Fitzpatricks appoints group CEO


Fitzpatricks Group has appointed Jodie Blackledge as chief executive, succeeding founder John Woodley who held the role for over a decade, as the firm focuses on growth via strategic partnerships.
Woodley would now work as executive chair while Matt Fogarty would be chief executive of Fitzpatrick Private Wealth.
Blackledge had previously worked as chief operating officer and chief financial officer since 2018. She had also worked at The Trust Company and AUB Group.
In her new role, she would be focused on growth via strategic partnerships in the wealth industry as well as attracting more women into the industry.
Woodley said: “Jodie’s leadership of the business on a day-to-day basis will allow me to take on a new role as executive chair, a position that enables me to focus more time on mentoring lead advisers.
“Helping advisers build great business that tangibly enriches the lives of clients is at the heart of what we do, and we are well-positioned to best deliver value-driven advice to clients through our client-centric, goals-based advice model. I am excited to take on this new role and confident I leave the group chief executive role in the very capable hands of Jodie, who will help build the next part of our journey as a national advisory and wealth firm.”
Blackledge said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as the new chief executive of the group and I am looking forward to shaping the future for our firm as the role of high-quality, client-centric advice becomes ever more vital.
“I look forward to building our national presence and our lead adviser cohort, but also continuing our commitment in providing a high-level of support and mentoring to women by actively encouraging the growth of female professionals within the group and beyond.”
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