Perth-based Hewitt will drive new business across the country and has already engaged with a significant number of ex-Honister adviser practices seeking a new AR relationship.
Prior to Honister, Hewitt was financial services director at Nexus Financial Planning, having worked previously at companies including St James Place, Pearl Assurance and Legal & General.
Hewitt will report to Keith Atkinson, Openwork’s strategy director, business acquisition, who has been leading its engagement with former Honister advisers.
Atkinson said: “Billy has great experience in this market and will be a valuable addition to the team. Our policy is very much centred on recruiting quality advisers and Billy will play a key role in engaging with individuals and firms whose priorities are good advice and profitability.
“Our quality-led approach is clearly evidenced by the fact that, while we have now taken on 60 former Honister advisers - largely through our IFA proposition 2plan wealth management - we have rejected an additional 30, refusing one application for every two accepted.”
Hewitt added: “Having looked closely at the major networks it was quickly apparent that Openwork’s overall proposition was by far the most compelling. Not only does it offer a fantastic IFA business in 2plan, it also offers the strongest restricted proposition in the market. Having the scale and strength to deliver on its strategy sets Openwork apart and I’m pleased to be joining a business with the ability to provide outstanding support and services to quality advisers.”
