Sharpe will provide top-level leadership and work alongside Tom Evans, managing director, and the management board to help drive the strategy and growth plans of the business.
Sharpe has over 35 years of senior executive and board experience having worked for a number of leading financial services organisations in the UK, Europe and the Middle East including CEO of Portman Building Society, the third largest building society at that time.
He has also held board level positions at Barclays Bank plc Pension Fund and Vautex UK Ltd, a joint venture between Barclays and HSBC, amongst others and a number of FTSE 250 listed companies including LSL Properties plc and George Wimpey plc.
He brings a wealth of experience in strategy and planning, corporate governance, risk management, audit and regulation.
He has also held appointments with the UK Treasury Steering Group on Mortgage Securitisation, the UK Association of Mortgage Lenders, IMLA Europe, and been a member of the Council of Mortgage Lenders and the Building Societies Council.
Tom Evans, managing director, Stonehaven, said: “We are very privileged that Robert will be joining Stonehaven.
“His experience across the financial services sector means that he is well placed to advise us on our ambitious growth plans. We are entering an unprecedented era for the UK retirement sector as we look to the major changes to retirement planning which come into effect in April 2015.
“Adding further strength to our senior leadership team will ensure we are strongly positioned to capitalise on the uptake of interest in lifetime products we expect as retirees gain more control of their pension pots.”
Sharpe added: “I am very pleased to be joining Stonehaven at this exciting time for the company. Innovation and customer service are at the heart of Stonehaven’s strong reputation and I look forward to working alongside Tom and the team to further develop and position the company for future growth.”
Parent firm MGM Advantage Group’s chief executive, Chris Evans added: “Robert has a broad wealth of experience in the sector and brings a depth of expertise, leadership, a record of success and integrity.
“We warmly welcome him to the team and look forward to working with him in executing our ambitious growth agenda.”
