A shake-up at investment platform AJ Bell but founder has no plans of leaving

Andy Bell has no plans to retire from the investment platform he founded after speculation prompted by a shake-up of the top team. 

Michael Summersgill, the chief financial officer, will step into a new role of deputy chief executive. Another post – chief operating officer – has been created which will be filled by finance director Roger Stott. And it has appointed Margaret Hassall as nonexecutive director. 

Lancashire entrepreneur Bell, 55, who launched the firm in 1995, said: ‘I am as enthusiastic as I have ever been about the prospects and looking forward to working with Michael, Roger, Margaret and the rest of the team as we embark on our next phase of growth.’