankhall and PMS – Mr Schultheiss will report to executive chairman, John Cowan.

He joined SBG in January as strategic implementation director and will take on a wider remit with responsibility for group strategy, operations, IT, HR, commercial and proposition development.
 
Mr Schultheiss has an international business background, most recently in South Africa working for The Unlimited Insurance, Nedbank Corporate Division and Harcourts International. 

He also has experience consulting in organisations around the world, including HSBC, Westpac, Lloyds TSB, Bank of Beroda, Mashreq Bank and Liberty Life.
 
John Cowan, executive chairman at SBG, said: “With experience gained in financial services markets around the world, Martin brings fresh strategic thinking and energy to our plans.

“He will help us to write the next chapter in the future success of our business, by ensuring our market-leading brands deliver even greater value to advisers and their customers in these changing times.”
 
Mr Schultheiss, said: “SBG is a strong business with excellent people, and I have been impressed by the determination to move the business forward on to the next level.

“The group is investing in its brands to help ambitious advisory firms to grow, whilst continuing to ensure they stay safe by carefully managing their risks.”