Wealth management firm Saltus has appointed Kathryn Kendall as Chief People Officer to attract and retain the talent needed to realise its ambitious growth plans.
In 2022, the firm – which employs more than 200 people and manages client assets of more than £3.1.bn – acquired London-based Higgins Fairbairn Advisory LLP (HFA), and wealth management firm NSL Wealth, as well as winning ‘best financial planner to work for’ at the Professional Adviser 2022 awards.
Throughout 2023, Saltus will continue its growth trajectory, and Kathryn has been brought onboard to oversee all things people and culture during this period of fast growth, while ensuring the company maintains and builds on its award-winning culture.
Kathryn has more than 20 years’ experience in HR, starting her career at the University of Portsmouth and holding a number of senior roles, including Head of HR at Candyking UK.
In 2014, she joined employee benefits and experience platform, Benefex, as Head of HR, and worked her way up to HR Director and then Chief People Officer, where she played a key role in growing the organisation from a £9m to £40m turnover business, having more than tripled headcount to 500, and managed two successful acquisitions.
Kathryn will use her wealth of experience to support Saltus’ growth strategy, ensuring the successful integration of these new businesses, while maintaining Saltus’ excellent company culture.
Speaking about her appointment, Kathryn said: “I have been hugely impressed by the speed of growth at Saltus, and from my very first meeting with the team, the standout culture and huge opportunities ahead really shone through.
“Rapid growth is really exciting, but it’s also where probably the biggest challenge is – we need to ensure we retain the heart of the Saltus culture whilst moving at speed, and that is something I’m absolutely passionate about ensuring we deliver by developing our people strategy and creating consistently amazing experiences for our people.”
Jon Macintosh, Managing Partner at Saltus, added: “Kathryn has a really solid track record of leading HR teams within fast growth businesses and of building out the employee brand, which will help us attract and retain the best talent.
“She also brings huge amounts of energy and enthusiasm, and a genuine love for what she does. Kathryn is integral to the success of our growth plans and will be a huge asset to the team.”