‘My focus is to double down on the human-centric side of financial advice’

“My focus is to double down the human-centric side of financial advice to have the greatest possible impact that we possibly can have on our current and future clients ,” said Philippa Hann, the newly appointed chief executive of Paradigm Norton.

Hann is no stranger to the Pill-based finance planning firm where she has been serving as a non-executive director of its board for the last 18 months and will remain in the post till the end of 2024.

On the new appointment Hann said: “I am thrilled to be joining Paradigm Norton Financial Planning as the new CEO in April 2025. 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.”

Paradigm Norton transitioned into an employee-owned firm back in 2019 marking a watershed moment in its history which was further bolstered by the company’s B-Corp accreditation soon after.

“I cannot imagine handing over the CEO mantle to anyone better equipped and more qualified for the job than Philippa,” said the co-founder Barry Horner

While the transition addressed an ownership succession, the board recognised the need for a comprehensive leadership succession plan to align with the fresh trajectory of the firm which led to a rigorous headhunting process for the top job.

The Paradigm Norton’s board unanimously agreed on the appointment of Hann. Prior to joining Paradigm Norton she served as the chief of litigation at Clarke Willmott.

Speaking to Bristol24/7, she said: “My career for the last 20 years has been deeply entwined with the financial services sector. So I think coming from a legal perspective, I have a unique and comprehensive understanding of the regulatory environment of risk management, the challenges faced by financial companies.

“I’ve worked with a number of financial companies, problem solving, strategic thinking, helping them to make informed decisions. And I think all of those will bring it this unique perspective to running a financial firm.”

One of the highlights of her legal career was representing the victims of the British Steel Pension Scheme scandal, where she represented the interests of the steelworkers to recover compensation for losses incurred due to poor financial advice.

“I think I come with essential skills, which I’ve learned as a lawyer, which I can bring over to the financial services sector, and I am supported at paradigm Norton by such a strong and experienced team. And I have every intention of leveraging every bit of skill and knowledge and experience that we have there. I think leadership is about bringing the best out in the team. And that’s exactly what I intend to,” said Hann

The current chief executive of Paradigm Norton, Barry Horner who co-founded the firm back in 2001 expressed his full confidence in Hahn. He said: “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.”

Horner will remain as the chair of the company’s main board and will work part-time, focusing on attracting new clients.

Paradigm Norton transitioned into an employee-owned firm back in 2019 marking a watershed moment in its history

Speaking on the long-term strategy Hann said: “ The long-term strategy is to build on the fantastic success that Paradigm Norton has already experienced and to double down on that human-centric side of financial advice to have the greatest possible impact that we possibly can have on our current and our future clients.”

On Bristol’s position as a sector leader Hann enthused. She said: “It has a proud history of innovation, of success, of green spaces, of the arts and music and sport and finance and technology. I can’t imagine living anywhere else.”

All photos: Paradigm Norton

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