Ian Mattioli is widely recognised as a leading voice in financial services and business leadership, best known as the co-founder and former CEO of Mattioli Woods. With over four decades of experience in pensions and wealth management, Ian has built a reputation for guiding directors, professionals and businesses through complex financial landscapes. Now serving as Founding President, he is hired as a motivational speaker for his ability to translate high-level strategy into practical insight, drawing on a career defined by sustained growth, resilience and long-term vision.
Ian’s career is rooted in entrepreneurship and long-term business building. He co-founded Mattioli Woods alongside Bob Woods, growing the firm from a specialist consultancy into one of the UK’s leading wealth management businesses. As CEO, he led the company through its admission to AIM, taking responsibility for its strategic direction and organisational growth. During his tenure, he played a key role in expanding the firm’s services and developing investment initiatives, including the launch of Custodian REIT, now Custodian Property Income REIT plc, where he serves as a Non-Executive Director. Following the company’s acquisition by Pollen Street Capital, Ian stepped back from day-to-day operations, transitioning into a Founding Partner role. Alongside this, he has held senior leadership positions including Chair of K3 Capital Group, Non-Executive Chair of Kanobo Group and Pro-Chancellor at De Montfort University, reflecting a career that spans corporate leadership, governance and education.
Ian’s contributions to business and society have been widely recognised through a number of prestigious accolades. He was appointed MBE for his services to business and community in Leicestershire, highlighting both his commercial success and civic impact. He has also been named London Stock Exchange AIM Entrepreneur of the Year and CEO of the Year at the City of London Wealth Management Awards. Further honours include serving as High Sheriff of Leicestershire and being appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire, alongside receiving an honorary degree from the University of Leicester. These distinctions u
As a speaker, Ian offers a rare combination of commercial acumen and grounded perspective. He speaks candidly about building and scaling a business, navigating leadership challenges and executing successful exits, including the significant transition of Mattioli Woods into private ownership. His delivery is practical and experience-led, focusing on actionable strategies rather than theory. Audiences value his ability to connect long-term vision with immediate decision-making, making his insights highly relevant for leaders seeking sustainable growth and meaningful impact.
