St. James’s Place today announces the appointment of Rio Stedford as Investment Product Strategy Director.
With experience growing and managing wealth management divisions for multiple firms, Rio will be responsible for driving the long-term product strategy of SJP’s investment division. This will include defining a clear roadmap for the current product suite, as well as identifying opportunities for development and expansion, as the firm continues to broaden investment options available to clients.
Rio joins SJP with 15 years of experience in financial planning and wealth management – most recently holding prominent positions at Finura and Quilter Cheviot. Rio brings experience leading wealth planning and cross-functional teams, as well as shaping client centric proposition and product developments, informed by her collaboration with financial planners and a deep understanding of the advice landscape. Her experience also extends to the design and delivery of innovative growth strategies tailored to high-net-worth individuals and family offices.
This hire represents the next phase of growth for SJP’s investment team, following the appointment of Lea Blinoff as Director of Investment Solutions earlier this year and the expansion of its flagship Polaris range to include four new Polaris Multi-Index funds.
Kunal Oak, Director of Investment Products at St. James’s Place, said: “We’re excited to welcome Rio to our growing investment product team at SJP, marking another important step in our journey as a company. Her track record has always been oriented around driving strategic growth and making a real impact that aligns with client needs. This will be vital for our clients and Partners, as we look to strengthen our product suite and deliver strong client outcomes.”
Rio Stedford, Investment Product Strategy Director at St. James’s Place, added: “I am delighted to be joining SJP at such an exciting and innovative time for the business, applying my expertise aligning product and proposition strategy with the evolving needs of financial planners and their clients. From continuing to build out its index tracking investment strategies - as seen with the launch of the Polaris Multi-Index funds last year - to exploring new asset classes and markets, I’m certain the focus on diversification will allow us to capitalise on the opportunities that emerge in 2026 and beyond.”