Tributes paid to Nucleus account director Mike Wallis

Wallis was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2018 and sadly succumbed to the disease on 21 May. 

Before joining Nucleus in September 2010 as the company's first regional business development director, Wallis held senior sales roles at Skandia and was a national account manager at Prudential before that.

At Nucleus Wallis focused on adviser relationships in London and the South East before being promoted to account director in 2015, managing the platform's sales team across the south of England.

Nucleus CEO David Ferguson said: "Mike was a giant and made a massive contribution to our business and to our lives. He combined huge professionalism, a commitment to always aiming for better and an infectious energy to great effect, quickly becoming a much-loved colleague who would help drive us from £2bn in assets under administration toward the business we are today. He was a rare kind of individual, one who stood out but also fitted in."

Nucleus chief customer officer Barry Neilson added: "From the moment I met Mike, it was obvious his friendly energy and enthusiasm would make him a great cultural fit for Nucleus, and so it would turn out. In the 10 years that have passed, and even after his diagnosis, he was always a brilliant ambassador for our business, never failing to live our values to the full.

"Even when I saw him recently, during such a challenging time for him and his family, the smile was never far from his face and the laugh never far from his lips - just as many of us will remember him."

Nucleus is asking for people to send in their memories and photos of Mike so the firm can combine them and pass them onto his family. Ferguson said he would like to hear from as many people as possible. You can send them to: [email protected]. 

'True Gent'

A number of financial advisers and former colleagues also paid tribute and offered kind words about Wallis.

gbi2 managing director Graham Bentley said: "I am aghast to hear of Mike Wallis's passing. Having worked with Mike at Skandia, I could not but praise his wisdom, empathy and care for clients and especially colleagues. ‘True Gent' is an overused descriptor but it applies to Mike particularly."

Solomons IFA principal and director Dominic Thomas also paid tribute to Wallis: "So sad to hear about Mike Wallis. He was one of those guys that reminded me of various long-term friends. I knew him from Skandia and Nucleus and I'm sure all those that worked with him will have very fond memories. He will be missed by many."

Maven Adviser CEO Andy Hart added to the chorus of respect and admiration for Wallis. He said: "Such sad news from Nucleus that Mike Wallis passed away in May. What an absolute gent he was. Always smiling, always wanting to learn. He will be greatly missed by our profession. R.I.P Mike."

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