Openwork has named Rob Barker CEO
The Openwork Partnership (Openwork) has named Rob Barker as CEO.
Barker, who was most recently Alvarez & Marshal head of insurance, wealth and asset management EMEA, has 30 years of industry experience.
Prior to joining Alvarez & Marshal, Barker spent ten years at Aviva including as CEO of wealth, Aviva Health chair and protection & health CEO.
Barker is set to take up the CEO role at Openwork in September. Openwork interim CEO Philip Howell will resume his position as executive chairman following Barker coming on board.
Duncan Crocker, who took on the Openwork chair role when Bain Capital took up to a 30% stake in the business in May with a £120m investment, will return to a senior independent director role.
The Bain Capital deal was first announced in October 2024, when 98% of partners voted in favour of the private equity house's investment in Openwork.
Howell pointed to 2025 proving a "momentous year for The Openwork Partnership as we embark on an exciting chapter with the support of Bain Capital".
"The group is now primed for growth on all fronts with a particular focus on increasing adviser headcount, introducing new technology solutions and facilitating partner succession," Howell said. "These form the bedrock of our strategy to support more advisers in providing lifetime advice to more clients, and Rob's track record in leading distribution, driving operational efficiency and leveraging innovative technology set him apart as the CEO of choice for us."
Barker added: "I feel privileged to be taking the helm of The Openwork Partnership at a time when it holds so much opportunity.
"The business has a rich history built over decades by its dedicated partners and is defined by its commitment to clients. I am excited by the prospect of working with my new colleagues, our partners and Bain Capital to achieve our full potential."
