Altitude Group, parent company of AIM Smarter (PPAI 230461, Platinum), PPAI 100’s No. 17 distributor, has announced that Nikki Stella has stepped down as CEO of AIM Smarter.

As a result, Altitude Group has appointed Alexander Brennan, who joined in February as non-executive chairman, as executive chairman.

  • He brings extensive leadership experience and strategic insight, having previously served in senior roles across multiple industries, driving growth and operational excellence, the organization says.
  • According to LinkedIn, he’s been the CEO of global advisory firm Brennan & Partners for the past nine years.


“I would like to thank Nikki for her leadership and significant efforts in supporting the Group since her appointment in 2017,” Brennan says. “Altitude has a strong foundation, a powerful technology suite, a highly talented team, an unwavering sense of community and a clear direction. I’m very excited about the opportunities ahead to deliver substantial value to shareholders.”

Alexander Brennan
Altitude has a strong foundation, a powerful technology suite, a highly talented team, an unwavering sense of community and a clear direction.”

Alexander Brennan

Executive Chairman, Altitude Group

Altitude Group has begun searching for a new independent non-executive director, according to an announcement posted to the London Stock Exchange.

‘Clarity, Conviction And Deep Pride’

Stella, who was appointed to CEO eight years ago, is leaving AIM Smarter and Altitude Group, effective immediately, to “pursue other opportunities.”

In a LinkedIn post, Stella said she’s incredibly proud of transforming the business model, expanding into new markets and driving exponential growth in both revenue and profitability.


“What I’ll cherish the most is building a great team,” she wrote. “Their passion, creativity and grit turned vision into momentum – and momentum into real, lasting impact. To the colleagues, partners and customers who believed in me – thank you.

“I’m now stepping forward with clarity, conviction and deep pride in my tenure.”

  • Stella previously served as committee chair of PPAI’s Leadership Advisory Council and as a member of PPAI’s NALC Work Group.
  • AIM Smarter generated an estimated $172.8 million in revenue last year, achieving an 8.5% growth rate since 2021.