New chief financial officer for Salford financial services firm

Elaine Cullen-Grant is to become chief financial officer at Salford-based financial services firm Frenkel Topping.

She has been group financial controller since May 2009, but will join the board in her new role, succeeding Stephen Bentley when he retires on March 1.

Elaine qualified as a Chartered Management Accountant in 2010 and, prior to joining Frenkel Topping, was a Financial Reporting Accountant at Carillion Utility Services and worked in various finance functions at Bupa.

She has worked closely with Stephen over the years.

Chief executive Richard Fraser said: “We are delighted to have appointed Elaine as chief financial officer and it is particularly pleasing to make this very well-deserved promotion from within the Frenkel team.

“Elaine’s deep knowledge of the business will ensure a seamless transition as Stephen retires.

“On behalf of the board and the employees at Frenkel Topping, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Stephen for his commitment and contribution to the business and we wish him a well-earned and happy retirement.”

Stephen Bentley said: “It is a privilege to have worked at Frenkel Topping and I leave behind a business which is robust and delivering upon its strategic aims.

“The real driving force of the business is its people, their integrity and the care they provide their clients and I am very proud to have worked with such a fantastic team.”

He added: “The company is strongly positioned with a bright future and I look forward to see it go from strength to strength.”

Elaine Nicola Cullen-Grant, 45, has no current directorships or partnerships and nor has she held any in the past five years. She currently holds no ordinary shares in the company.

Frenkel Topping had previously expected to announce its audited final results on Thursday, April 9, but will postpone the announcement until Tuesday, April 21, to avoid the Easter holidays.