Mark Duckworth to lead Wealth at Work as David Cassidy steps down

Wealth at Work has appointed Mark Duckworth as chief executive officer, marking a leadership change at the workplace financial wellbeing provider after more than 20 years under founder David Cassidy.

Duckworth will take up the role on 1 December 2026, succeeding Cassidy, who has led the business since its inception in 2004.

Wealth at Work provides workplace financial education, guidance and advice to millions of employees across more than 700 employers, including Marks & Spencer, BT, Centrica and the NHS.

The wider group also advises individual clients and manages more than £4.5bn of assets, supported by more than 100 employed advisers.

The appointment comes as financial wellbeing continues to grow in importance for UK employers, with organisations increasingly looking at how financial education, guidance and access to advice can support employees facing pressures ranging from day-to-day money management to pensions and retirement planning.

Duckworth joins with more than 30 years’ experience in financial services and has previously served as chief executive of Schroders Personal Wealth and Openwork.

At Schroders Personal Wealth, he oversaw the growth of a business with more than 300 advisers and 60,000 clients, which recorded £101m of profit in 2025.

The leadership change signals the next stage of Wealth at Work’s growth strategy, with the company highlighting both broader access to financial advice and the role of technology in developing its workplace offering.

David Gagie, chair of Wealth at Work, said: “Mark is an outstanding appointment for Wealth at Work, combining deep sector expertise, a proven track record of scaling businesses and a clear view of how technology will continue to help transform the Wealth at Work offering. 

“The Board is grateful to David for his vision and stewardship, which leaves the business in a strong position as the need for workplace financial wellbeing, particularly at retirement, continues to grow.”

Duckworth said: “The business has a clear and important purpose, improving financial wellbeing and helping more people access high-quality financial education, guidance and advice through the workplace. 

“With demand for trusted guidance and advice continuing to grow, Wealth at Work is exceptionally well positioned to support employers and individuals at scale. I look forward to working with the Board, the management team, colleagues and clients to continue developing the business to broaden access to financial education, guidance and advice, and deliver great outcomes for clients.”

Stuart Payne, currently chief financial officer, will serve as interim chief executive until Duckworth takes up the role in December.

Following Duckworth’s arrival, Payne will move into a combined chief financial and operations officer role.