Sesame is best known for operating the largest appointed representative network in the UK with around 3,000 advisers. The network will continue to operate under the Sesame brand.

Sesame is renowned for being a forward thinking and market-leading network and was recently awarded the accolade of best network at the Money Marketing awards. Visit the website »

Bankhall is the largest directly regulated services business in the UK and the business will continue to operate with its own team and distinct propositions. Sesame has also been active in the directly regulated market since 2002 when it launched Sesame Direct, which has steadily grown to become one of the leading players. Sesame Direct will become part of the new operation, with Bankhall strengthening its market leading position and supporting over 1,500 firms. Visit the website »

Premier Mortgage Services (PMS) is part of the Bankhall Group and operates the largest mortgage club for directly regulated mortgage brokers in the UK. This business will continue to operate under the PMS brand. In 2008, the combined operations of the new group generated over £45 billion in mortgage applications. Visit the website »

Ivan's early career was spent in the large US information technology company, Unisys. From 1991 to 1995 he built up and ran the healthcare systems division of ACT Group before ACT was acquired by Misys in April 1995.

Ivan was Chief Executive of a number of Misys software businesses until he was appointed Chief Executive of the financial services division in 1996 (this included the IFA networks and general insurance operation). Ivan led the strategy of consolidation to create the largest distributor of Financial Services in the UK. In 2002 he took over as CEO of Misys Banking Systems, a global software technology business employing 3,000 people and supporting 1,400 financial institutions worldwide and became a member of the Misys plc Board.

Ivan was appointed Chairman of Sesame in June 2007. He is also a member of the AIFA council and was appointed Deputy Chairman of AIFA in October 2008. Ivan is also Chairman of FDM Group plc, an AIM-listed IT training and services company, and a Non Executive Director of 1st The Exchange following the acquisition of a majority stake in the business by Lloyds Developments Capital in August 2009.

Ivan is a keen golfer and avid rugby union supporter. He is a member of Leicester Tigers RFC and a follower of England rugby.

Stephen has over 30 years experience within financial services and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers.

He joined Sesame in January 2002 from Halifax plc where he held a number of senior positions in financial services and mortgages. Prior to Halifax, Stephen worked for Clerical Medical Investment Group.

Stephen was appointed as Sales Director for the Sesame Group in December 2003 and took on the role of Sales and Marketing Director in December 2005. In his role as Chief Operating Officer for the Sesame and Bankhall Group, Stephen is responsible for the performance of the three operating businesses, Sesame, Bankhall and PMS, development of the Group's brands, as well as managing all of Sesame's external relationships with product providers and lenders.

Although living in exile in Yorkshire, Stephen remains a steadfast supporter of Derby County and a passionate follower of England cricket.