Alderley Edge-based Clarion Wealth Planning is preparing for the next chapter in its 40-year history with the appointment of a new managing director. John Winstanley, the current business development director, will take on the role from 1 December, following a successful six-year tenure that included a key part in last year’s 60 per cent management buyout. This move represents the focus key phrase: Clarion Wealth Planning leadership transition.
Winstanley began his advisory career in 2007 and has been instrumental in shaping the firm’s recent direction. He 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.”
The transition comes just a year after founder Ron Walker sold a majority stake in the business to key board members and senior managers, including Adam Wareing, Matt Sherratt, Alistair Cartwright, and Winstanley himself. The Walker family had maintained 100 per cent ownership since the firm’s founding in 1985. Walker said: “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.”
Walker explained the rationale behind the management buyout. “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. 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.”
He added that the transition had been seamless, with no clients or staff leaving during the process. “I’m delighted we are all collectively thriving in this new era, and the future is secured under the leadership of John,” Walker said.
Clarion Wealth Planning, initially based in Knutsford before relocating to Alderley Edge, has long emphasised a compassionate and holistic approach to financial planning. Walker concluded: “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.”
