WATSON FRENCH - Key Persons


Anna Roberts

Job Titles:
  • Administrator
Anna joined the Watson French team in 2021. As an Administrator, her day-to-day duties include organising the business calendar and servicing new and existing clients. She is often a first point of contact for clients and is able to assist with any enquiries. Anna holds a BA (Hons) degree in English from Royal Holloway, University of London.

Charlotte Pearson

Job Titles:
  • Office Manager
Charlotte joined Watson French in 2018 as an administrator, working alongside Anna to provide a professional and friendly service to clients. Charlotte's working background is diverse and brings a variety of experience to the team. As Office Manager, she ensures the smooth running of the office on a day-to-day basis, providing administrative support and guidance to our advice team as well as managing company policies and procedures. Charlotte and our administrator Anna will often be your first point of contact at Watson French. Charlotte is working towards her CertFS qualification from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Chris Philips - Managing Director

Job Titles:
  • Managing Director
I joined Watson French as the firm's first Graduate Trainee in 2012. Working firstly as Stephen's assistant and then as his colleague I achieved Chartered Financial Planner status and became a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society in 2017. That same year I became a director of Watson French and was appointed Managing Director in 2020.

Harry Downing

Job Titles:
  • Graduate Trainee IFA
Harry is our latest Graduate Trainee IFA, having joined Watson French in April 2023. Harry graduated with a degree in Business and Economics in May 2023 from California State University, Bakersfield. Harry is currently studying towards the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning alongside his day-to-day tasks, such as conducting investment research and producing annual valuation reports for our clients. He enjoys sports such as football and is passionate about how technology can be utilised to improve society.

Lucy Maloney

Job Titles:
  • Administrator
Lucy joined Watson French in May 2023 as an administrator to support both Charlotte and Anna in the day to day duties, servicing new and existing clients and to be the first point of contact for client enquiries.

Robert Dougherty

Job Titles:
  • Associate IFA
Robert joined the Watson French team in 2021 and is now working towards achieving chartered status. Having previously completed a degree in finance and investment banking, he uses much of the knowledge he gained from this alongside his diploma studies to conduct investment research and produces the monthly asset commentary. Robert also assists Chris and Stephen in other areas including pensions, savings and protection.

Ryan Carmedy

Job Titles:
  • Graduate Trainee IFA
Ryan is one of our graduate IFA's, having joined Watson French in January 2023. Ryan graduated with a degree in Economics from Durham University in July 2022 and has previously gained real-world experience at a discretionary asset management firm. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and paddleboarding and hopes to preserve the environment though sustainable investment choices. Ryan is currently studying towards a diploma in Regulated Financial Planning alongside his day-to-day tasks, such as conducting investment research and producing annual valuation reports for our clients.

Stephen Watson - Chairman

Job Titles:
  • Chairman
My career in financial services started in 1978. Over the early years I met a lot of business people. A common theme was that they regarded their business as their means to a financially secure retirement. They had control of their business and believed there was more sense in building business assets for their future rather than making pension contributions to an insurance company.