KDW - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Adele Cretton Finance Administrator
- Finance Administrator / Hemel Hempstead
- in 2021 As Our Finance Administrator
Adele joined KDW in 2021 as our Finance Administrator. Throughout her varied career, she has spent 10 years in the Financial Services industry as a technician specialising in Pensions and Assurance with LV, and 3 years as a bookkeeper for a private company. She has also recently completed a Bachelor of Arts in History.
Job Titles:
- Andrew Hunt Mortgage and Commercial Adviser
- Mortgage and Commercial Adviser
Since joining KDW in 2009 Andrew has offered a bespoke whole of market service to both personal and commercial clients. With over 30 years experience across various financial institutions, Andrew has a wide range of knowledge and contacts which allows him to understand the complexities of his clients' personal and business needs and help them to achieve their goals. Andrew specialises in all types of finance including Commercial Finance, Buy to Lets, Residential Mortgages and Secured Loans.
Job Titles:
- Beverley Simmons Commissions Manager
- Commissions Manager
Beverley has over 30 years experience in secretarial and administrative positions. Joining a firm of Independent Financial Advisers in 1999 Beverley spent 7 years working there until they were acquired by KDW in 2006. Beverley's skills and experience were the perfect complement to KDW and since then she has played a vital role in supporting the team and is responsible for Processing and Reconciling Remuneration.
Job Titles:
- Callum Drummond Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
Callum joined KDW in 2022 having spent the better part of 10 years working on community development projects in Fiji with the charity Think Pacific, and created a documentary on Amazon Prime called ‘Oceans Apart' looking at corruption in Pacific rugby.
Over the course of his time at KDW, he has worked hard to attain his Diploma in Financial Planning and is now a fully qualified Financial Adviser.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Mortgage Adviser
- Chloe Firkins Mortgage Adviser & Administrator
After completing her A-Levels, Chloe joined KDW in July 2015. Having obtained IFS Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies, Chloe was keen to pursue a career within financial services so KDW was an ideal fit for her ambitions.
Chloe's role with us includes liaising with clients and lenders, writing suitability reports and producing life cover quotes as well as various other tasks to support the efficient running of the mortgage department. As well as holding her Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice (CeMAP) qualifying her as a Mortgage Adviser, she has recently achieved her Certificate in Regulated Equity Release (CeRER) giving her the ability to advise her clients on Equity Release and Lifetime Mortgages.
Job Titles:
- Dan Ainsworth Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
After graduating in 2007 with a BSc Hons in Economics from Loughborough University, Dan gained experience with the Financial Ombudsman Service before joining KDW in 2010. Since then Dan has quickly built up a large and loyal client base who return time after time for his strategic financial advice. His specialities include Wealth Management, Pensions, Investments, Income Protection and Retirement Planning.
Job Titles:
- Danielle Eyre Mortgage Administrator
- Mortgage Administrator
Danielle joined KDW as front of house reception in April 2016 providing a friendly welcome to our clients and also supporting the Investment and Pensions advisers with their day to day administration. Since January 2018 Danielle has been working as a Mortgage Administrator within the Mortgage team, liaising with clients and lenders, completing suitability reports and producing life cover quotes. Alongside Chloe, Danielle provides great support to the Advisers enabling the efficient running of the mortgage department.
Job Titles:
- Darryn Wise Mortgage and Commercial Adviser
- Mortgage and Commercial Adviser
Darryn joined KDW in 2010 as a whole of market Independent Mortgage Broker, after gaining experience in Central Trust and Endsleigh Insurance. He specialises in Development & Bridging Finance, Residential Mortgage Lending, Invoice Discounting, Auto-Enrolment as well as Life Cover Assurance. Darryn possesses a deep understanding of commercial finance, with a network of key contacts and is currently studying towards his DipFA qualification.
Job Titles:
- David Wright Financial Planner
- Financial Planner
- Financial Planner / Hemel Hempstead
David has been a Financial Planner at KDW since 2008 and specialises in Mortgages, Wealth Management and Pension advice. Key motivators for David include simplifying the process for clients and taking away the stress clients face when managing applications themselves. He is popular with his loyal clients and in 2014 he was recognised by the St Albans Chamber of Commerce, when he was named runner up of the ‘Young Business Person of the Year Awards'.
Job Titles:
- Denise Payne Head of Operations and Paraplanning
- Head of Operations and Paraplanning
Denise is one of the longest serving members of the KDW team, joining the company in 2000. As well as assisting IFAs, Denise is also the Head of Paraplanning. Denise is also involved with researching and processing of new business applications, writing suitability reports, dealing with clients and running monthly admin team meetings. Denise is also a qualified IFA with the Certificate in Financial Planning, the Diploma in Financial Planning and CF8 Long Term Care.
Job Titles:
- Emily Rogers Mortgage Manager
- Mortgage Manager
Emily joined the mortgage team at KDW in May 2014, at a time when the mortgage department was experiencing considerable growth. Prior to working at KDW, Emily built up over 10 years of experience within the Financial Services Industry; working at Britannia Building Society, First National Bank & Nationwide Building Society.
Job Titles:
- Emma Mayard Paraplanner
- Paraplanner
Emma has been working in the Financial Services industry for over 20 years.
She has spent the last 7 years as a self-employed contractor doing regulatory complaint work and holds the certificate in Financial Planning (CFP), RO1, and is working towards the Diploma in Financial Planning.
Emma has a logical and pragmatic approach to problem solving and a strong focus on successful delivery. Day to day she works alongside Nicholas Turner as well as supporting other Advisers.
Job Titles:
- Emma Reed Head of Paraplanning and Administration
- Head of Paraplanning and Administration
Emma joined KDW in July 2018 after spending 3 years with another Independent Financial Adviser. Prior to the IFA industry, she spent 12 years working for a major insurance broker managing clients contracts.
After just 2 years of study, Emma gained her Diploma in Financial Planning in 2017, and now works as a senior member of the paraplanning team. Ethics and a keen eye for detail are central to Emma's way of working and she enjoys being able to help clients meet their financial life goals.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Gary Cretton Director
Gary joined KDW in 2011, bringing 17 years of experience in the financial services industry from Barclays, Santander and The Co-Operative Group, and in 2020 was appointed to the role of Director at KDW. He is an experienced Independent Financial Adviser in all aspects of Financial Planning providing financial advice across all sectors including Investment, Pensions and Protection. His qualification in Advanced Pension Planning allows him to offer enhanced advice regarding Pensions such as Occupational, Final Salary Schemes and Money Purchase.
Job Titles:
- Financial Consultant
- Mortgage Adviser
- Mortgage Advisor
- Gavin Ross Mortgage Adviser
Gavin joined KDW as a Mortgage Advisor and Financial Consultant specialising in Mortgages and Life Assurance in 2019. He is able to efficiently identify the needs of his clients and find a solution that helps them with their future holistic financial goals while saving them money.
Gavin has an extensive background in Financial Services having worked for over 30 years in both high street and the private banking sector for blue chip bank. Gavin also has extensive knowledge of property investment having worked for a boutique property asset management company.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- in 2022 As an Administrator
Gyles joined KDW in 2022 as an Administrator supporting Paraplanners and Financial Advisers. Since finishing his BSc in Finance, he has gained experience working in IT systems management and Administration for an Independent Financial Planner.
Gyles is now working towards achieving his Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning, and hoped to become a Paraplanner and then a Financial Planner.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Helen Gilks Director
Helen joined KDW in 2010, and having taken a pivotal role in the organisation and development of KDW, was appointed to the role of Director in 2014. Consistently supporting and ensuring the growth of individual staff members in their career paths, she is considered the linchpin of KDW ensuring that Directors, Advisers and the wider admin team are all working collaboratively in a secure and happy environment.
Job Titles:
- Jane Westwood Operations Manager
- Mortgage Administrator
- Operations Manager / Hemel Hempstead
Joining KDW in 2015 as a Mortgage Administrator, Jane quickly moved to Operations Manager at our Hemel Hempstead Office. Jane has worked in the mortgage industry since 1987 in various institutions including Halifax, First National Mortgage Co and Southern Pacific Mortgages; providing her with a fantastic insight into the real estate market.
Job Titles:
- John Hargreaves Technical Administrator
- Technical Administrator
John joined KDW as a Paraplanner in 2012 after gaining over 10 years of in Financial Services and Insurance. In his position at KDW, John works with two Financial Planners ensuring that the whole financial planning process is followed through effectively and that clients' needs are met; in a compliant, efficient and informative manner. John is also involved in a number of non-client facing tasks including researching, preparing and administering Financial Plans and Reports.
Job Titles:
- Josh Steed Office Apprentice
- Office Apprentice
Josh joined the Hemel Hempstead office in 2020, taking on an office apprenticeship. He is understudying David and sits in on meetings and prepares file notes, as well as helping with general office administration, such as taking client enquiries over the phone and file organisation. Josh is working hard towards passing his DipFA qualification this year.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- Karen Coren Financial Planner
Joining KDW over 15 years ago, Karen has established herself as the go to person for Pension advice. Providing specialist Pension advice to corporate and private clients, Karen also offers individual advice on complex Pension areas. She has a degree in Economics and Accounting from Manchester University and has built up a wealth of knowledge from working as an IFA at Yorkshire Building Society and another firm of IFAs.
Job Titles:
- Non - Executive Chairman
- Ken Wright Non - Executive Chairman
Ken established KDW in 1978 with the simple aim of protecting clients' money. Over the past 4 decades, Ken successfully grew the company to what it is today, with over 30 employees serving over 4,000 personal and business clients. Ken is now working in a non-executive Chairman role, helping the Directors grow and develop the business using his considerable contacts in the local community.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- in 2007 As an Administrator
- Lucy Best Financial Planner
Lucy joined KDW in 2007 as an Administrator; however her keen eye for detail and interest in helping clients saw her qualify as an Independent Financial Adviser in 2014. Lucy has gained the Certificate in Mortgage Advice and Practice, the Diploma for Financial Advisers and the Certificate in Regulated Equity Release. She is able to offer strategic financial advice to clients across all areas of Financial Advice including Pensions, Mortgages and Retirement Planning.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Marcus Maisey Director
Marcus has gained over 30 years of experience in financial services and has been a valued member of KDW for the last 20 years. As a director at KDW, Marcus advises his clients on all areas of financial planning including Investments, Pensions and Tax Mitigation. Alongside his comprehensive expertise in the finance industry, Marcus has also completed the Legal Practice Course which enables him to understand the legal considerations of financial decisions.
Job Titles:
- Mortgage Adviser
- Mark Leacock Mortgage Adviser
Mark has been a valued part of the team at KDW since 2010, offering advice on the whole of market for his clients' Mortgage and Protection needs. This includes Residential, Buy to Let, Shared Ownership, Re-Mortgage, Equity Release, Overseas Mortgages, Life Assurance and Critical Illness. Mark has worked in financial services for the past 25 years, with time spent at Barclays Banks and Central Trust PLC; equipping him with the know-how to achieve his clients' goals.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Mark Mason Chartered Financial Planner
With a career spanning over 30 years in the finance industry, Mark is an expert across the board offering strategic financial advice in sectors including Mortgage Advice, Pensions, Life Assurance and Wealth Management. He joined KDW in 2003, after spending time working at Barclays Bank as a Premier Relationship Manager. Mark has a dedicated client base which is continuously growing; all who value his trusted independent financial advice. He qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Matt Lilley Administrator
Matt joined KDW in 2021, after nearly 10 years in the deisgn and print industry. He will be supporting the Investment and Pensions Advisers with day to day administration tasks. Matt is studying for his pension and investment exams, working towards becoming a Paraplanner.
Job Titles:
- Financial Planner
- Mo Islam Financial Planner
Mo joined KDW in 2017 as a Technical Paraplanner supporting Dan Ainsworth and Karen Coren. He graduated from Kingston University with an honours degree in Business IT and has continued his studies to obtain CeFAP, DiPFA, CeMAP, and CeRER qualifications. Prior to joining us, Mo worked at a Hertfordshire-based IFA and a St James's Place Partner Practice.
As of late 2020, Mo has joined our Adviser team and is now growing his client base. He guides his clients in all areas of financial planning including Pensions, Tax Planning, Investments, Mortgages, Equity Release, and Insurance.
Job Titles:
- Molly Maisey Paraplanner
- Paraplanner
Molly joined KDW in January 2018 supporting the Investment and Pensions advisers with day to day administration tasks, and is now a qualified Paraplanner. She is studying for her exams and working towards being a Financial Planner. Prior to KDW, Molly graduated from Cardiff University with a Sociology and Social Policy degree. She also volunteered and led charity projects in Fiji.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Financial Planner
- Nicholas Turner Chartered Financial Planner
Nicholas joined KDW in February 2018 as a Financial Planner, bringing over 10 years' experience and knowledge after spending 6 years with Barclays Bank and 2 years with Quilter Financial Planners. He went on to pass further exams to attain Chartered Financial Planner status in July 2019. Nicholas provides the best possible advice to his clients, by listening to their questions, concerns and needs in order tailor a complete strategy for their financial journey.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Paul Adams Administrator
Paul joined KDW in 2023 as part of our Administration team. His 20+ years of experience in banking and financial services have afforded him a thorough understanding of the industry, which is a huge asset to our Advisers and clients. Paul is working towards his level 4 Certificate in Paraplanning to develop paraplanning skills, expertise and advanced technical knowledge he can apply to advisory areas in the future.
Job Titles:
- Samantha Smith Senior Paraplanner
- Senior Paraplanner
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- Sophie Fillmore Marketing Manager
Sophie joined KDW in January 2020, having brought marketing experience from the Financial Services and Design industries.
Sophie is the first point of contact for any external communications, and manages all the marketing activities and company events.
Job Titles:
- Administrator
- Sue Neale Administrator
Sue is the welcoming first point of contact for clients at KDW; she has been with KDW since 2008 and helps to direct clients to the right adviser to suit their query. Sue is renowned amongst clients for going the extra mile to ensure that they are happy and have everything they need from KDW. Prior to working at KDW, Sue worked as a qualified dry cleaner, specialising in wedding dresses.