Sesame Bankhall Group has unveiled a new team dedicated to adviser recruitment as it accelerates plans to expand the Sesame network.

Chris Astle has returned to the business to take up the role of national recruitment manager. He will oversee all adviser recruitment activity, reporting directly to Toni Smith, director of Sesame.

Astle (pictured) previously held roles at the group and brings over two decades of experience in financial services, most recently serving as head of recruitment at PRIMIS Mortgage Network.

Also joining from PRIMIS is Gina Hurn, who becomes recruitment support consultant. Hurn spent the last four years as broker relationships manager and will support both network recruitment and Sesame member firms in their own hiring efforts.

Smith said the appointments reflect the company’s strategic commitment to growth: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris back to Sesame at such an exciting time for the network. His deep understanding of the adviser market, combined with his track record of supporting firms at every stage of their journey, makes him ideally placed to lead our new recruitment unit.

“This is the first time we’ve established a dedicated function focused solely on growth, and it reflects the scale of our ambition. We want Sesame to be the network of choice for advisers looking to start, run, grow, and ultimately exit their businesses – and Chris will play a key role in making that vision a reality.”

Astle said his decision to return was driven by the group’s renewed sense of purpose and commitment to supporting advisers. “I’m thrilled to be back at Sesame,” he said. “I’ve kept a close eye on the business since I left, and over the past year it’s been great to see some fantastic people join the team and step into key roles.

“I’ve stayed in touch with many of the brokers I worked with during my previous time here, and what really stands out is how many of them are still part of the Sesame network. That says a lot about the strength of the proposition and the support advisers receive.

“Ultimately, I came back because I can see the ambition and drive within the business. My job now is to make sure more advisers discover what makes this network such a great place to be part of.”