Tilney Bestinvest hires new CFO

Investment and planning group Tilney Bestinvest has appointed as new CFO a week after announcing its tie-up with the Law Society of Scotland.

Stuart Layzell will take up the newly-created position having previously worked at PwC and LDC, the private equity arm of Lloyds, where he helped to launch its Business Growth Fund.

Most recently he worked for private equity-backed technology companies, Fourth and Isotrak.

Tilney Bestinvest said Mr Layzell’s appointment comes at a time when the firm is still hunting for acquisitions.

Peter Hall, chief executive at Tilney Bestinvest, said: “ brings considerable experience both of high-growth companies and of mergers and acquisitions – expertise which will prove invaluable to Tilney Bestinvest as we progress with our growth strategy.

“The business is seeing strong organic growth underpinned by award winning services and we continue to explore opportunities for potential acquisitions where we think the fit with the existing business is strong and will benefit our clients.”

Mr Layzell said: “With the support of a significant backer in the Permira funds, a diverse range of very competitive services and the joint venture with Saga launching later this year, the business is incredibly well positioned for the future.”

Saga and Tilney Bestinvest are launching a joint investment advice and financial planning service later this year, and have appointed Nicola Audhlam-Gardiner as managing director.