Pioneering Bristol financial planning firm Paradigm Norton founder Barry Horner is to step down as CEO next April, 24 years after founding the multi award-winning business.
Barry, pictured, who has long championed a responsible approach to business, will be replaced in the role by Philippa Hann, a lawyer who has been a non-executive director of Paradigm Norton for the past 18 months. 
Philippa, pictured below, a partner in the Bristol office of national law firm Clarke Wlllmott, has spent 20 years specialising in negligence claims against large financial institutions.
Paradigm Norton, which employs 92 staff and has clients’ funds under management worth £1.39bn, described the move as a tactical leadership transition, with Philippa set to guide it into its next phase of growth and innovation.
In 2019 it became an employee ownership trust saying at the time that it would futureproof the business against senior shareholder retirements and provide stability and security for both clients and the team. Some 80% of the company’s shares were sold to the trust.
Later the same year it obtained the acclaimed B Corporation status in recognition of its ethical commitment to build for the longer term and was also named Adviser Firm of the Year at the Money Marketing Awards – one of 26 industry accolades the firm has received. 
While transition to employee-owned status addressed the future ownership of the firm, which has its headquarters in Pill and offices in London, Exeter and Torquay, its board recognised the need for a comprehensive leadership succession plan.
With guidance from an external corporate governance expert, its main board, the employee trust board and its executive committee took part in an extensive review in the search for a new CEO.
Philippa, who as the head of litigation at Clarke Willmott leads a team of more than120 professionals, said: “My journey into the financial services sector has been developed over two decades as a lawyer and is driven by a deep commitment to excellence, integrity and client satisfaction.
“I believe that the core values of both law and financial services are closely aligned – trust, precision and a relentless pursuit of the best outcomes.
“Together, we will build on our strong foundation, embrace innovation and navigate the complexities of the financial world with confidence and clarity.
Barry, who will become part-time chair of the main board after stepping down as CEO and will focus on attracting new clients, added: “I cannot imagine handing over the CEO mantle to anyone better equipped and more qualified for the job than Philippa.
“Philippa brings a wealth of knowledge of the profession, strong leadership skills, and a passion for client service. I am hugely confident that she will guide the firm towards continued success and exceptional service delivery – the hallmark of our relationship with clients.”
