Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has hired Stephen Gazard as its distribution director.

Gazard will join SBG’s executive committee and report into CEO George Higginson.

He has 20 years industry experience and will join SBG from his role of managing director at Lighthouse Advisory Services. Previous roles include managing director of Falcon Group and over 10 years as a financial adviser.

“Stephen is another high calibre addition to our strong leadership team and we are very pleased that he has chosen to join SBG,” said Higginson.

“He has a real in-depth understanding of the challenges facing adviser firms of all sizes, as they adapt to the RDR changes ahead. Stephen’s breadth of knowledge, skills and experience as both an adviser and senior director will be of great value to our members and SBG, as our group continues to develop its wide range of adviser services.”

Gazard added: “I am very pleased to be joining a group which continues to demonstrate long term commitment to adviser choice with leading solutions in the network, direct authorised and mortgage models.

“The significant investments being made in new services and support clearly demonstrate SBG’s strength and continued ambitious strategy. I am looking forward to joining their experienced leadership team to help drive the business forward.”