Clarion Wealth Planning appoints new MD

Alderley Edge-based financial planning firm Clarion Wealth Planning has appointed John Winstanley as managing director, marking the next chapter for the business following last year’s majority management buyout.

John, previously business development director, joined Clarion in 2018 and played a key role in the MBO, which saw founder Ron Walker sell 60 per cent of his stake to senior leaders Adam Wareing, Matt Sherratt, Alistair Cartwright and John himself. 

He began his advisory career in 2007 and has been central to Clarion’s recent growth.

John will now lead the firm as it continues to build on its 40-year legacy of client-focused advice.

John said: “It’s an honour to be chosen to lead the fantastic business Ron has built up over the last four decades and to be entrusted with maintaining the service-led culture long into the future.

“There’s lots of exciting opportunities we are looking to explore as we aim to reinforce our position as one of the leading wealth management specialists in the North West.”

Founded in 1985, Clarion provides holistic, lifelong financial planning from its Alderley Edge office. 

Ron added: “John is the ideal person to lead our team into the future, continuing the legacy and client-focused culture of the business.

“Over the next four years, before I finally retire, we will ensure he has everything he needs to succeed.”

“I was determined that we wouldn’t sell to a consolidator because my priority was to ensure that the deeply client-centred culture of the firm would continue for decades to come.

“It’s likely that a consolidator would have required us to compromise our brand, service proposition, and overall control of the firm’s culture.

“As such, the goal of sticking to ‘the Clarion way’ (making life easier for clients and giving them space to enjoy life) drove the decision to opt for a management buyout. 

“It took years to build the ideal team to take over the helm, so this was certainly a long- term mission that couldn’t have happened overnight.

“We have had no clients or staff leave us during this transitionary period and I feel that speaks volumes for our approach. 

“I’m delighted we are all collectively thriving in this new era, and the future is secured under the leadership of John.”

Ron added: “My goal was to build a financial planning firm that was commercially successful but compassionate and holistic – dedicated to supporting people and businesses throughout their financial journey while considering and respecting all aspects of their entire life circumstances.

“I’m thrilled to say we have achieved that goal.”

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