Whatever support you need, we have a highly qualified team on hand to help you build a business you can be proud of.
Ross Liston
CEO M&G Wealth Advice
Ross is responsible for shaping and leading M&G’s wealth strategy for growth in the wealth advice market. With nearly 30 years in financial services, Ross is passionate about the advice sector and the role of advice in society, he believes the Academy plays a critical part in developing a new wave of talent, while making the profession more sustainable for the future.
Tom Hegarty
Partnership director
Tom’s role is to lead the M&G Wealth Advice network, which includes The Academy. His career in financial services spans three decades, during which time he has gathered experience across the entire sector with perspectives of an adviser, a provider, a network, and a training and development academy.
Matthew Ings
Head of Academy
Matthew is responsible for the growth and development of the M&G Wealth Advice Academy as it continues to grow to support more people transitioning into the financial advice profession. He is a Chartered Financial Planner, and Fellow of the PFS, with over 20 years Wealth Management experience across a range of roles including Advising, training, and management.
Jack Kennedy
Recruitment manager
Jack is an experienced financial adviser and business owner, which enables him to understands what is required to be a successful candidate. His role is to initiate conversations around what the Academy has to offer and the options for when you are qualified. He takes candidates through the recruitment process and is ever present through the Academy journey.
Andre Martin-Comrie
Recruitment manager
Andre is a talent acquisition and recruitment specialist with over 14 years of experience. He‘s hired talent across areas including graduate, energy, wealth and asset management and technology. Andre has previously partnered with a diverse range of organisations with a focus on underrepresented talent, ex-military/veterans and service leavers. His role will be partnering with candidates and organisations to highlight the benefits of the Academy. Andre will help you navigate the process from initial conversations through to you joining the Academy.
Hollie Doran
Recruitment manager
Hollie, a seasoned expert in recruitment within the financial services sector. With extensive recruitment experience, she brings invaluable insight into navigating the industry's challenges and opportunities. Hollie plays a pivotal role in initiating conversations about the Academy's offerings, guiding candidates through the recruitment process, and providing ongoing support throughout their journey.
Avril Dallas
Operations manager
Avril and Nicola’s roles are to manage and coordinate all activities involved in the running of the Academy from onboarding, exam resits through to you leaving the Academy as an experienced adviser; both will be the primary contact for general Academy enquiries throughout the duration of the programme.
Nicola Carr
Operations co-ordinator
Avril and Nicola’s roles are to manage and coordinate all activities involved in the running of the Academy from onboarding, exam resits through to you leaving the Academy as an experienced adviser; both will be the primary contact for general Academy enquiries throughout the duration of the programme.
Kenneth O’Donnell
Training manager
Kenny is responsible for developing the knowledge, skills and behaviours of the Academy delegates, enabling them to become highly skilled financial planning professionals. Kenny delivers our Stage 1, 2 and 3 technical and soft skills training that supports delegates to achieve their Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning qualification.
Brian Tiernan
Training manager
Brian focuses on training design, delivery and support for Term 2 and beyond, ensuring that our delegates achieve their full potential. With over 25 years’ experience in training and development, Brian is passionate about supporting our aspiring advisers to succeed by ensuring that they have the knowledge and skills to provide their customers with client-centric holistic advice.
Colin Greacen
Supervisor and coach
Colin’s primary role is to develop the advisers who come out of the Academy through appropriate training and development, until the point is reached where Competent Adviser Status is achieved. In detail, this includes observing meetings, delivering training, coaching and managing key performance indicators. Colin has been providing financial advice to clients for 30 years, formerly a financial adviser with M&G Wealth Advice.
Stephanie Fox
Supervisor and coach
Stephanie has over 25 years of experience in the financial services industry, providing financial advice to clients and training financial advisers.
Stephanie’s role is to support the development of advisers within the Academy, from their initial client meetings, through to achieving Competent Adviser Status and beyond. This support includes observing client meetings, monitoring key performance indicators and ongoing development and coaching conversations.
Steve Fry
Supervisor and coach
Steve has over 31 years of experience in the financial services industry. 15 years as a financial adviser and most recently 16 years as a sales manager. Steve’s primary role is to develop the advisers who come out of the Academy, through appropriate training and development, until the point is reached where Competent Adviser Status is achieved. This includes providing support, observing meetings, and developing skills to help the advisers be the best they can in front their clients.
