Fairstone Ireland names new chief executive

Fairstone Ireland has appointed Ian Brady as chief executive to lead the next phase of the wealth management firm’s growth.

Ian brings more than 25 years’ experience in the Irish wealth management sector, joining from Unio where he served as chief executive. 

He previously spent two decades at Davy Group as a managing director in its wealth management division. 

The appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval, will see current chief executive Paul Merriman become president and founder of Fairstone Ireland.

In his new role, Ian will lead Fairstone Ireland's growth strategy, while Paul remains part of the executive management team supporting the group’s long-term development.

Ian said: “It’s a privilege to take this role on from Paul Merriman, who built Fairstone Ireland into one of the fastest-growing advice businesses in the country.

“The business has earned the right to its next chapter: my job is to sustain that momentum and put the strength and depth beneath it that the opportunity demands. 

“What drew me here was the ambition, and the alignment with group chief executive Steven Cooper. 

“Steven has set out a clear vision for Fairstone, an advice-led, client-outcome focused, whole-of-market wealth business, with the ambition to double by 2030 across the UK and Ireland.

“What we're building in Ireland – a national advice business with real roots in every region – is that vision made local.

“Steven talks about clarity of purpose, integrity and stewardship, and that mirrors exactly the belief I’ve built my career on: we have no business without our clients. 

“Everything begins and ends with them.

“We’ll continue to grow Fairstone Ireland the way this business and the group’s ambition deserve with the right people, in the right regions, for the right reasons, while protecting what makes each partner firm special, all of it with an unwavering focus on impressing our clients at every step.”

Paul added: “Ian is one of Ireland’s most respected leaders in financial advice and wealth management, bringing exceptional experience, vision and a proven track record of high-level management and growing progressive wealth businesses.

“As Fairstone enters its next phase of growth, Ian is ideally placed to lead the organisation and continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients, colleagues and partner firms.

“I look forward to continuing to support Fairstone Ireland’s growth in my new role as president and founder.”

Fairstone Group chief executive Steven Cooper CBE added: “Fairstone Ireland is an important part of the Fairstone Group as we look to further grow the business across the UK and Ireland.

“It has experienced significant expansion in recent years through the leadership of Paul and a combination of strategic partnerships, organic growth and continued investment in its people, technology and advice proposition.

“The appointment of Ian Brady reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing its leadership team, as it pursues its long-term vision for the Irish market. 

“I am delighted to work with both Ian and Paul in the months and years ahead.

“We now have £23 billion of assets under management across in the UK and Ireland, serving over 100,000 clients across both markets. 

“It is an exciting time for our organisation as the demand for client-centric financial planning and wealth management grows.”

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