deVere Group, one of the world’s largest independent financial services and advisory organisations, has today announced the appointment of John McKellar as General Manager of its deVere Acuma brand in the UAE.

 

He joins after more than 11 years at Friends Provident International, where he was the firm’s Regional Sales Manager for more than three years.  

 

Mr McKellar, who will start his new role with immediate effect, will report directly to deVere Group CEO and founder Nigel Green, who had himself been heading up the operations since November 2017.

 

Based in deVere Acuma’s Marina Plaza office in Dubai Marina, John McKellar’s primary responsibility is supporting the business through change.  

 

He comments: “In 2020 there are plans for innovative changes within the business. For example, the launch of dynamic, market-leading digital solutions and the ability to provide our clients access to a wider range of products and services. There will also be the integration of the eagerly anticipated changes in UAE regulations.

 

“deVere has consistently been recognised for its achievements. My aspiration is to ensure the business continues to be recognised for its innovations, service excellence and the value we add our clients when planning for their financial future.”

 

Of the appointment, Nigel Green notes: “John is a client-focused, forward-thinking and adaptable manager with a proven record of leadership and building relationships. 

 

“This all makes him an ideal fit into our company – especially at a time when we’re seeking to grow the business and evolve to meet changing client expectations, market conditions and advancing technologies in this next decade and beyond.

 

“We’re extremely pleased to welcome John to the helm of deVere Acuma in the UAE, which is consistently one of our best-performing regions. I look forward to working closely with him.  

 

“His appointment will also allow me to further focus on developing other areas of the organisation in order to galvanise and enhance our position as one of the world’s largest and most innovative names in financial advisory, financial services and fintech.”

 

Mr McKellar concludes: “The opportunity to work with and learn from Nigel Green, the most successful pioneer within our industry was a huge driver in my decision to join the company.

 

“With the high calibre of personnel throughout the entire organisation, deVere Group is incomparably better prepared to effectively deal with any industry changes and it is exciting to be part of such a forward thinking company.”