Phil McGovern moves to Chairman after 16 years leading the business

MPA Financial Management has announced a change to its senior leadership. Joe McGovern DipPFS has been appointed Chief Executive Officer with effect from 1 October 2026, succeeding Phil McGovern FPFS, who becomes Chairman.

Sixteen years of growth

Phil took over as CEO in January 2010, at the invitation of MPA’s founder, Mike Paul. At the time, MPA was a small Henley-in-Arden practice looking after £41 million on behalf of its clients.

Today, the MPA group looks after close to £1 billion for around 3,500 clients, holds Chartered status, and supports a network of advisers across the Midlands. That growth has been built on long-term relationships, a loyal team and a simple belief that good advice changes lives.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to lead MPA. We’ve come a long way from where we started, and none of it would have been possible without our clients, who have trusted us with their futures, and a team whose loyalty and work ethic have been extraordinary. The sands of time wait for no one, and it’s the right moment for the next generation to take MPA to the next level. I’m not going anywhere – I’ll be here as Chairman to offer guidance, focus on strategy and help MPA keep being the special place it is.” Phil McGovern FPFS, Chairman

The next generation

Over the past four years, Joe has served as MPA’s Head of Advice and then Head of Operations and Strategy, as well as a member of the board, leading the firm’s operations, technology, compliance oversight and growth strategy. As CEO, he takes on responsibility for the day-to-day running of the business and its long-term direction.

“Phil has built something genuinely special, and my job is to protect what makes MPA different while making sure we’re ready for the next decade. That means the same personal relationships and the same standards our clients rely on, backed by better technology, quicker service and a team that keeps getting stronger. Our mantra is Inform. Educate. Inspire. – and that will sit at the heart of every decision we make.” Joe McGovern DipPFS, Chief Executive Officer

What this means for our clients

In short, nothing changes in your day-to-day relationship with us:

• Your adviser and the team supporting you stay the same
• Your service, terms of business and the way you contact us are unchanged
• MPA remains independently owned, with the same values and the same commitment to your financial plan

Phil will also continue to advise his own clients, alongside his new focus on MPA’s future. If Phil is your adviser, you’ll still be dealing with him.

If you have any questions, your adviser will be happy to talk them through.

Thank you

Phil and Joe would like to thank everyone who has been part of the MPA story so far – our clients, our team past and present, our non-executive directors Wenda Field and Rob Leddington, and the many friends of the firm who have offered advice along the way. The next chapter starts now.