Wealth manager Tilney has hired a former professional footballer to head up the development of its advice service for sports professionals.
The national advice firm has appointed Simon Andrews as director for business development in its sport service, as part of the company's growth plans in the north west and drive to bolster its client base of sporting professionals.
Mr Andrews played for Manchester United and Wigan Athletic between 1985 and 1991 and until recently worked at the St James's Place academy as its senior engagement manager, before leaving the company in April.
During his 28-year-career in financial services the former footballer also spent two decades at St James's Place as a business acquisition executive, recruiting financial planners and advisers with a particular focus in the north west.
Mr Andrews said: "My passion is to help sportspeople make the best possible decisions for both their finances and their well-being.
"As with many sporting professionals, my career came to an end at an early age and I decided to make the transition to a second career in financial services.
"I want to be in a position to help those who need financial advice and wealth management during and following their playing careers."
Tilney has a number of financial planners who predominately focus on advising professional sportspeople, with the company promising discretion to high-profile clients.
Often the focus is on retirement planning after what can be a relatively short career.
Mr Andrews added: "Tilney already supports a growing number of sports professional clients and this provides a really strong foundation to build upon further. I am delighted to have this opportunity."
Bill Price, managing director of investment management at Tilney, said: "Over the course of his career in financial services, Simon has built a hugely impressive network of both current and former sportspeople, as well as being extremely highly-regarded with introducers, such as solicitors and accountants.
"As we look to develop our business in the north west, his expertise will be invaluable and we are delighted to have him on board."
rachel.mortimer@ft.com
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