CEO

Alex has 35 years' experience in financial services and a long track record of building and leading advice businesses. He founded and led English Mutual Group from 2001 until its acquisition by Sanlam in 2012, then became CEO of Sanlam Wealth Planning, a restricted advice firm employing more than 250 people. Alex has also held multiple board roles, and is a proud supporter of the financial services profession. He believes businesses should be a force for good, putting people and clients first.

Chief Operating Officer

Nick is Head of Compliance at Cardan Group, with over 30 years' experience across a range of financial services firms, including many in the advice and planning sector. He joined Cardan in September 2025 after more than five years at St. James's Place, holding senior roles across compliance and proposition. Nick previously worked with Alex Morley at Sanlam as Head of Compliance. Having been a financial adviser and run a medium-sized IFA, he focuses on pragmatic, adviser-friendly compliance that protects clients while enabling sustainable growth.

Group Co-ordinator

Karolina is Group Co-ordinator at Cardan, with over 15 years' experience in operational and administrative roles within financial services. Before joining Cardan, she spent 12 years at Atomos Financial Planning Ltd (previously Sanlam/English Mutual), where she played a key role in delivering multiple bulk novations for acquired IFA practices. Her work supported the successful transfer of around £2 billion in client assets. Karolina brings a practical, hands-on approach to operational support, managing third-party relationships and complex transitions with care and precision.

Non-Executive Director

Joakim is a Non-executive Director and a founding partner of Söderberg & Partners (S&P), where he has been since the firm's inception in 2004. He previously worked at Carnegie Pension Consulting and SEB Merchant Banking. With over 20 years' experience as an adviser and as head of S&P's Institutional Advisory team, Joakim has played an active role in its expansion across the Nordics and the UK. He currently leads S&P's UK ownership team and serves on boards across selected partner firms.

Consultant and Adviser

Hubert is a trusted adviser to financial services companies, with over 20 years' corporate finance experience. A Partner at Hines Associates since 2003, he began his career at Schroders and later joined Citigroup, where he was part of the European Insurance Group managing German client accounts. At Cardan, Hubert advises on acquisitions and investments, applying robust valuation and transaction discipline to support fair outcomes and transparency. He values motivated people, honesty, loyalty, and work done with dedication.

Non-Executive Director

Gary is a Non-Executive Director with over 35 years' experience in UK financial services. A founding Director of SimplyBiz in 2002, he spent 20 years as Group Compliance Director, overseeing the Group's regulatory services and helping launch several ancillary services, including strategic relationships with Intelliflo and SmartSearch, the Pension Transfer referral panel, and the "Horizon" M&A service. Gary was also part of the team that took SimplyBiz to an AIM listing in 2018, bringing deep regulatory and operational insight to Cardan.