Salford-based investment platform AJ Bell said Chief Operating Officer Roger Stott will retire and step down as an executive director on 31 December.

Stott joined AJ Bell in July 2008 and during his time at the Company held a range of roles including Group Finance Director and Chief Risk Officer. He was appointed to the Board in the newly created role of COO in August 2021, taking responsibility for the operational aspects of the business.

Chief Financial Officer Peter Birch and Chief Technology Officer Mo Tagari will assume the FCA Senior Manager Function responsibilities of the Chief Operations Function, subject to regulatory approval. Birch continues to serve on the Board as an Executive Director having been appointed as CFO in 2022.

Fiona Clutterbuck, Chair of AJ Bell, said: “On behalf of the Board, I wish to thank Roger for his outstanding contribution to the Board and the Company over many years and wish him well for the future. During his time with the Company, Roger has played a significant role in the success of the business.”