Kingswood has hired Leigh Philpot as head of client proposition, with the UK-based wealth manager aiming to enhance its business proposition for clients and intermediaries while generating new sales opportunities.

Mr Philpot joins Kingswood from Kleinwort Hambros Private Bank, part of Société Générale, where he was head of regions. In total, he worked with Kleinwort Hambros for 13 years and prior his role as head of regions he founded and led the discretionary fund management (DFM) business strategy for the bank. He also previously held the role of group head of privilege banking.

In total, he has over 20 years of experience in the private client industry and spent the earlier years of his career as an investment manager at Rathbones, and was a graduate of the Stockbroker Development Programme at Killik and Co.

Gary Wilder, Kingswood’s group chief executive officer believed Mr Phlipot’s skills would be highly useful for the wealth manager as it aims to create further opportunities for growth.

He said: “I am thrilled to welcome Leigh to Kingswood. His significant experience and expertise in working with intermediaries and clients will help us identify, grow and enhance our business propositions as we look to generate new sales opportunities and drive growth. Leigh is joining Kingswood at a time when the firm is looking to further expand in the intermediary space and we very much look forward to utilising his skills.”

The latest appointment comes during a busy period for the wealth manager. Earlier this month, it announced the acquisition of WFI Financial, a regional financial planning business based in Sheffield. This represents a continuation of the wealth manager’s expansion efforts in the midlands and north of England. On completion, the group will have over 5,500 active clients and approximately £2.5 billion of assets under management and advice.