Business leader Knapp becomes next chairman of Gateley

Birmingham-headquartered professional services firm Gateley, which has offices in Guildford and Reading, revealed it has hired Edward Knapp as an independent non-exec director and as chair designate.

Knapp, who has held executive and senior leadership roles in a raft of companies and major financial institutions worldwide, becomes a director with immediate effect and will become chairman when Nigel Payne steps down from the board on November 1 this year.

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In a stock market statement, Rod Waldie, CEO of Gateley, said Knapp bought "extensive and valuable executive and non-executive experience across a range of sectors, commercial acumen and strong and effective leadership".

"He will be an excellent chairman for the group.

"On behalf of the board, I thank Nigel for his significant contribution to the group throughout the nine year period since IPO," he added.

"His experience, tireless commitment, clear perspective and support have been instrumental in growing the diverse and resilient professional services business that Gateley is today."

Knapp's experience includes roles with McKinsey & Company, Barclays, HSBC, Revolut and M&G, where he has most recently brought a particular focus on advisory, wealth management and talent.

He currently serves as a non-executive director of F&C Investment Trust plc and has extensive international private-equity backed and plc board and advisory experience, including Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee and Non-Executive Director of AIM company Ten Lifestyle Group plc and formerly as a Non-Executive Director of Mattioli Woods plc.

Incoming chair Knapp said: "It's an honour to be appointed as the next Chairman of Gateley.

"Nigel and the whole team have achieved so much since IPO. The business has an extraordinary track record and heritage of delivering for clients across its legal and professional services capabilities."