Les Pick is to join Retirement Advantage as head of sales for its equity release arm.

Pick (pictured) joins from LV=, where he has spent two years as business development manager.

Before working at LV=, Pick was at The Right Equity Release, where he led a national sales force, and Just Retirement, where he also provided direct to consumer advice.

He also spent time with the Equity Release Supermarket, and before that was a financial adviser for over a decade – initially with Aviva and then as an IFA.

Tom Evans, managing director at Retirement Advantage Equity Release, said:” We are thrilled to welcome Les to our team. It speaks volumes about our ambitions that we are recruiting individuals with as much expertise and stature as Les.

“He has been involved in equity release for almost two decades and as such, brings a valuable perspective as the industry looks to evolve to meet the rapid growth in consumer demand.

“There is a pressing need for providers to meet the challenges a bigger cohort of potential customers, and qualified advisers, brings. To do that, product innovation and service is key. Les will be a major part of our efforts.”

Pick added: “These are exciting times for the equity release market. I’ve been involved with equity release products for many years and it is amazing to see how the sector has evolved.

“I look forward to helping Retirement Advantage as they continue to innovate in order to meet the ever-changing needs of consumers, and improve their support for advisers.”