TOP TEN FIRM Smith & Williamson has appointed city veteran Russell Cook as a director in its corporate finance team.
Cook has over thirty years’ experience in the city having worked in a number of corporate finance teams, including Panmure Gordon, Charles Stanley Securities, Teather & Greenwood and Morgan Grenfell Securities.
The newly-appointed director has a broad range of transaction and sector experience, with a particular focus on smaller and mid cap companies in the technology, industrial and support service sectors.
Cook has also worked on numerous UK public takeovers, IPOs, secondary fundraisings and private placings during his career.
Commenting on his appointment, Cook said: “The opportunity to join Smith & Williamson was a welcome one. Smith & Williamson is a highly regarded organisation which believes that the relationship with the client is paramount.
“It is noted, across the industry, the number of the firm’s long term clients who had gone on to achieve sustained growth and I am keen to help further develop the client service offering,” said Russell.
Azhic Basirov, managing director, Capital Markets, Smith & Williamson Corporate Finance, said: “We are delighted to welcome Russell to Smith & Williamson. As we grow our corporate finance business it’s vital that we increase our coverage of fund managers and investment houses within the industry.
“Russell brings with him long established relationships as well as valued input as we grow and diversify our corporate finance business.”
In March, the accountancy firm announced revenue growth during the six months to 31 October 2015, but a fall in profits. Group operating income grew to £106.5m to October 2015, against a background of significant long-term investment across the firm.