Sesame Bankhall Group (SBG) has appointed Toni Smith to the newly created role of distribution director to lead its adviser network Sesame, subject to FCA approval.

With more than 35 years’ experience in the intermediary sector, Smith (pictured) was previously at PRIMIS Mortgage Network, where she held positions including chief operating officer for five years and latterly chief distribution officer, with responsibility for the delivery of mortgage and insurance advice. Prior to that, she was business operations director at First Complete Limited for 10 years.

At SBG, Smith will lead on growing the Sesame business, shaping and driving distribution, and further developing the network’s mortgage and protection propositions for members.

The appointment comes as SBG embarks on a programme of growth and modernisation to help deliver on its ambition to become the UK’s leading provider of services to advice firms. Reporting to CEO Richard Harrison, Smith will take up her new role on 18 November 2024 and join SBG’s executive committee.

Harrison said: “With an established track record of success in growing strong client relationships, Toni is very experienced and highly tuned to the evolving needs of advisers and their customers, making her ideally placed to lead the future development of our network services and support.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming Toni, as we implement our new strategy to become the proactive partner of choice for advisers throughout the lifetime of their business, helping them to start, run, grow and exit.”

Smith added: “Sesame is one of our industry’s leading and most established adviser networks, with ambitious plans, making the decision to join the business a very easy one.

“I’m excited about the prospect of working closely with members, colleagues, and industry partners to further develop and grow a strong and successful adviser network that supports its member firms – and their customers – and helps them to flourish.”