Aztec Group has announced that Sean Hagerty, who has served on the Group Board as Chair since June 2025, will take on the role of Executive Chairman and interim Chief Executive Officer.
It comes as Kathryn Purves steps down as Chief Executive Officer after five years.
Ms Purves oversaw Aztec’s growth strategy, which the firm describe as “well underway with strong momentum across the business”.
Her replacement, Mr Hagerty, has served as the Chair of the Aztec Group Board since June this year, is the former Chief Executive of Vanguard Europe, and has over 25 years of experience in leading global investment and fund services businesses.
He spent 27 years at Vanguard, overseeing growth and expansion into key markets.
Edward Moore, Founder of Aztec Group, thanked Ms Purves for her five years of service as Non-Executive Director, Chair, and CEO.
“In the last few years we have overseen a period of meaningful transformation at Aztec, and the Group is well positioned for continued success.
“I would like to thank Kathryn for everything she has brought to the business over the last five years in her role as a Non-Executive Director, then Chair and for the last two and a half years as CEO.”
He continued: “With a strong foundation and momentum in place, now is the right moment to transition to the next phase of leadership from founder-led to founder-inspired as Aztec approaches its twenty-fifth anniversary.”
The firm has confirmed a search for a permanent replacement for Ms Purves is underway.
“I’m excited to support Aztec in my interim role as it continues its impressive evolution into a multi- asset class, multi-product, global business,” said Mr Hagerty, adding “The Group is uniquely positioned to deliver best-in-class service and build on its role as a premium global partner to private markets clients.”
He went on to thank his predecessor.
“I would like to thank Kathryn for her leadership and our effective handover period. I look forward to working with Edward, the founder of Aztec, the Board, the leadership team, and our talented colleagues across the business to capture the opportunities ahead.”