Following nearly 15 years as CEO of later life lending platform, Air, Stuart Wilson is stepping into the role of chairman of Air Club to focus on longer-term strategic projects.
The existing management team, which includes Jon Tweed, sales director and Mike Taylor, operations director, will step up to manage the day-to-day running of the business in the immediate term.
A search for a new CEO is underway and an appointment is expected in the first half of 2023.
Wilson said: “As we celebrate our 15th anniversary with record breaking results and the launch of the industry’s first Later Life Lending Awards, now felt like the right time to step into the role of chairman of Air Club. We are preparing for the next phase of growth as the leading later life lending platform, and the new role will allow me to use my 36 years of market and distribution experience to support a new CEO.
“While there is no doubt that it will be hard to step away from the day-to-day running of a business I know I can do so with confidence. The whole Air team have helped build a business that I am immensely proud of and I would like to thank them for all their hard work and dedication. I want to also thank Air members for the support they have given me over the years.
“Together, we’ve improved standards in the later life lending market, helped to grow businesses and driven lenders to be more innovative in their approach. We could not have achieved what we have done thus far without you and as chairman, I will continue to champion quality advisers and best practices across the industry.”
Simon Thompson, group CEO of Key Group, added: “Having worked with Stuart over the past few years, I know how proud he is of Air. He has a legacy of encouraging more advisers to provide consumer-focused outcomes, supported by the tools and services offered by this platform.
“Stepping into the role of chairman of Air Club will allow him to build on his experience to further grow and strengthen the later life lending industry. I look forward to continuing to work with him as he helps prepare for the next phase of growth for Air.”
