New chairman unveiled at Gateley after boardroom u-turn
Gateley has announced that Edward Knapp will become its new chairman after its previous appointment stepped away from the role.
The appointment of David Wilton was announced in January and he was due to become chairman at Gateley’s AGM in October. However in May, the professional services group said Wilton would not be taking up the role and the decision had only been “mutually agreed”.
Current chair Nigel Payne, who has served for nine years, would continue in the role at the AIM-listed business until a successor was appointed.
Now, Knapp has been announced as an independent non-executive director of the professional services group with immediate effect and will become its chairman after Payne steps down from the board on November 1.
With an extensive career in growth strategy design and delivery, technology, risk management and transformation, Knapp has held executive and senior leadership roles in consultancy and professional services, high-growth technology companies and major financial institutions worldwide, including McKinsey & Company, Barclays, HSBC, Revolut and M&G.
As a member of the UK Endorsement Board, Knapp is accountable for influencing, endorsing, and adopting standards for auditing, accounting, and professional services across UK PLCs. He currently serves as a non-executive director of F&C Investment Trust and has extensive international private-equity backed and plc board and advisory experience, including chairman of the audit and risk committee and non-executive director of AIM company Ten Lifestyle Group and formerly as a non-executive director of Mattioli Woods.
On appointment, Knap will become a member of the remuneration, audit, risk and nomination committees. From November 1, he will take over the role of chairman of the board, and chairman of the nomination committee.
Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said: “On behalf of the board, I thank Nigel for his significant contribution to the Group throughout the nine year period since IPO. His experience, tireless commitment, clear perspective and support have been instrumental in growing the diverse and resilient professional services business that Gateley is today.
“I am delighted to welcome Edward to the board. He brings extensive and valuable executive and non-executive experience across a range of sectors, commercial acumen and strong and effective leadership. He will be an excellent chairman for the Group. I very much look forward to working with Edward as we continue to grow the Group, maximising the strengths and opportunities generated by the unique combination of professional services in our business.”
Edward Knapp, incoming Chair of Gateley, said: “It’s an honour to be appointed as the next Chairman of Gateley. Nigel and the whole team have achieved so much since IPO. The business has an extraordinary track record and heritage of delivering for clients across its legal and professional services capabilities.
“I am looking forward to engaging with our clients, colleagues, communities, shareholders and the whole board to help Gateley navigate the next chapter of outstanding client service, capitalising on its compelling talent proposition to deliver sustainable profitable growth and shareholder returns for the long term.”
