About us
In a world seemingly ever more focused on short-term noise and quick hits and fixes, Wealthwise’s calendar of events will bring together the brightest and best of the wealth and asset management sectors to network and exchange ideas in an environment that makes the most efficient use of delegates’ and sponsors’ valuable time and resources; while the Wealthwise website will offer longform interviews and features alongside insight, opinion, analysis and, who knows, even wisdom.
Investment and wealth creation are inherently long-term endeavours and, at Wealthwise, we believe intelligent coverage of the space – and the professional relationships forged within it – should aspire to a similar timeframe. Wealthwise exists to build constructive connections between the wealth and asset management sectors – whether that be in person at our events or online through this website and our regular newsletters.
Patrick Ponsford
Chief executive officer
Patrick Ponsford is CEO and founder of Wealthwise Media, whose launch in 2024 marks a return to his professional roots – providing high-quality events, data and content tailored to a specialist audience. Backed by a team of long-standing collaborators who share his passion for and expertise in fostering connections and innovation within wealth and asset management, his leadership reflects a deep dedication to excellence and a customer-first approach that has defined his career.
Patrick’s now boasts more than three decades in financial media, during which time he has held senior roles at some of the UK’s leading B2B specialist media and events organisations, including two years as CEO of Bonhill plc.
Patrick’s expertise lies in the financial services sector, with a focus on markets served by financial intermediaries. He has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including product launches, strategic acquisitions, integrations and corporate M&A, navigating businesses through all stages of the economic cycle. This experience has underscored to him the critical importance of prioritising audience needs and delivering exceptional value to customers.
Samantha Harris
Chief commercial officer
Samantha Harris is chief commercial officer of Wealthwise Media, in which role she leads the business’s events team and oversees all aspects of its commercial events. In particular she is able to leverage her extensive network across the asset and wealth management sectors to create top-level line-ups and audiences for national and regional conferences and forums. Purely to further the Wealthwise cause, of course, you may well spot her somewhere in the City with a glass of prosecco in hand!
Sam has clocked up more than 10 years of experience in financial media. After receiving her degree in Politics, she moved to London and began working at FE Fund Info on UK wealth and asset management website Trustnet. In 2016, she joined Last Word Media to lead the commercial events team behind well-known brand Portfolio Adviser. During this time she gained her IMC qualification, and was promoted to commercial director across both media and events.
Julian Marr
Editorial director
Julian Marr is editorial director of Wealthwise Media, in which role, he oversees the editorial tone, direction and standards of the Wealthwise website and newsletters and is the outward face of the business’s portfolio of UK-oriented in-person and online events.
Julian’s career as a specialist investment journalist, columnist, writer and conference moderator now spans close to three decades, including spells as editor of B2B stalwart Professional Adviser, editor and then publisher of personal finance magazine Bloomberg Money, editorial director of Incisive Media’s Investment Division, editorial director of MA Financial Media and editorial director of financial adviser resource Adviser-Hub.
Co-author, with Cherry Reynard, of Investing in Emerging Markets – the BRIC economies and beyond, which was published by John Wiley & Sons in 2010, he actually started his professional life as a solicitor but that really was a very long time ago…
Berta Franco
Digital director
Berta Franco is digital director of Wealthwise Media, where she oversees digital strategy and media operations, ensuring the business’s competitive edge.
An accomplished media professional with more 12 years’ expertise within the publishing industry, Berta is known for her strategic vision and technical acumen and specialises in driving growth through innovative digital strategies and seamless technology integrations. She holds certifications in Google Technology, reflecting her deep knowledge and proficiency in media solutions. Also an award-winning blogger, her skills extend to running marketing and digital departments, enabling businesses to adapt to the evolving digital landscape.
Berta’s career includes pivotal roles at globally-known organisations, including spells with the Mirror Group in the UK, where she contributed to the business’s media success; and at the BBC, where she managed the EMEA team, delivering impactful media campaigns.