A Chartered Accountant with 20 years’ experience in the legal sector, Adrian brings significant expertise in managing the financial and business services operations of law firms. In his previous position at Cripps Pemberton Greenish, he helped to steer the firm through two successful mergers and oversaw key operational projects, including moving the firm to new premises.
Robert Brodrick, Chairman of Payne Hicks Beach, comments:
“I would like to welcome Adrian and Ruth to the firm. Adrian is an astute operator with a wealth of financial expertise and experience in the legal sector. Ruth brings a fresh perspective and depth of expertise to our marketing. We look forward to working with them both as we continue to grow the firm.”
Adrian practised in audit at Grant Thornton and KPMG, before developing specialist experience in legal sector operations. He will work closely with the Management Board at Payne Hicks Beach on the strategic direction of the firm and will help to implement the firm’s growth strategy. Reporting to the Management Board, he will be responsible for all aspects of the financial management of the firm, with oversight of the firm’s support services including facilities management, HR, IT, and marketing.
Adrian Jennings, Chief Financial Officer, comments:
“The Partners and staff at Payne Hicks Beach have been very warm and welcoming. I relish this opportunity to work with them in this exciting new chapter to my career.”
Ruth Napier’s extensive marketing and business development experience spans both legal and financial services. With a masters in Information Management, her early career in banking was as a business researcher, which later evolved into client and business development. After heading Business Development at Simmons & Simmons, most recently she was Director of Business Development & Marketing at Cripps Pemberton Greenish where she transformed its business development, brought effective digital marketing into the firm and led an eye-catching rebrand.
Ruth Napier, Director of Marketing, comments:
“I am delighted to have joined a firm with a great heritage, top calibre lawyers and an enviable client base. I look forward to helping them build on their achievements to create even greater success in the future.”
Virginia Farquharson, Director of Management, retired from the firm at the end of May 2021 after a distinguished career at Payne Hicks Beach. This spanned 25 years, principally as Director of Finance and Administration and, since 2016, as Director of Management. Adrian takes over Virginia’s responsibilities after operating alongside her for a number of months to ensure a smooth transition.
Robert Brodrick adds:
“I would also like to extend sincere thanks on behalf of the firm to Virginia, for her outstanding contribution over the last 25 years. She has played a key role in the management and development of the firm culminating in its conversion to LLP status on 1 June.”
