Edgewater Associates has embarked upon a significant new expansion programme with the appointment of three new members to its financial consultancy team. Rob O’Connor, Sid Ludbe and Heather Roberts have been appointed to the Isle of Man based financial services provider as Senior Financial Consultant and Client Managers, respectively, in a measure which reinforces the company’s offering during a period of change for the industry.
Rob O’Connor joins Edgewater as a Senior Financial Consultant drawing upon 24 years in the financial services industry in roles as diverse as Senior Business Development Manager, Senior Relationship Manager, and Senior IFA/Wealth Manager advising both private and corporate clients in the domestic and international arenas. Having travelled extensively during his career, Mr O’Connor benefits from an extensive portfolio and has gained a number of professional certifications including qualifications from the Chartered Institute of Bankers in Economics and Banking Law, and a Level 4 Diploma gained in adherence to Retail Distribution Review (RDR) requirements with the Chartered Institute of Insurers. A highly motivated and professional individual with a proven track record of achievement in compliant sales, private banking, wealth management and senior management, Mr O’Connor looks forward to what he describes as “the fantastic opportunity to meet new challenges, build long-term client relationships, and get the job done”, stating:
“Today’s financial services industry is based on the solid, open and transparent provision of services to both private and corporate clients, and for an ever-increasing range of services. Edgewater is a company that was built on these principles from the start, and I am proud to join them at this important juncture.”
A graduate in hospitality and management, with 6 years’ experience in international and retail banking, and corporate and business banking. Sid Ludbe draws upon extensive client relations experience to join Edgewater Associates as a Client Manager. Mr Ludbe will assume responsibility for the provision of full administrative support to Edgewater financial consultancy team, as well as existing and new clients. A positive and passionate individual, with a sincere desire to help others with a knowledgeable, detail oriented and responsible approach to business, Mr Ludbe is currently studying towards achieving the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, with the goal of also reaching QCF Level 4 standard in accordance with RDR requirements. Commenting on his appointment, Mr Ludbe said:
“Joining Edgewater is an invaluable opportunity to help others as a professional. My previous experience furnishes me well with the skills to meet these challenges. The major difference is the amount of in-depth procedures to take on board, but this is to be expected when joining any new business. There will, of course, be challenges, but you never stop learning in life and I am sure I will find my way.”
Heather Roberts celebrates her appointment as Client Manager after 18 years in similar roles, the last five of which were spent in a managerial capacity overseeing both Isle of Man and Gibraltar based client portfolios. Ms Roberts began her financial services career as Office Manager, before moving into the independent financial advisory industry as a Senior Business Associate in 1996. Since then, Ms Roberts has worked in such roles as Technical Associate and Team Leader, with a process and compliance driven approach to large portfolio management that furnishes her well for her new role with Edgewater. Ms Roberts will provide administrative and technical support to a team of financial consultants, including day to day relationship management, as well as provide high quality financial planning reporting.
Commenting on her appointment, Ms Roberts said: “Working with new people in a new environment and getting to know new clients is an exciting prospect which brings its own challenges. However, I look forward to drawing upon Edgewater’s resources as a larger company with a diverse service base to meet these challenges and continue to provide a consistently high level of service to IFAs and clients.”
Commenting on the raft of new Edgewater Associates appointments, Director Sandra Cardwell said: “The success of Edgewater Associates is the result of a fine balance between our independent status, which allows us to research a wide range of pensions, investments, mortgages and insurance products, and our in-depth knowledge of the local market. Each of our three new appointments is part of a concerted expansion strategy that bears these crucial principles in mind. Ours is an industry that demands up-to-date expertise from highly qualified and committed personnel, and I am confident in the ability of each of our new team members to meet these challenges. I would like to welcome Rob, Sid and Heather to Edgewater and wish them every success with us in the future.”
Photo - Pictured are Rob O'Connor, Sandra Cardwell, Heather Roberts and Sid Ludbe
