Lee Hartley to step down as CEO of Fairstone Group
Lee Hartley, founder and chief executive of Fairstone Group, will step down from his role to become deputy chair from October 1, 2025, nearly 18 years after launching the Sunderland-based business.
The company has confirmed that a successor has been appointed following an extensive search, with an announcement expected in September.
Mr Hartley said: “I’m immensely proud to have built Fairstone from an initial concept through to our position today.
Fairstone CEO Lee Hartley (Image: Supplied)
“It’s easy to talk about numbers, and obviously we’re a business of real scale and significance, but it’s the fact that we’re doing things differently that really puts the shine on the story.
“We have a unique model, we stay true to our values, and we firmly believe that independence and whole of market choice is not an impediment to growth or profitability.”
The incoming chief executive is described as a highly experienced financial services executive with a track record in both national and international operations.
Fairstone has reached significant milestones in recent months, including £20 billion in assets under management and the completion of its 100th sector deal.
Mr Hartley said: “I’m really looking forward to helping guide the business from a new seat.
“We’ve massively improved our senior management team and organisational design over the last 18 months, and this is one of the principal reasons why I’m now able to make this decision.
“We’re in superb shape and we know exactly where we are heading, this feels like the right time and the right decision.”
David Hickey, independent chairman of Fairstone, who welcomed the leadership transition, said: “I’m delighted that Lee will be remaining with the business and will continue to play an active role on the board.
“It’s inevitable that a founder-led business will have to deal with this kind of transition at some stage, and I’m extremely pleased that we’re able to do this in a manner which only strengthens the company.
“Fairstone is quite a unique organisation, we have a fantastic culture and a very distinct strategy – Lee has been the chief architect in both respects, and these are the foundations of the great business that Fairstone has become.”
Fairstone has been working on an expanded long-term business plan and updates to its Downstream Buy Out model.
The firm is aiming to reach £40 billion in client assets by 2030.