Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research, announces the appointment of John Lester as a Business Development Director bolstering its sales team. He joins from Investec Asset Management where he was Sales Director of strategic partnerships for 6 years.

At Square Mile, John will be responsible for developing consulting business and managed portfolio services with financial advisers, life companies and platforms, as well as managing client relationships.

Richard Romer-Lee, Square Mile's Managing Director, said: "We are thrilled to welcome John to the team as his extensive experience and energy will contribute significantly to our next phase of growth."

John brings over 24 years' experience in financial services to Square Mile having started his career in banking before running sales teams within various life investment and asset management firms. He has held the positions of Head of Strategic Partners at Neptune Investment Management and Associate Director, Financial Institutions at HSBC Asset Management and has worked extensively with financial advisers and life companies in the UK, Europe, the Middle East, Far East and Southern Africa.

John also holds a BSc (Open) degree in Strategy and Economics from the Open University, the Certificate in Financial Planning (CII) as is a member of the Personal Finance Society (PFS) and the Institute of Directors (IoD).