Kevin Stopps is appointed Co-Chief Executive of Smith & Williamson Holdings Limited
As part of planned changes in Smith & Williamson’s senior management team, David Cobb and Kevin Stopps are appointed Co-Chief Executives of Smith & Williamson Holdings Limited, with effect from 27 September 2013. At the same time, Andrew Sykes becomes Chairman of the Board.
The changes are prompted by the planned retirement of Gareth Pearce.
David Cobb and Kevin Stopps (pictured) share over 50 years’ combined experience with Smith & Williamson and summarise their joint ambition for the firm as “evolutionary, not revolutionary”.
Having each joined the firm over 25 years’ ago, they have a long history of successful collaboration, including working as members of the Board of Smith & Williamson. Cobb became Head of Investment Management and Banking in 2007 and Stopps took the lead for the Tax and Business Services division in 2010.
In addition to their roles as Co-Chief Executives, Cobb and Stopps will each remain responsible for the management of their respective divisions.
Kevin Stopps explains: “David and I are excited to lead the firm in the next phase of its evolution, driving the growth of one business with complementary service lines. We continually seek to enhance the way our people work together to provide the comprehensive and integrated service to clients for which we are known.”
Prior to becoming managing partner, Kevin provided taxation advice to some of the firm’s corporate clients and was head of tax. He had a particular interest in property and financial services and was, for many of these clients, their trusted adviser. Although his role now is largely a management one, he continues to be a trusted adviser to a handful of clients, many of whom have been with the firm for over 20 years.
Kevin graduated with an honours degree in economics from the University of East Anglia and is qualified as a chartered accountant and a chartered tax adviser. He joined Smith & Williamson on 19 October 1987 (Black Monday)!