AIM-listed UK SIPP provider Curtis Banks said in a stock market statement today (9 August) that "Will Self has stepped down as chief executive and an executive director of the group board with immediate effect".

The company said it was commencing a search process to appoint a new chief executive. In the interim David Barral, who was appointed to the board in May 2022, will become executive chairman.

Barral said: "On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Will for the significant contribution he has made to Curtis Banks and wish him the very best for the future. Whilst the market backdrop remains difficult, we have the right bench strength to navigate these markets and take advantage of the opportunities ahead of us. We look forward to updating our shareholders on our financial and operational performance at our Interim results on 8 September 2022".

Self joined Suffolk Life in 2003, becoming managing director in 2013 and became group CEO in January 2019. He was appointed to the FCA Smaller Business Practitioner Panel in October 2020 and represents the life and pensions sector within the FCA. 

Barral has over 40 years of experience in financial services having been CEO of Aviva UK and Ireland Life. Previous positions at Aviva included sales director, marketing director and chief operating officer. 

He is also currently non-executive director Chair of Rowanmoor Group and non-executive director of The Pensions Superfund.

Previous non-executive roles have included chair of Embark Group, senior independent director of LV Group, non-Executive director of LV General Insurance, independent customer champion at Quilter and chair of Virgin Wines.