Clarion Wealth Planning Ltd, based in Alderley Edge, has announced the appointment of a new Managing Director, marking 40 years since the firm was founded by Ron Walker and one year on from a major management buyout. Business Development Director John Winstanley, who began his advisory career in 2007, will take up the role on 1 December.
John has spent six successful years with the firm, during which he played a central role in the 60% management buyout completed in October 2024.
“John is the ideal person to lead our team into the future, continuing the legacy and client-focused culture of the business,” explained Ron Walker. “Over the next four years, before I finally retire, we will ensure he has everything he needs to succeed.”
John commented: “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 2024 MBO saw Ron Walker sell a 60% stake to senior leaders Adam Wareing, Matt Sherratt, Alistair Cartwright and John Winstanley. The Walker family had wholly owned the business since its establishment in 1985.
Ron added: “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.
“As such, 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. It took years to build the ideal team to take over the helm, so this was certainly a long-term mission that couldn’t have happened overnight.
“We have had no clients or staff leave us during this transitionary period and I feel that speaks volumes for our approach. I’m delighted we are all collectively thriving in this new era, and the future is secured under the leadership of John.”
Founded in 1985, Clarion Wealth Planning was originally located in Knutsford before relocating to Alderley Edge. The firm has built a reputation for holistic, lifelong financial planning, providing tailored guidance that takes account of all aspects of clients’ lives.
Ron 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.”
