Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has announced significant changes to its executive team structure, including the departure of its group managing director.

It has appointed Stephen Harris as chief financial officer, subject to regulatory approval.

SBG’s current group finance director, Jim Kelly, will move to a new role as group business development director. Both Harris and Kelly will report into SBG executive chairman, John Cowan.

Bankhall & PMS managing director Ross Liston, who joined SBG in November 2018, along with Sesame managing director Richard Howells, who joined the group in April 2019, will now also report into Cowan.

The other members of SBG’s executive team are Julie Sadler, group risk & compliance director, and Lisa Winnard, group people and service director.

Group managing director, Martin Schultheiss, will be leaving SBG.

Cowan said: “Today’s announcement is a further important step in the evolution of SBG and I am very pleased to welcome Stephen Harris, who brings huge industry experience. In the past 12 months we have significantly bolstered our senior leadership team, with our two new managing directors, Ross Liston and Richard Howells, also joining.

“This is enabling SBG to sharpen its strategic focus across our three advisory brands – Sesame Network, PMS Mortgage Club and Bankhall. SBG is strongly positioned for the future and the appointment of Stephen as our CFO is an important addition, alongside Jim’s new business development role, as we invest further and roll-out our next generation of adviser services.

“On behalf of the group I would like to thank Martin for his hard work and contribution during his time with SBG. His energy and commitment have helped to move the group forward and we wish him well for the future. Martin will continue to support the business over the weeks ahead as we transition to the new executive team structure.”

Schultheiss added: “I am very proud of the progress that SBG has made during my time with the group, and I would like to thank my colleagues for their support. SBG has three excellent advisory brands and I am leaving the group in the sure knowledge that both its members and staff can look forward to exciting times ahead.”