The international provider of investment solutions has created a new role to focus on financial advisors.

Old Mutual International, part of the UK's Old Mutual Wealth, has appointed Mike Leeson as head of distribution development, as part of a drive in the advisor market.

Leeson, who is currently the firm’s head of sales in Hong Kong and North East Asia, will move back to the UK for the newly-created role. His appointment comes in response to a surge in demand from financial advisors in several markets for support to help them transition their business and adapt to changing regulation and customer needs, said Old Mutual International.

Having been a senior member of the distribution team in Hong Kong for the past eight years, Leeson will now work across the international business leading transformation activities. He will also manage relationships with global key accounts.

Following Leeson’s move, Mark Christal, the firm’s general manager in Hong Kong, will expand his role to become head of region, North East Asia, and chief executive for Hong Kong. He has been with the group for 20 years, spending 11 of these in Hong Kong.

“We want to lead the way in helping international advisors transition and evolve their business models for the future. Mike’s knowledge of the international business and his passion for supporting advisors and raising the bar for customers makes him an ideal candidate for this role,” said Marcel Bradshaw, sales director at Old Mutual International.

“I am pleased Mark Christal is stepping in to take full responsibility for the NE Asia region and building on his Hong Kong responsibilities. He has great leadership qualities combined with expert knowledge of the market and the needs of the local advisors.”