Salford-based investment platform giant AJ Bell announced the appointment of Steve Langan as a “non-independent non-executive director” with effect from February 2, 2027, and Craig Gentle as a non-executive director from September 1, 2026, among other big changes at the firm.
Langan becomes the non-independent non-executive director nominated by AJ Bell co-founder and former CEO Andy Bell — succeeding Les Platts in that role.
“In connection with the appointments set out in this announcement, and in line with board succession planning arrangements, the company also announces that Eamonn Flanagan and Les Platts will not be seeking re-election at the next AGM and Margaret Hassall will step down from the board with effect from 30 September 2026 …” said the Salford company.
“Craig is a Chartered Accountant with more than 30 years’ experience in retail financial services. He spent over 20 years at PwC, where he became a Senior Audit Partner leading audits of several major UK banks, insurers and wealth management firms.
“Craig subsequently served as Group Chief Financial Officer of St. James’s Place plc for over 7 years until his retirement in late 2024. Craig is a non-executive director of Western Provident Association and a member of the Board of Trustees at Bristol Musical Trust.
“In line with the Board’s succession planning activity, Craig will assume the role of Chair of the Audit Committee, subject to regulatory approval. Craig will succeed Eamonn Flanagan …
“Steve Langan brings extensive executive and Board experience gained across the insurance and consumer goods sectors. He currently serves as a non-executive director of Sampo plc and previously held several senior leadership positions at Hiscox, including CEO of Hiscox UK & Europe and CEO of Hiscox USA.
“His experience spans business growth, digital transformation, risk management and international operations, having led businesses across Europe, North America and Asia …
“In connection with the appointments set out in this announcement, the Company also announces that: (i) Eamonn Flanagan will have served on the Board for nine years, and in line with best practice and the UK Corporate Governance Code, will not be seeking re-election at the next AGM, and (ii) Les Platts will not be seeking re-election at the next AGM in line with expectations when he was appointed as a non-independent non-executive director.
“In addition, following the completion of a period of induction with Elizabeth G. Chambers (Libby), the incoming Chair of the Remuneration Committee, Margaret Hassall, having chosen not to serve for a third term, will step down from the Board on 30 September 2026.”
AJ Bell chair Fiona Clutterbuck said: “The changes we are announcing today mark the conclusion of recent Board succession planning activity.
“I am delighted to welcome Craig and Steve to the Board and I look forward to working with them.
“Craig’s extensive experience in financial services businesses and his background in actuarial reserving, liquidity management, stress testing and balance sheet optimisation, including oversight of capital restructuring, securitisation programmes and funding strategy, will bring an invaluable contribution to the Board.
“Steve brings extensive international leadership experience, having served as Chair, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Marketing Officer across a range of regulated and listed businesses.
“Steve has a proven track record of driving growth, transforming businesses and building successful brands across multiple markets and industries. His deep expertise in digital insurance, including launching and leading highly successful businesses in both the UK and the US over the past two decades, will provide valuable insight and support as we continue to execute our strategic priorities
“On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Eamonn for his significant contribution to the Company during his nine year tenure. His expertise and insights as a non-executive director and Chair of the Audit Committee have been immeasurably valuable to the Board and the senior management team and he will be missed. I wish Eamonn every success in the future.
“I would also like to thank Les for his significant contribution to the Company during his time as Andy’s nominated non-executive director. His impartiality, commitment and business knowledge have been greatly appreciated and I wish Les every success in the future.
“Finally, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Margaret for her invaluable contribution since joining the Board in September 2021. As non-executive director and Chair of the Remuneration Committee, she has provided thoughtful guidance, constructive challenge and dedicated support throughout her tenure. I would like to thank Margaret for her counsel and commitment, and I wish her every success in the future.”
Gentle said: “I am delighted to be joining the Board of AJ Bell at such an exciting stage in the Company’s development. AJ Bell has established itself as one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, with a strong reputation for delivering value and service to customers. I look forward to working with the Board and executive team to support the Company’s continued growth and long-term success.”
Langan said: “I am pleased to be joining the Board of AJ Bell. Throughout my career, I have been passionate about building strong businesses, developing successful brands and delivering sustainable growth. AJ Bell has an impressive track record of innovation and customer focus, and I look forward to working with the Board and executive team as the Company continues to execute its strategy and capitalise on the opportunities ahead.”
Further, AJ Bell announced the appointment of Nedgroup Investments executive Rob Burdett as the new independent chair of AJ Bell’s Investment Committee, following the retirement of current chair Jim Sutcliffe.
Sutcliffe served as the independent chair of AJ Bell’s Investment Committee for over a decade, presiding over the Committee since the inception of the AJ Bell Investments business in 2016.
“Rob becomes chair with over 30 years of multi-manager and fund selection experience in the investment industry,” said AJ Bell.
“In addition to his current role as head of multi-manager at Nedgroup Investments, he has held senior positions at Rothschild Asset Management, Thames River, BMO Global Asset Management and Columbia Threadneedle (formerly F&C), as well as Credit Suisse.
“As independent chair, Rob will provide governance and oversight of the AJ Bell fund range and MPS service, including the investment strategy, asset allocation process, manager oversight and risk management on behalf of AJ Bell’s customers.
“He will also work closely with AJ Bell Investments’ award-winning and experienced investment team as they maintain the high standard of performance and service that has seen AJ Bell Investments grow to manage assets over £11 billion by June 2026.”
AJ Bell CEO Michael Summersgill said: “The Investment Committee chair plays a vital role in the governance and independent oversight of decisions made by the wider investment team in the best interests of our customers.
“Rob’s depth of experience, knowledge and independent perspective will be invaluable as we continue to grow our highly successful investments business, which now oversees over £11bn of customer investments.
“Since launch in 2016 AJ Bell Investments has gone from strength to strength, delivering simple, low-cost products to advised and D2C customers and developing innovative solutions catering to customers’ changing investment needs. On behalf of everyone at AJ Bell I would like to thank Jim for his huge contribution to the success of the business.”
Burdett said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the role of independent chair of the AJ Bell Investment Committee. Jim leaves some big shoes to fill, so I will need to bring to bear as much of my experience in the multi-asset world as possible to this governance role to provide counsel, challenge and perspective to the quarterly meetings.
“I have long admired AJ Bell from afar and look forward to working more closely with them via the committee.”