UK-based wealth manager Ascot Lloyd has appointed Mary O’Connor as a Non-Executive Director (“NED”) to its Group Board.
O’Connor joins with an extensive track-record in leadership positions across the financial services sector. Throughout a 30 year career, she has led and advised a wide range of public and private-equity backed businesses, having also served in executive roles at professional services firms and the Financial Conduct Authority.
A lawyer by background, Mary’s most recent leadership role was as the Divisional CEO for Capital Advisory and Placement at Howden Broking Group. Prior to this, she served as the Acting CEO for KPMG UK, responsible for driving the strategic development of the firm. Whilst at KPMG UK, she also held executive roles as Chief Risk Officer and Head of Clients and Markets, and served on the KPMG UK Board.
She has also held leadership roles at Willis Towers Watson (WTW), laterally as Divisional CEO, and initially as Global Head of Financial Institutions and Group Head of Risk and Compliance. A recognised leader at the firm, Mary also sat on the boards of Willis Limited and Towers Watson Limited.
She has also served at regulatory bodies, including as Head of the Approved Persons and SIF Regime at the Financial Conduct Authority. She started her career in the legal sector, with roles in both the US and UK at leading magic-circle firms.
Her current NED appointments include Carne Group (appointed 2022), Europe’s largest independent third-party fund management company, supporting asset managers on their funds’ governance lifestyle. She previously served as a NED & Member of the Audit, Compliance and Risk Committees for The Charity Bank between 2013-18.
Mike Covell, Chair of the Ascot Lloyd Group Board, said: “The Board is delighted to welcome Mary to Ascot Lloyd. A proven leader at both management and board level, Mary’s expertise in driving growth and innovation will be a valuable asset as we continue to deliver on our core strategic priorities. With experience spanning the breadth of financial and professional services, Mary’s appointment reflects the continued ability of the business to attract leading talent in the market.”
Ascot Lloyd has grown over the last ten years to become one of the leading independently-owned IFA firms in the UK. Today, Ascot Lloyd has £10 billion in funds under influence and provides financial planning, wealth management and corporate benefit solutions to more than 57,000 clients.
