Key Personnel

Ron Elder – Chairman

Ron has been working with S4 for over 4 years in the capacity of non-executive Director. It is his role to work closely with the Directors on business strategy and development and Corporate Governance. Ron’s vast experience is drawn from financial services and manufacturing sectors where he has worked in senior financial and business leadership positions over the last 25 years, most relevant being his position of Director of Business Development for Zurich Financial Services in the UK, South Africa and Ireland. Ron is an economics graduate of Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh and holds a Diploma in Corporate Finance from the London Business School. Ron is also a Scottish Chartered Accountant and serves on the Board of a number of public quoted and private companies.

Steven Vallery – Business Development Director

Steven is a law graduate, who has over 15 years experience in the financial services industry. As a founding Director of S4 it has been Steven’s role to drive the business forward from the start and to consistently develop and adapt the business to meet the ever changing landscape of financial services industry. His strong connections with other industry professionals allow him access to the best opportunities for our clients.

Tim Mckechnie – Managing Director

Tim, a graduate from Reading University has over 11 years experience in the financial services industry. He has extensive experience managing funds for High Net Worth Individuals and is an active member of the UK Society of Investment Professionals. Tim has a hands-on approach to client management and maintains a strong personal relationship with each of his clients as well as many other clients of the business as a whole. It is Tim’s role to provide a strong steering judgement for the company both in terms of business strategy and investment allocation for client portfolios.

Diane Wagland – Finance and Personnel Manager

Diane Wagland has been the Finance and HR Manager for S4 Financial since November 2004 having previously worked in Education and other Financial Service environments. Diane has responsibility for all areas of the corporate accounts, their management and supervision within S4 Financial. Diane is a qualified member of the AAT.

Morven Grierson – Compliance Manager

Morven joined S4 in October 2004 as a PA to the Managing Director. This role has evolved over the years to the current position of Compliance Manager. Prior to S4, she was a Customer Support Specialist with NCR Ltd. It is Morven’s role to support the senior management to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and principles and to ensure the high quality of advice and service to the client. She also manages the technical support team. Morven holds the Certificate in Financial Planning and a Diploma in Management.

David Smith – Consultant

David joined S4 Financial in March 2007. He has over ten years experience in the Financial Services sector, gained from positions in Wealth Management and Independent Financial Planning firms. David’s role as a Consultant involves regular contact with S4 Clients, providing advice and guidance on financial matters. With the support of the S4 team, he assists a broad spectrum of private individuals from backgrounds such as IT, Management Consulting, Investment Banking, and Fund Management. He is a Member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment and holds qualifications in various financial planning areas at advanced level.

Martin Littlecott – Consultant

Martin is a consultant with a responsibility for advising clients on a day to day basis and for client acquisition. Martin has worked for S4 Financial since 2008 having previously worked in a wealth management role in one of the big four accountancy firms in the UK for 10 years and prior to that as a director of the financial services arm of a Lloyds brokers. Martin has approaching thirty years experience in the financial services industry and uses this to great advantage taking a holistic approach when advising clients. This includes investment management of substantial portfolios including pension funds, wealth protection and the broad aspects of financial planning. Martin holds the Advanced Financial Planning Certificate (AFPC) from the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and is a Chartered Financial Planner as well as a member of the Institute of Financial Planning (IFP).

Nick Cole – Consultant

Nick joined S4 as a Consultant in February 2009 after 6 years at Board level with a local, privately owned wealth management company in Surrey. Prior to that Nick spent 20 years in the City working exclusively in the private client arena with Lloyds, Coutts & Co, where he spent 12 years as a Private Banker, Merrill Lynch and Credit Suisse. Nick is a member of the Securities Institute with qualifications in Private Client Investment Management, Regulation & Compliance and Fund Management.

Steve Smith – Mortgage Consultant

Steve joined S4 Financial in September 2011.  He has a wealth of experience in the mortgage arena and has worked and run a number of prominent companies within the city including Savills, Hamptons and Square Mile Mortgage Finance Ltd.

Steve’s role is to advise clients in the complex area of the mortgage market and provide solutions to their mortgage requirements.  This service compliments the wealth management and taxation expertise already experienced by S4 clients.

Steve’s wealth of knowledge of the market means he is fully equipped to assist you with all types of property financing whether that be residential or commercial.

Steve holds the Certificate in Mortgage Advice Practice.