Rathbones has named Simonetta Rigo as its new chief client officer, subject to regulatory approval.

The position is an executive-level role to lead client and adviser proposition development, marketing and client experience.

Rigo will join Rathbones from Evelyn Partners, where she has been group chief marketing officer since 2020.

During this time, she led the firm’s rebrand from Tilney Smith & Williamson following the firms’ merger, and created client, product, brand and marketing strategies aimed at accelerating growth.

She was also the commercial owner and architect of the redesigned Bestinvest.co.uk, which increased to more than £3bn of funds under management during her leadership.

Rigo has 25 years of experience in the financial services sector. She started her career at McKinsey & Company and has since held several positions at American Express, Bupa International, Western Union and Tesco Bank.

She also served on the board of Brewin Dolphin and has been a member of the Surrey Business School Advisory Board since 2016, with the last two years as chair.

Commenting on the appointment, Rathbones group CEO, Paul Stockton, said: “Simonetta is well known for her energy, strong leadership, commitment to the client experience and is a welcome addition to a combined Rathbones business that continues to pursue many growth opportunities ahead.”

Rigo added: This is an exciting time to be joining Rathbones as we look to build the UK’s leading discretionary wealth manager on the back of the combination with IW&I UK.

“Delivering brand experiences that drive great client outcomes and strong commercial results has been my career-long passion and I look forward to working with our clients, advisers and colleagues in this critical role as we build the next chapter of Rathbones’ longstanding history.”

---