New managing director joins Francis Clark Financial Planning

Experienced wealth manager Chris Reah has been appointed managing director of Francis Clark Financial Planning (FCFP).

He brings a blend of private banking and wealth management experience, having worked closely with financial planners during his 25-year career with NatWest Stockbrokers, Coutts and Arbuthnot Latham.

Chris’s appointment comes after FCFP’s team across the South West was bolstered by the recruitment of financial planners Olya Edwards in Exeter and Kate Stephen and Chris Revill in Truro.

He said: “What’s exciting for me about joining FCFP is we have a great mix of loyal colleagues who have grown with the business and a cadre of more recent joiners, which shows we’re attracting talent and have an appetite to develop people.

“My role is to set the culture, lead the team and allow people to flourish, because that’s when they deliver the best service to clients. We’re well placed to build on where we are today and my vision is for us to be the most admired financial adviser, both by clients for helping them achieve their ambitions and by colleagues who are proud to work here.”

Francis Clark Financial Planning is wholly owned by PKF Francis Clark, and its team of around 70 people, including 17 financial planners, works closely with their colleagues at the South West’s largest independent accountancy firm to provide joined-up advice to individuals and businesses. Based in Bristol, Exeter, Plymouth, Poole, Salisbury, Taunton, Torquay and Truro, FCFP’s teams provide bespoke services including investment, retirement and inheritance tax planning, personal and business protection, employee benefits and workplace pensions.

Chris, who also becomes a partner in PKF Francis Clark, added: “PKF Francis Clark is a partnership I’ve always admired, and the firm’s growth over the years is a great testament to the way it treats its clients. Working alongside our accountancy and tax adviser colleagues is certainly an advantage when it comes to serving our financial planning clients in a holistic way.

“I’m really impressed by what I have found here and there’s huge enthusiasm in the team for what the next chapter will bring.”

Nick Gooch, chairman of FCFP and partner at PKF Francis Clark, said: “Chris was the outstanding candidate to lead the next phase of development for Francis Clark Financial Planning, thanks to his superb leadership qualities and track record of bringing teams along with him on the journey.

“Chris is passionate about helping others to flourish, and his approach fits perfectly with our ethos of sharing the ambitions of our clients and our people. We’re delighted he has joined us to build on the growth we have achieved in recent years.”

Hailing from Somerset and married with two children, Chris describes himself as a family oriented sports fanatic, with a particular passion for the Exeter Chiefs and Somerset cricket. He has raised £50,000 for charities in the South West, most recently running this year’s London Marathon in aid of Children’s Hospice South West.