Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has announced changes to its executive management team.

Managing director Stephen Gazard is leaving after four years with SBG to take up a new role elsewhere in the industry

Mark Graves moves from sales director to become managing director, Sesame & PMS, while Julie Sadler, compliance & risk director, will become managing director, Bankhall.

In addition, Stuart Davies, network operations director, becomes group operations director.

The trio report into SBG’s executive chairman, John Cowan.

The other members of SBG’s executive committee are Lisa Winnard, HR & business services director, and commercial director Jim Kelly.

Graves joined SBG as sales director in December 2015 and has 20 years industry experience. Prior to SBG Graves worked at LSL for 10 years in a range of senior roles, which included leading the Pink Network. Earlier in his career he helped to build one of the largest mortgage brokerages as managing director of Mortgages Direct. In 2003 he set up his own business, Linear Mortgage Network, which was later acquired by LSL.

Cowan said: “I am very pleased that Mark, Julie and Stuart are taking up their new roles at SBG and I also want to wish Stephen well in his new role. SBG has a clear strategy, financial stability and three leading financial advisory brands – Sesame, Bankhall and PMS. We have invested heavily in new services to support advisers and we have a very strong and committed management team.

“Sesame and PMS combined account for over 25% of all UK intermediated mortgage lending, whilst Bankhall supports over 5,000 directly authorised advisers and has recently expanded its range of services to deliver even more specialist support. These are exciting times for our Group and together we will ensure that thousands of advisers are equipped to take advantage of the opportunities ahead.

“Stephen will continue to support the business over the coming weeks as part of a smooth transition. On behalf of myself and the Group I would like to thank Stephen for his hard work and important contribution whilst at SBG.”

Gazard added: “SBG has a clear direction of travel, loyal clients and members, and a hugely talented team to take the business forward. I believe everyone can be truly proud of what has been delivered, particularly in terms of culture and consumer outcomes, which I am very proud to have played my small part in. I look forward to seeing the Group continue to go from strength to strength.”