About us
Claire Blackwell
Claire is a growth and client strategy specialist with over 25 years in financial services. As Chief Client Officer at St. James’s Place, she led brand transformation, adviser marketing services, and client proposition design — advancing outcomes under Consumer Duty and creating inclusive client communities.
Alongside executive and non-executive roles, Claire has hands-on experience supporting adviser networks to build consumer trust, modernise propositions, and embed sustainable growth strategies. Known for empathetic leadership and clear communication, she combines collaboration with constructive challenge — bringing an independent, pragmatic perspective grounded in real-world experience.
John Owen
John is an organisational improvement and transformation specialist with over 35 years in financial services. As a Director at St. James’s Place, he led the engagement with the firm’s largest partner businesses, delivering business advisory support, designing frameworks for growth strategies, succession, and governance that are now embedded across the industry. He also oversaw SJP’s partner remuneration operations and chaired strategic forums connecting executives with advisers. He was a board member and Investment Director for several Financial Advice Practices.
Today, John serves as a consultant and board advisor, recognised for building trusted relationships with financial advice firms and their leadership teams. He combines commercial rigour with a pragmatic, human approach — offering clarity, structure, and constructive challenge to help businesses scale, strengthen governance, and prepare for the future.
Why we’re stronger together
The NexStage is powered by complementary perspectives: Claire brings deep expertise in growth strategy, brand, client outcomes, and adviser marketing, while John brings extensive experience in organisational strategy, governance, and business transformation.
Together, we connect strategy with execution and the boardroom with the adviser network — collaborating instinctively, challenging constructively, and drawing on a trusted network of industry specialists.
Lets start a conversation….