CLOSE BROTHERS UK-based Close Brothers Asset Management has appointed Tim West as managing director in its London office. Tim joins from Rathbones where he was a senior investment director for 22 years. While at Rathbones, Tim managed investment portfolios for individuals, trusts and charities, and was a team leader in the firm's London office. Tim was also responsible for research in listed private equity and small company funds, as well as representing Rathbones on the Wealth Management Association (WMA) Indices Committee. Martin Andrew, chief executive of Close Brothers, said: "The appointment of high calibre professionals, such as Tim, is key to delivering our strategic vision. I look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and enhance our high net worth proposition in 2020."

FREEDOM FINANCE John-Paul "J-P" Wilkins has been appointed as a nonexecutive director at Freedom Finance, a fintech lending platform that uses smart sourcing to generate more personalised loan offers for customers. J-P has extensive senior level experience supporting the growth of technology-led businesses, and brings over 20 years of experience in financial services to the role. He was previously managing director of Runpath, where he was instrumental in the firm's acquisition by Experian. At Freedom Finance, J-P will play a key role in supporting the company in delivering its ambitious growth strategy over the years ahead. Brian Brodie, chief executive at Freedom Finance, said: "J-P's experience in this market perfectly complements the experience of the rest of the Freedom board and I very much look forward to working with J-P over the years ahead."

HOWARD KENNEDY London law firm Howard Kennedy has announced the appointment of James Townsend as a partner to expand the company's growing employment team. James joins from Michelmores where he was a partner and head of the firm's employment law team in London. He has over two decades of experience in advising on strategy, engagement, reward and disputes. He recently advised an international motorsport championship organiser and a number of privately owned businesses operating in the retail and leisure sectors. Commenting on the appointment, Jane Amphlett, partner and head of employment at Howard Kennedy, said: "Following a busy year for the employment team, we are delighted to welcome James to the partnership. His considerable experience in a wide range of employment disputes complements our current offering."

(c) 2020 City A.M., source Newspaper