By Intense Life Desires 
New Vanguard recruit Gillian Hepburn
Vanguard has appointed Gillian Hepburn as head of adviser solutions in the UK as it looks to broaden its adviser solutions offering.
Ms Hepburn joins from the Schroders-owned network Benchmark Capital where she was commercial director.
Benchmark is the adviser solutions arm of Schroders.
Ms Hepburn will be responsible for driving the development of Vanguard’s model portfolio services, managing relationships with platform partners and overseeing the broadening of the adviser solutions offering.
Ms Hepburn has over 30 years of experience in financial services, with previous roles including senior positions in business development, intermediary solutions and strategic partnerships.
She will report to Doug Abbott, head of UK client group at Vanguard, who also joined the fund giant from Schroders.
Mr Abbott said: “Over the past couple of years, we have invested heavily in both product solutions and research and insights for UK advisers. Gillian’s experience and insight will be invaluable as we continue to expand our support for financial professionals.”
Vanguard took the top two most recommended single asset investment solutions, as well as two of the top five multi-asset propositions in 2024, according to data from Defaqto Engage.
The US-headquartered investment giant launched its first UK model portfolio service in 2022, which is currently available across 11 adviser platforms. It has also built custom model portfolios for UK advisers since 2023. Last year it launched its Adviser Research Centre to provide insights and advocacy for financial advisers.
The fund giant claims to work with over 5,000 adviser firms in the UK.