Brooks Macdonald has announced that chief financial officer Ben Thorpe and chief operating officer Lynsey Cross will depart in the coming months, with both leaving the company’s board immediately.
Thorpe has been CFO since August 2018, having joined after four years as head of finance at Brewin Dolphin. The search for his successor is underway, and he will continue in the role until one is found.
Cross joined as COO in May 2020, having held the same role at insurance provider Amtrust International. She also spent four-and-a-half years as CEO of ANV Group.
Cross led Brooks’ re-platforming, which the board described as a “major milestone” in the firm’s digital transformation project.
The board added: “Lynsey will continue to work with the company to oversee the realisation of benefits from the migration, but will leave the board with immediate effect.”
Much of the operational side of the business is now outsourced, so the directors do not currently intend to appoint a board-level replacement for Cross.
Chairman Alan Carruthers, said: “I would like to thank both Ben and Lynsey for their contributions during a period of significant change for the business. They leave Brooks Macdonald in a much-improved position and well-placed for further growth.”
Portfolio Adviser contacted Brooks Macdonald to confirm rumours about the departure of chief risk officer Priti Verma, but the firm did not respond in time for publication.
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