Iress names new CTO as it lifts AI-led platform overhaul

Iress has appointed Darryl Campbell-Blackwell as Group Chief Technology Officer and confirmed Sam Wall as permanent Chief Executive Officer of its APAC Wealth business.

The CTO role has been elevated to the Global Leadership Team as Iress reshapes its wealth software operations around platform modernisation and artificial intelligence.

Campbell-Blackwell brings more than 25 years of experience in software engineering and architecture, including more than 15 years at Iress in senior technology leadership roles. He has been closely involved in developing the company's core platforms and reshaping product delivery.

The appointment follows Iress' partnership with Thoughtworks, a technology consultancy engaged to support the overhaul of its software platforms. The work is focused on modernising systems, moving to a modular architecture and adding AI tools across products, beginning with the wealth platform Xplan.

The programme will sit within a research and development capital envelope of 5% to 7% of revenue. The partnership is intended to improve operational efficiency and shorten product development cycles.

Andrew Russell, Group Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director at Iress, said the appointment comes at a critical time for the company.

"This appointment comes at a critical time for Iress. We are focused on modernising our platforms, increasing product velocity and embedding AI in a practical, ROI-led way. Elevating the CTO role reflects the importance of technology execution in delivering this next phase."

Iress' wealth software business remains a key focus. Xplan is widely used in advice businesses, and Russell said client demand is being shaped by increasingly complex and regulated operating conditions.

"Our clients operate in increasingly complex and regulated environments where speed, insight and efficiency matter more than ever. By working with a partner that brings world-leading thinking in software design and AI-enabled capabilities, we are accelerating how we evolve our core platforms, beginning with Xplan, while staying focused on what clients value most about our software: reliability, usability and the depth and flexibility needed to support complex advice.

Our partnership with Thoughtworks is a deliberate step to accelerate Iress' strategy through modernising our software and embedding practical, ROI-led AI capabilities. It strengthens our ability to deliver better outcomes for clients, while driving faster innovation, improving speed of delivery and reducing the cost to serve. It also positions Iress to capture new long-term growth opportunities in global wealth management."

Leadership changes

Wall will continue as permanent Chief Executive Officer of APAC Wealth after serving in the role on an acting basis since February 2026.

He previously led Iress' superannuation business, which improved performance before moving to new ownership under Apex Group. Wall joined Iress in 2024 from Insignia Financial, where he was General Manager of Master Trust & Insurance Products. Earlier roles included senior positions at MLC Wealth, Colonial First State and Zurich Financial Services.

Russell said the broader leadership structure is designed to support the company's technology agenda.

"I'm confident we are well positioned to modernise at pace and deliver better outcomes for our clients. Our model is clear: strong internal leadership, supported by world-class external capability to accelerate targeted modernisation of core platforms, AI integration across client workflows and improved product delivery, speed and efficiency."

Campbell-Blackwell will be based in the United Kingdom and work with engineering teams across Iress' operating regions. Wall is based in Sydney.

The new Group Chief Technology Officer said the company's next step is execution.

"Iress has strong and enviable technology foundations and a clear strategy. Our focus now is on execution, modernising the platform, simplifying our technology environment and delivering high-quality outcomes for our clients."

Wall said client feedback and planned changes to Xplan will shape his priorities in the role.

"I'm encouraged by the support I've received from clients since stepping into the role, and welcome the challenge of delivering a new AI-enabled era of Xplan to drive advice businesses forward.

I'm excited about the enhancements ahead, which include strengthening Xplan to refocus on what matters most to advisers: a reliable, intuitive user experience, while preserving the depth and flexibility needed for complex advice, as well as enhanced client engagement tools."