People: Unity Trust Bank; Harrison Clark Rickerby; Evelyn Partners
Birmingham-headquartered Unity Trust Bank has appointed Colin Fyfe as its CEO.
Colin joins Unity with more than 40 years’ experience in the banking sector including 10 years as CEO at two building societies.
With a deep understanding of commercial business and the wider regulatory banking environment, Colin brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role.
Commenting on his appointment, Colin said: “Unity’s very strong track record, its social purpose and driving ambition are compelling.
“Personal service and relationship banking combined with community good is a great proposition for all SMEs and socially-conscious organisations. I’m delighted to be joining as CEO.”
Alan Hughes, Chairman of Unity Trust Bank, said: “I’m very pleased to announce Colin’s appointment. Unity has grown four-fold since it became independent in 2015 and Colin will be a driving force for the next stage of Unity’s progress.
“Colin joins Unity with a strong record of innovation, transformation and growth.”
Colin succeeds Deborah Hazell who stepped down from her position as CEO at year end.
Alan continued: “On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank Debbie for her commitment and wide contribution to Unity. Most notably she has improved our approach to impact, delivered the new digital banking platform for our customers and raised Unity’s profile externally. We are grateful to her.”
Alex Taylor and Beth King-Smith
Beth King-Smith has taken the helm at Harrison Clark Rickerbys’ private client team in Worcester. Beth has been with the firm for five years and specialises in contentious wills, trusts and estate issues.
The move marks the ambitious growth plans for the team who are well established in Worcester, having supported individuals with their private client and personal wealth matters for decades.
Beth said: “I’m delighted to be leading the Worcester Private Client team at such an exciting time. We have many wonderful clients and I’m looking forward to developing and strengthening our offering, to help clients with their estates.”
Alex Taylor, Head of Private Client at HCR said: “Beth’s appointment is a real win for our clients in Worcester and the local area, who will all benefit from her excellent client focus and experience. Beth’s pragmatic approach is highly valued by clients who want to protect their assets for their families and the future.”
Declan Kirby
Evelyn Partners, the integrated wealth management and professional services group, has announced the appointment of Declan Kirby as a Chartered Financial Planner in its Birmingham office.
Before joining Evelyn Partners, Declan worked for Henwood Court Financial Planning as a Chartered Financial Planner, providing financial planning and wealth management advice to his clients. He focuses on working with senior executives, business owners and professionals, and is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.
Declan will be based at Evelyn Partners’ Birmingham office at 103 Colmore Row. The group supports clients with both their personal financial affairs and their business interests.
Niraj Vyas, Managing Partner at Evelyn Partners commented: “I’m delighted to welcome Declan to our growing financial planning team here in Birmingham. As a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society Declan is a high-calibre addition to an already quality team.
“Declan is passionately client focussed and is motivated by being a trusted counsel and life business partner to his clients. I am looking forward to working with Declan as we continue our expansion across the region to make the most of the many opportunities we have. I have no doubt Declan will play a critical and pivotal part in this.”
Declan Kirby added: “I am hugely excited to have joined Evelyn Partners. As a leading and progressive financial planning and wealth management business, I look forward to providing the highest level of service and advice to clients with the support of an established, progressive, and highly reputable organisation.”
