Paul Sweaton

Executive Chair

Against the backdrop of the 2008 financial crisis, Paul co-founded Vision IFP. His courage and conviction laid the foundations for what is today a highly esteemed, award-winning national adviser network. His ambition and entrepreneurial spirit rapidly developed during his career with a global banking organisation, achieving the highest accolade as the UK’s leading Independent Financial Adviser, in recognition of his outstanding credibility built on long term relationships based on trust and results driven success.

Under his leadership, Vision IFP can proudly boast more than £4 Billion in funds under advice, a remarkable achievement for a national network firm of any size. It’s no surprise Paul continued to pick up multiple awards over his 25 years in the financial services industry such as Entrepreneur of the Year and Business Leader of the Year.
Having served as the firms Chief Executive from its inception in 2008 through to 2024, Paul is now responsible for the strategic direction of Vision IFP as Executive Chairman.

Zoe King

Chief Executive Officer

Zoe joined Vision IFP during its critical formative years and soon established herself as a key player in shaping and growing the business to the success it is today. Her industry service spanning over three decades secured the footing for her well-developed understanding of advisers’ requirements in terms of support, goals and objectives. Her carefully considered advice and commitment to seeing Vision’s independent adviser firms reach their business ambitions, has earned her the respect from her peers and colleagues.

As Chief Executive Officer, Zoe has a seat on both the Vision IFP and Vision Investment Portal Boards, where she is not afraid to challenge or draw on her extensive industry knowledge to steer the business further forward. Her responsibilities continue as holder of a Senior Management function for Vision, with the FCA. Zoe’s drive to connect the day-to-day functions between Compliance and Operations ensures the needs of clients, the business and its’ community of Independent Financial Advisers are met with passion, dedication and good humour.

Richard Jones

Head of Compliance

With over three commendable decades in the compliance consultancy industry, Richard’s accomplished knowledge played a pivotal role in the early developing years of Vision IFP. His compliance expertise formed the foundations to what is today a comprehensive compliance framework that successfully serves a range of solutions for Vision’s Independent financial advisers, protecting their business and their clients from complicated regulatory moments of change.

Sitting on both the Compliance and Executive Committees, Richard gives analytical insight to help navigate today’s unavoidable regulatory challenges to allow for further successful growth. With integrity, professionalism and passion, Richard leads his small but highly dedicated team to deliver first class support through a culture of positive compliance.

Ian Gagg

Chief of Staff

Ian’s expert knowledge and experience across the retail, high net worth and commercial sectors were formed during his exceptionally successful career in a global banking institution. His comprehensive understanding of our Independent adviser’s unique business models, is the driver of his commitment to empower his team of industry professionals with the tools to support the adviser network. Whether the pursuit is growth, efficiency or seamless succession planning, his mission is to successfully execute their desired outcomes.

Holding a seat on both the Compliance and Executive Committees, Ian seizes the opportunity to advocate for services and solutions from an adviser-centered approach. His determination and infectious positivity add to his reputation for putting the goals of the network first. A real peoples person, Ian is devoted to establishing strong and long-lasting relationships built on trust and confidence.

Phil Towner

Head of Wealth

Phil Towner is Head of Wealth at Vision Independent Financial Planning, where he leads the strategic development and growth of the firm’s wealth management proposition. With a strong background in financial services and leadership roles across the sector, Phil brings a wealth of experience to the role, having previously held senior positions in larger organisations before joining Vision.

Since joining the business, Phil has played a key role in supporting advisers and regional teams, with a focus on driving growth, enhancing the client experience, and maintaining the highest standards of regulatory oversight. His promotion to Head of Wealth reflects both his deep understanding of the advice landscape and his ability to deliver results through collaboration, innovation, and a clear strategic vision.

Phil is passionate about helping advisers grow their businesses sustainably, and is committed to ensuring Vision remains a leading destination for high-quality financial planners.

Jenifer Hall

Head of Operations

Jenifer Hall leads Vision’s operational strategy and delivery, ensuring the seamless execution of core business functions across the network. With over 10 years of service at Vision, she brings deep institutional knowledge and a proven track record in network support and risk oversight.

Jenifer plays a pivotal role in maintaining operational resilience, driving process improvements, and supporting adviser services across the business. As chair of the Continuous Improvement Committee, she is instrumental in coordinating cross-departmental initiatives that enhance service quality and efficiency.

She also contributes to Vision’s cultural and people-focused initiatives, including her role as an internal contact for the Vision CARE programme, reflecting her dedication to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace.

Her leadership is defined by a collaborative approach, attention to detail, and a commitment to upholding Vision’s high standards of operational excellence.

Sam Fidock

Head of IT

Sam joined Vision in 2012, rising through the ranks, he was appointed Head of IT in 2024.

In his role, Sam oversees all areas of technology, including software development, cyber security, and IT operations – building an award-winning team that have set new standards of excellence within the financial services sector. His leadership combines deep technical expertise with a clear understanding of how technology fuels business growth, resilience, and an exceptional client experience.

Under Sam’s leadership, Vision has undergone a remarkable transformation. What began as a business with minimal IT infrastructure has evolved into a tech-enabled firm with an fully bespoke CRM system, Client App, and a fully integrated Client Portal. He has been instrumental in defining Vision’s IT strategy and leading complex change management initiatives that have reshaped how the company supports its advisers and clients.

Beyond his technical achievements, Sam is passionate about developing people. He fosters a culture of empowerment through training, mentoring, and a belief in using technology as a tool to enable – not replace – human potential.

With a proven ability to execute at scale, Sam blends visionary thinking with hands-on leadership. In an industry where execution is everything, his consistent delivery and strategic foresight have earned him a reputation as a trusted, forward-thinking leader.

Jake Edwards

Head of Finance and Accounts

Jake is the Head of Finance and Accounts at Vision. 

Craig Richards

Head of VIP

Craig Richards is Head of VIP (Vision Investment Portal) at Vision Independent Financial Planning, where he leads the strategic development and oversight of Vision’s investment proposition. With over 30 years of experience in financial services, Craig has held senior roles in private client advice and supervision within global banking institutions in London’s City and West End.

Since joining Vision in 2016, Craig has been instrumental in building and supporting a team of high-performing advisers. He has served on the Vision Investment Portal Committee since 2020 and has led due diligence on specialist tax products and services. His leadership has helped shape the delivery of market-leading performance data and enhanced the quality of client portfolio reporting.

Known for his attention to detail and collaborative approach, Craig is a driving force behind continuous improvement across the VIP platform and its panel of partner firms. His deep technical knowledge and commitment to excellence make him a trusted figure within the business and beyond