People: Quantuma; Dow Schofield Watts; Bristan Group

Business advisory firm Quantuma has appointed forensic accounting expert, Hannah Griffin as a managing director. Griffin will lead Quantuma’s Midlands disputes, investigations and valuations practice. She will be based in Quantuma’s premises in Birmingham and will also spend time in the firm’s London office.

A seasoned practitioner in litigation support services, Griffin is a forensic accounting expert witness with testifying experience. She has acted in international arbitration, litigation, mediation and expert determinations as well as supporting clients through negotiated settlements. Griffin joins Quantuma with 20 years of forensic accounting experience including 18 years in senior roles with Big Four and Top 10 firms where she focused on fraud investigations and dispute services, as well as forensic and integrity services. More recently Griffin led a forensic accounting team based in Cheltenham.

Griffin has worked with individuals, partnerships, companies and central and local government on claims ranging from £50k to more than £100m. She acts on behalf of claimants, and defendants and has acted in group litigation. Griffin is experienced in claims arising from commercial and contractual disputes, business interruption and disturbance, professional negligence and investor fraud. She regularly undertakes contentious business valuations in respect of shareholder disputes and matrimonial proceedings.

This latest appointment adds further depth to Quantuma’s growing West Midlands team and follows the appointment of Scott Peters, who joined the firm as a managing director in the firm’s Birmingham office during the summer.

Griffin said: “I am thrilled to join Quantuma and to be working with the firm’s dynamic Disputes, Investigations and Valuations team. The firm has ambitious growth plans which are reflected in the commitment to increase our capabilities in the region. I’m looking forward to supporting these ambitions and working alongside existing and new clients in 2025.”

Quantuma managing director and head of disputes, investigations and valuations, Gavin Pearson commented: “I am delighted to welcome Hannah to the Disputes, Investigations and Valuations team. We have grown significantly in recent years, and being joined by someone as experienced and well regarded as Hannah will allow us to continue that trajectory, particularly in the West Midlands market where Quantuma has been growing fast across service line offerings.”

Dow Schofield Watts has announced the appointment of former Dentons UK managing partner, Brandon Ransley, as strategic advisor to its corporate finance team in the Midlands.

Ransley’s appointment marks a milestone in the team’s ambitious growth plans.

Known for his ability to challenge conventional thinking and inspire forward-looking strategies, Brandon will play a key role in shaping the team’s future direction and ensuring continued success.

Ransley brings more than two decades of leadership and management experience, including formerly serving as UK managing partner at Dentons, the global law firm and now works with a handful of regional businesses in a non-executive and advisory capacity.

With extensive expertise in growing professional practices and mergers and acquisitions, Brandon will provide invaluable strategic guidance to the Midlands Corporate Finance partners.

Based in Northamptonshire, his focus will be on supporting the team to drive further growth in the wider Midlands region and across its key M&A sectors, together with continuous operational improvement.

Ransley said: “I’m excited to begin working with Harry, Ryan and Shaf at such an important stage in their journey. The team has already established a strong reputation for delivering exceptional results, and I look forward to contributing to their continued success. My focus will be on supporting the partners in shaping a bold vision and ensuring the team continues to deliver outstanding client service.”

Harry Walker, partner at Dow Schofield Watts’ Corporate Finance team in the Midlands, said: “Brandon’s extensive experience in managing and growing professional services businesses will be a valuable asset as we continue to expand. We’ve been pleased with our progress in our first year of business and Brandon’s strategic input will be crucial as we aim to build on this momentum and grow further our presence in the market.”

Jen Cassidy CEO and Adam May CCO

Jen Cassidy has assumed the role of CEO of the Bristan Group following the retirement of Martin Mongan at the end of 2024.

Cassidy joined the Bristan Group in 2021 as chief marketing officer following a career that included senior roles with Wolseley, Kohler Mira and Linn Products.

Whilst at the Bristan Group she progressed to Chief Commercial Officer and was appointed as Deputy CEO following the announcement of the retirement of Martin Mongan in June 2024.

Jai Shah, group president of plumbing products at Masco Corporation, the parent company of the Bristan Group said: “Since joining the Bristan Group, Jen has been instrumental in providing leadership across a broad range of functional areas, from brand and channel marketing to product design and management, sales, customer service, IT, and PMO.

“Her ability to effectively lead and inspire cross-functional teams has consistently resulted in improved team performance and business outcomes. Her demonstrated focus on leadership and aligning teams around common goals to deliver impact has uniquely set her apart and will be key to continuing the success of the Bristan Group in the future.”

Adam May also joins the executive board as chief commercial officer. May joins the Bristan Group from Wolseley UK, where he was group commercial director.

He will focus on the industry-leading service the Bristan Group has become known for, as well as new product development in a drive to maintain Bristan’s leading position in the UK Tap and shower market.

May said: “The Bristan Group is a market-leading organisation with strong brands that are both respected and valued by partners, installers and consumers alike, so when the opportunity arose to join the business, I didn’t hesitate.

“The Bristan Group is a reputable organisation with strong brands respected by customers and consumers. I am honoured to join a group of such talented individuals, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation that is in place while driving continued growth in an ever-changing landscape.”

Cassidy said: “I’m honoured, excited and grateful to have the opportunity to lead this incredible business. I’ve respected this organisation and the people in it since the day I joined. I am so proud of everything we have achieved and believe there is still so much more to come.

“I also want to say a personal thank you to Martin for his leadership, guidance and friendship both in my time at the Bristan Group and over a long-shared history. I am confident in our strategy and team, and I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the future.”