Effective from 1 December, Ms Lancaster will succeed Graeme Allan who has been at AAB for more than 16 years. Mr Allan will remain on the AAB Group board of directors and transition into the role of group executive director, focusing on strategic partnerships and ongoing M&A activity.

Ms Lancaster, a qualified accountant, has an exceptional track record in driving business growth through a people centric culture which will be invaluable to AAB Group which is set to continue its impressive growth journey targeting £100 million annual revenue in 2024. She has more than 15 years board level experience in CEO and CFO roles in private equity backed, international, people-based businesses in the business services and education sectors, most recently with international education provider Study Group.

Whilst Ms Lancaster will be based in AAB’s London office, she will have an active presence across all AAB Group locations.

Mr Allan commented: “I’m delighted Emma has agreed to join the group and lead the next part of our journey. Her experience and people-centric focus makes her the perfect choice for AAB.

“Her diverse background and experience in driving growth will strengthen the senior leadership team. Emma is completely aligned with our number one value that ‘Nothing is more important than our people’. I’m looking forward to working with Emma in the next phase of our exciting growth journey.

“Leading AAB Group has been an absolute privilege and helping to build the Group with such talented people is something I’m very proud of and look forward to continuing in my new role.”

Ms Lancaster said: “I am proud to be joining AAB Group to lead the team through the next exciting chapter of growth.

“The group has been founded and grown on strong values and as we continue to expand there will be endless opportunities for the businesses and individuals we work with as well as for our fantastic team delivering those services across the globe. I am delighted that I will be working with Graeme and the board of directors.”

Kishan Chotai, partner at August Equity, added: “Graeme has done an exceptional job leading the team since 2015 and we would not be where we are today without his strategic vision.

“AAB Group has never been a more attractive platform for investment and our organic and acquisitive growth journey is set to continue in 2024. We look forward to working with Emma, Graeme, and the team.”

Since securing investment from August Equity in October 2021, AAB Group has completed nine acquisitions and now employs more than 1,000 people across 12 offices in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and the United States.