Kingswood Group has hired David Lawrence as its UK chief executive, a newly created role.
He will also become a director of Kingswood’s UK subsidiaries following regulatory approval.
Lawrence will lead Kingswood’s UK growth strategy and report to Gary Wilder, group chief executive, and to the firm’s board.
Experience
He has over 30 years’ experience in financial services with Lloyds Banking Group where he has held numerous senior leadership roles in distribution and functional areas across its retail, commercial and insurance divisions.
In 2014, Lawrence became the commercial director and then chief operating officer for Lloyds’ private banking and wealth businesses.
Over the last two years, Lawrence has helped establish Schroders Personal Wealth and became chief commercial officer for the business in March 2019 with primary responsibility for its client proposition, client experience and business development.
Kingswood’s Wilder said: “I am delighted that David has agreed to join Kingswood as our UK chief executive to drive us through our next exciting phase of growth.
“As the business continues to expand, we want to ensure we have an experienced industry leader in place to accelerate our growth plans including our best in class DFM proposition and to drive synergies and efficiencies from our integration efforts. In David, we believe we have that person.”
Board changes
Elsewhere at the firm, Patrick Goulding will step down from the board of Kingswood on 1 January, however, he will continue as a director of the company’s UK subsidiaries.
From 1 January 2020, Goulding will focus his efforts full time on his group chief financial officer role.
Also, Graydon Butler will be stepping down from the board of Kingswood Holdings on 1 January 2020.
