Rathbones Group Plc announces the retirement of Group Chief Executive

The Board of Rathbones Group Plc has announced that Paul Stockton will retire on 30^th September 2025 after 16 years with Rathbones, six years of which as Group Chief Executive. He will be succeeded by Jonathan Sorrell who will join the business as CEO designate, subject to regulatory approval, on 1^st July 2025. In order to effect a smooth handover, Jonathan will be appointed to Rathbones Group Plc and Rathbones Investment Management Limited Boards upon receipt of regulatory approval, at which time Paul will retire from both Boards. Paul will remain available for handover support thereafter until 31^st December 2025.

Paul was appointed Group Chief Executive in May 2019, having served as Managing Director of Rathbones Investment Management from May 2018 and prior to that Group Finance Director from 2008. Paul had indicated to the Board his desire to retire on his 60^th birthday which will be in the second half of 2025. Under his tenure, Paul has supported and executed numerous strategic initiatives to build Rathbones into the UK's leading wealth management firm; growing FUMA from £9 billion to £109 billion over this period. Paul led the successful combination with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK) in 2023 and, with the team, will deliver the benefits of this integration with almost all of Investec Wealth's 55,000 clients being migrated to the Group by the end of H1 2025.

Jonathan joins Rathbones from Capstone Investment Advisors, the leading derivatives investment management firm, where he has been President from January 2020.  Prior to this Jonathan was Chief Financial Officer and then President of Man Group plc, the FTSE 250 listed active investment management business.     

There are no other disclosures required under Listing Rule 9.6.13R in relation to Jonathan's appointment.

Clive Bannister, Chair of Rathbones, commented:

"The Board is delighted to appoint Jonathan as Group Chief Executive. Jonathan brings a formidable leadership track record at the most senior level of the broader investment and asset management industry, working across complex global organisations. In an excellent field of potential candidates, his investment background and experience combined with his energy, ambition and a clarity of strategic thinking stood out to the Board.

The Board and I look forward to working with Jonathan to ensure that Rathbones continues to deliver on its enormous potential for our clients, shareholders and people.

On behalf of the Board, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the outstanding contribution that Paul has made to Rathbones. He has worked with great passion, energy and commitment to make Rathbones the leader in Wealth Management across the UK.

Paul has navigated successfully significant geopolitical changes, challenges in the regulatory and market environments and has steered the Group into a position of strength, from which it can continue to develop."

Paul Stockton commented:

"Rathbones has been a big part of my life, and my decision to retire has inevitably been taken with mixed emotions. It has been an honour and privilege to serve as Group Chief Executive. I am deeply proud of our people and everything they have achieved. I would like to thank every one of them for their significant contribution.

With the support of the Board and a talented group executive team, we have laid strong foundations to support the next phase of growth for the Group. All remain fully committed to deliver on our strategy. Jonathan brings many strengths to the Group, and I very much look forward to working with him to ensure a successful transition."

Jonathan Sorrell commented:

"I want to thank the Board for their support and the opportunity they have given me at Rathbones. Paul has been instrumental in building an incredibly strong platform at Rathbones and I look forward to working closely with him during this transition period to benefit from his knowledge and experience. 

It's a true honour to lead what is a great business with a highly talented executive team supporting over 110,000 clients to secure their financial futures. With that comes a great sense of responsibility to ensure Rathbones continues to succeed and deliver for our clients and, as a result, for our people and shareholders."

20 March 2025

For further information contact:

Clive Bannister, Chair

Paul Stockton, Group Chief Executive

Ali Johnson, Group Company Secretary

Camarco (Communications adviser to Rathbones)

Tel: 020 3757 4984

Email: [email protected]

Ed Gascoigne-Pees