Evelyn Partners announces senior management changes

Evelyn Partners has announced a series of senior management changes that will come into effect once its acquisition by NatWest has completed.

Upon completion of the acquisition, Evelyn Partners chief executive officer, Paul Geddes, and chief financial officer, Alex Gersh, will step down from their roles.

Evelyn Partners chief investment management officer, Chris Kenny, will become chief executive officer, reporting to NatWest Private Banking & Wealth Management (PBWM) chief executive officer, Emma Crystal.

The wealth manager’s current deputy chief financial officer, Din Mustaffa, will become chief financial officer, reporting to Kenny.

The acquisition by NatWest, which is subject to regulatory approval, was announced in February and is expected to complete in summer 2026.

Commenting on the management changes, Geddes said: “As we work towards completion of this major transaction, plans are well underway to bring our organisation together with NatWest PBWM to create the UK’s leading private banking and wealth management business.

“I would like to congratulate both Chris and Din on their prospective new roles. Chris’s extensive industry experience, long tenure at the firm and his client-focus make him the right leader for the business as it enters the next phase of integration and growth.

“It has been an absolute privilege to lead Evelyn Partners over the past three years, and I know I am leaving the business in excellent hands where it will be well positioned to seize the significant opportunities ahead.”

Kenny said he was “incredibly proud” to be taking on the role of chief executive officer as such a pivotal moment for the firm.

“Having spent nearly 29 years here - both at Evelyn Partners and previously at Smith & Williamson - this is a business I care deeply about, along with the clients we serve and the people who make it what it is,” he continued.

“Becoming part of NatWest gives us the opportunity to build something truly distinctive in the UK market, bringing together Evelyn Partners’ strengths in investment management and financial planning with NatWest’s scale, heritage, and private banking capabilities.”

Evelyn Partners chair, Chris Grigg, added: “I would like to thank Paul and Alex for their outstanding service to the business which has culminated in this landmark transaction in the UK wealth management sector.

“Since taking on the chief executive officer role three years ago, Paul has been a true leader within the wealth management sector and led Evelyn Partners through a period of major transformation.

“He has refocused the business wholly on wealth management with the successful sales of its Professional Services, Fund Solutions and Employee Benefits Consultancy businesses, and has positioned it for the next stage of growth and development as part of the NatWest Group.

“I wish Paul and Alex every success for the future and congratulate Chris and Din on their new roles.”

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