South West accountancy and finance group Old Mill has a new-look board of directors as it continues to target growth.
The six-strong board at the firm, which has offices in Chippenham, Wells, Yeovil and Exeter, includes a managing director for the first time.
This new role will focus on running the firm and delivering the current year’s plan, enabling the CEO concentrate on its longer-term vision.
The new managing director is former managing partner and one of the firm’s founders Jolyon Stonehouse, with Mark Neath becoming CEO.
Old Mill, which employs around 380 people offering services such as accounting, financial planning and tax advisory, is targeting 15% growth every year to 2026.
It has also said it plans to double its staffing to 600.
Mark Neath, pictured, has been with the firm for 18 years and has 25 years’ experience as a qualified chartered accountant.
As CEO he is responsible for the firm’s longer-term culture, people and growth plans, and will drive its vision and strategic direction.
Jolyon, pictured below, will work with the executive management committee and will serve as a link between the operating service lines and the board.
The four other members of the new board are Simon Cole, Paula Hodge, Andrew Vickery and Jonathan Fox.
Simon, one of Old Mill’s founders and a highly experienced Chartered Financial Planner, will chair the board with responsibility for risk management and ensuring the firm's strategies align with shareholder interests.
Paula, a Chartered Financial Planner, and another of the founders, is head of wealth management – a role in which she will represent the wealth management business, ensuring its interests and growth strategies are well integrated into the company's overall plans.
Andrew, a Chartered Accountant and head of the rural service line, will do the same for the accountancy business.
Mark said: he was honoured to step into the CEO role at such a pivotal time for the firm.
“This is a period of great change and opportunity in our profession and I am confident the talented team we have in place will drive Old Mill to new heights, fostering innovation, growth, and continued success,” he added.
“I look forward to working with our people across the firm to unleash their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.”
Jolyon Stonehouse said it was a privilege to join the board as managing director.
“The new structure reflects Old Mill’s commitment to robust governance and strategic oversight and ensures the firm is well-positioned to meet the challenges and opportunities of the future,” he added.
“I look forward to ensuring our strategic goals and values are executed effectively, and, above all, that we continue to put our clients at the centre of everything we do, and help them achieve their financial goals."
