Meet our team

The M&G Wealth Platform team brings together an impressive range of specialist platform experience, knowledge and expertise to help support your business.

Management Team

Richard Denning

CEO

Richard has worked in Financial Services for his entire career, spending the past 20 years building and running platforms for Old Mutual, Novia and Aegon. Prior to this he spent his formative years at Prudential in a variety of Operational and IT/Change Roles.

Richard joined Aegon after they purchased Novia Investment Services a start-up business launched to provide Aegon with an outsourced platform. In 2015 Richard was appointed Chief Operating Officer for Aegon where he was responsible for Customer Services, IT and Change. He was also integral to the completion of the Cofunds and Blackrock purchases and subsequent integrations.

Richard has been married for 20 years and lives just outside Bath. He loves travelling, golf and anything relating to history – with a special interest in World War 1 and World War 2.

Julia Sage-Bell

Chief Compliance Officer

Julia joined the platform business in 2018, carrying out a number of risk roles before moving into Compliance in 2020.  She was appointed Chief Compliance Officer in 2021.

Julia has worked in Financial Services for her whole career with the majority of that time spent in Compliance.  She has experience of managing teams in advisory, monitoring and training & competence.  A particular highlight was supporting members of the advisory community to upskill and transform their business models as part of the retail distribution review.  Julia is a Member of the International Compliance Association having attained her diploma in Governance, Risk & Compliance.

Outside work, Julia is a keen hill walker and regularly walks stretches of the Cotswold Way after a day in the office.  She has participated in the 24 peaks and 3 peaks challenges as well as walking further afield in Nepal and Sri Lanka

Riccardo Spella

Sales Director

I’ve been working in financial services since 2006, moving into the platform space in 2010 with AXA Wealth and then onto M&G Wealth Platform (formerly Ascentric) in 2016.

Now  part of the wider M&G plc, I am excited by the growth prospects of the M&G Wealth Platform and how this will benefit our supporting advisers firms.

Having spent the first five years of my financial services career as a paraplanner in Glasgow, I understand the importance of the adviser/client relationship and our role in meeting you and your clients' expectations

In my spare time I can be found playing sport - football, golf or tennis.

Paul Amass

Chief Information Officer

Paul joined the board in July 2021 to lead technology delivery, service and transformation agenda as Chief Information Officer. Previously he was the Head of Operations and Portfolio in M&G plc.

He has over 15 years’ experience in a variety of technology delivery and transformation roles across financial services and telecoms industry.

Outside of work, he spends as much time as possible away from his screen outdoors with his family - walking, running and camping. 

Thomas Bischler

Chief Finance Officer

Thomas is a Fellow Chartered and Certified Accountant and joined the Board and Executive Committee as CFO in 2020, following the acquisition of the platform by M&G plc. As part of his role he is responsible for the planning, managing and running of the finance activities of the company. 

He has worked in financial services for most of his career and held various finance roles at M&G plc since joining in 2011. Prior to joining the business, Thomas worked within audit and advisory at BDO UK.

Outside work he is a keen golfer.

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Business Development Team

Meet a few members of our business development team to find out how we can support you. 

Benn Camber

Business Development Manager

Benn has worked in financial services in particular platforms for the last 14 years. He started out at Pershing before moving on to Novia, Nucleus and more recently Praemium. Outside of work and weekend adventures with his three young children, he enjoys playing golf and cricket.

Contact details

Email: benn.camber@mandg.com

Chantelle Silvester

Business Development Manager

I started working in financial services in 2013, working with group scheme pensions before finding my way into the platform space in 2015. I really enjoy building relationships with our adviser firms to help them deliver great solutions for their clients. I ensure they have access to the variety of tools across M&G plc, which can help support them give great advice. It’s great to be a part of the M&G Wealth Platform Sales team during such an exciting time.

In my spare time, I enjoy visiting new shopping destinations where I can be found browsing with a coffee in hand. That’s when I’m not attempting to decorate another room in my house, of course!

Contact details

Email: Chantelle.Silvester@mandg.com

Nicky Snow

Business Development Manager

I have more than 30 years of financial services experience in administration, sales and relationship management roles.

Before joining the business in 2019 I worked as Regional Sales Manager at Rowanmoor, specialising in SIPP and SSAS work and prior to that was Corporate Account Manager at Legal & General, where I supported a number of FTSE listed businesses throughout the introduction and implementation of Auto Enrolment. 

As part of the M&G Wealth Platform Sales team I work in partnership with adviser firms, our own customer services and Platform Adoption teams to ensure that we deliver optimum solutions for all, be they new or existing supporter firms.  

Away from work I spend most of my time outside either on my horse 'Sparrow' or walking my two dogs Rugby and Smurf!

Contact details

Email: Nicky.Snow@mandg.com

Enzo Sanfelice

Head of Business Development

With over 25 years in financial services sales, 10 of those in the platform space, my aim remains the same - to have a real impact in growing business in a way that meets both the needs of our company and you, the adviser. It’s really important for us to ensure we create strong partnerships with the right people and that we do this in the right way.

In my current role, as Head of Business Development, I am responsible for not only leading the acquisition of new customers but also the growth of a talented and focused sales team. Something I’m proud to say we’ve worked hard to develop and evolve.

I have a wealth of experience of working with small, medium and large sized advisory businesses, focusing on business development and business consultancy, specifically on building and evolving client propositions. There is nothing more satisfying than to be seen by our customers as having been integral to the success of their businesses.

Contact details

Email: Vincenzo.Sanfelice@mandg.com

Damian Bryant

Business Development Manager

I joined M&G Wealth in June 2021 following M&G’s acquisition, moving from Prudential as a Regional Account Manager. 

I have worked in financial services for 27 years, spending the past 21 years working in the platform space for Skandia/Old Mutual, Cofunds, AJ Bell and now Ascentric. 

In my spare time I enjoy playing football, boxing, paddle boarding and the gym, as well as looking after the host of animals that live with me!

Contact details

Email: Damian.Bryant@mandg.com

Laurel Campbell

Business Development Manager

I started my career in financial services sales a decade ago, after graduating from Swansea university with a degree in Psychology. For the last seven years I have been developing relationships with small, medium and large adviser firms to get the most out of their chosen platform.

I particularly enjoy working with advisers, establishing and developing efficient client focused solutions, that harness the benefits of our platform, in supporting day to day advice and recommendations.

Outside of work, I appreciate nothing more than going for a family run and exploring the local countryside with my husband Simon and our dog Murdock. I'm a keen foodie and love exploring mountain restaurants on our annual ski trip.

Contact details

Email: Laurel.Campbell@mandg.com

Chloe Millward

Key Account Manager

I joined the business in 2017 at a really exciting time, as we implemented our new technology. I originally worked in the New Business team, quickly becoming an expert on our processes and getting clients set up in the most seamless way. 

Moving in to the Platform Adoption team I now work in close partnership with firms to make sure they’re getting the best from the platform and from our wider support teams. I love understanding how each firm is different and tailoring individual solutions to suit individual needs.

Outside work you’ll find me in the garden tending to my vegetable patch and taking Bruce the bichon puppy for a walk! 

Contact details

Email: Chloe.Millward@mandg.com
Telephone: 07595 411921

Simon Jones

Business Development Manager

I have worked in financial services since 1987 and have been involved in the platform space since 2001, first with Transact and later in Australia with two of the leading trading platforms.

Prior to that, I spent five years working with an IFA firm in Liverpool, where I was responsible for investment portfolio and client reviews.  It was at this stage that I completed the IMC qualification and became more interested in investments.   

I joined the business on my return from Australia in 2016.

I live in North East Somerset and enjoy golf, skiing, travel and socialising.

Contact details

Email: Simon.Jones@mandg.com

Leanne Peacock

Business Development Manager

I started in financial services as an adviser for a well known Friendly Society in 2000 and haven’t looked back since! In 2004 I moved into my first BDM role in the City of London. Since then I have had extensive experience of working with small to large advisory businesses in both London and the South East.

I joined the business in 2015 and my focus, is delivering a smooth platform experience for you and your business and great customer outcomes for your clients. 

Outside of work you will find me chasing after one of my two young children and when I do get downtime reading or listening to Radio 4.

Contact details

Email: Leanne.Peacock@mandg.com

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Platform Training

Want to know how to get the best out of the platform? We’re here to help. Contact the team to arrange training.

Contact the team

If you’d like to find out about what we can do for you and your business, please get in touch.

Platform Adoption Team

Getting the most out of the platform

Our Platform Adoption team are on hand to set you up on the platform and make sure you’ve got everything you need to get the most out of it.

 

Ian McGough

Head of Platform Adoption

I joined the business in April 2020 after 15 years with Royal London, where I am now the Head of Platform Adoption team. Along with my team we’ve created and implemented the onboarding journey for new adviser firms joining the platform and supporting existing firms with reviews of their platform use. It’s been a busy but fun packed journey but with a lot of success along the way. I’m extremely excited and optimistic as to what our future holds as part of M&G Wealth and I’m looking forward to working with adviser firms more closely in the foreseeable future. 

Outside of work I love a holiday, from visiting family in America and Cyprus to my frequent trips back to Scotland to see my nieces. You’ll usually find me at the football at the weekends or pacing myself around the streets in my long awaited quest for to run my first ever marathon. 

Contact details

EmailIan.McGough@mandg.com
Telephone: 07919 170444

Dan Chant

Platform Adoption Consultant

I have worked in the financial services sector for over 20 years where I have built up a huge amount of experience in customer services, medical underwriting and complaint management.

I joined the business in 2013 where I have gained invaluable knowledge and expertise both in using the platform and in identifying how best to collaborate with our advisers to make sure what we do and how we support them, always puts the customer first.

When not at work I like to watch far too many films, and read far too many books (mostly horror admittedly).

Contact details

EmailDaniel.Chant@mandg.com
Telephone: 07713367147

Jill Brushwood

Platform Adoption Consultant

I have worked in financial services for over 30 years mainly with Openwork & Zurich, in numerous training and relationship management roles.

Through this time my main focus has been with advisers and I have seen working practices change beyond recognition, but something that remains constant is the support everyone needs to learn, implement change and grow their business.

When I joined the business in 2013 as a Platform Consultant, this gave me the opportunity to work with advisers in the platform space onboarding new firms and helping established firms to improve performance by getting the very best out of the platform.

Away from work I love to travel, go to the theatre and Gin tasting (It’s all about the garnish!).

Contact details

EmailJill.Brushwood@mandg.com
Telephone: 07739 719318

Leigh Nixon

Platform Adoption Consultant

I have worked in financial services for nearly 20 years, where I have built up experience in working for a SIPP provider as well as a number of financial adviser businesses. This has given me valuable experience as an Administrator, Key Account Handler, Paraplanner and Practice Manager. I feel that I have a keen understanding of the pressures faced by advice firms in an ever changing world.  

Joining M&G Wealth has given me an opportunity to focus this understanding and passion for the industry on supporting advisers and their teams with their use of our platform in a way that enhances their business practices. 

During the summer months I like to escape the pressures of life on the back of my partner’s motorbike, touring the UK and seeing as much of the country as the weather will allow. During the long Scottish winters I like to read and drink wine (sometimes at the same time).

Contact details

Email: leigh.nixon@mandg.com
Telephone: 020 8162 0101

Luke McGill

Platform Adoption Consultant

I joined the business in 2014 in customer services where I built up my knowledge of the platform and proposition. I then moved into sales in 2018, where I was heavily involved in the platform migration before joining the Platform Adoption team at the start of 2020. 

I have always had a passion for helping people, growing my knowledge and striving to deliver the best possible outcome for our customers. 

Outside of work, I am a proud father of one (soon to be two) and have always been a keen traveller although I haven’t been able to do too much of that recently!

Contact details

EmailLuke.McGill@mandg.com
Telephone
: 07702 112705

Sarah Stephens

Platform Adoption Consultant

With over 25 years in financial services, I have a vast experience of relationship management which has put me very much at the heart of gaining trust with the firms I work with. 

Since I joined the business in Spring 2008 I’ve been working with adviser firms helping them achieve full Implementation to the platform, through delivering extensive training programmes and consultancy reviews.  It’s so important to understand how each business operates and especially the requirements of the people within it so I can tailor the training and platform adoption to guarantee a good solid understanding to get the best out of the M&G Wealth Platform. 

When I'm away from work you'll normally find me walking in the Eden Valley which is my home and the Cumbrian fells with my family.  I love music and am thinking of learning to play the Sax and am also partial to a bit of Rum!

Contact details

EmailSarah.Stephens@mandg.com
Telephone: 07590 778144

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Getting started

Thinking about joining M&G Wealth or already signing up? Here’s what you can expect as you get started on the platform.

Jonny Randall

Wealth Operations Manager

I’ve worked in financial services for the last eight years and joined the business back in 2017. Since this time, it’s been a pleasure to see the company grow and mature. Becoming part of the M&G group is an exciting prospect and a great enabler for our future and growth.

Customer experience is the biggest driver for me and I thrive on the opportunity my current role gives me in steering our service offering here on the M&G Wealth Platform.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two children, getting out in nature for long walks and excessively playing one of my many guitars!