Haddington-based investment firm McInroy & Wood announced that Wendy Ferguson will be appointed as chief executive officer in June 2025, taking over from current CEO Tim Wood, subject to regulatory approval.
Ferguson will be the first non-family member to become CEO of the business.
McInroy & Wood manages £2.2 billion of investments on behalf of clients and investors.
The firm also said it is “actively searching” for a new Director of Operations & IT “as the firm seeks to identify an individual with the right mix of talent to succeed Wendy in this critical role for the business.”
The company said: “Tim will remain CEO of McInroy & Wood until June 2025, and will thereafter remain fully committed to the business, assuming the position of non-executive deputy chairman of both McInroy & Wood and McInroy & Wood Portfolios.
“He will remain on the Investment Committee and continue to serve as Chair of the Remuneration & Nomination Committee and as an ongoing member of the Audit Committee.
“As deputy chairman, Tim will be dedicating more of his time to the long-term strategy and development of the firm.
“Wendy has worked for McInroy & Wood since 2012. She is currently Deputy CEO and has served as the Director of Operations & IT since 2013.
“She was chosen as CEO-designate following a detailed selection process by the board, led by chairman David Cruickshank and Tim Wood.
“Over the next year, Wendy will work closely with Tim to ensure a seamless transition as part of the firm’s long-term succession plan.
“She is the first non-family member to become CEO of the business.
“We remain proud of our staunchly independent ownership and there are no plans for this to change.”
Ferguson said: “This is an exciting time to be stepping into the role of CEO of McInroy & Wood.
“Having worked closely with Tim for more than a decade, I am fully dedicated to preserving the strong, family-led culture that underpins our business, and continuing to align our interests with the long-term needs of the individuals, families, trusts and charities with whom we have worked for the past four decades.”
Tim Wood said: “Wendy is ideally placed to lead McInroy & Wood in its next phase of growth. She has a deep understanding of the needs of our clients and a relentless attitude towards delivering excellent client service and value.
“I am confident that under her leadership, she will preserve the culture of what we have built at McInroy & Wood and lead the firm to new heights …
“When I assume my new role one year from now, I will have worked for the firm for a quarter of a century, having had the privilege of leading it for the last 18 years.
“I am hugely proud of what the whole McInroy & Wood team has achieved to date. The firm’s strong culture and its truly personal service has always benefitted our clients and investors.
“As we build on our long-term vision for McInroy & Wood, there are a number of strategic priorities on which I will focus, including increasing awareness of the firm’s activities with individuals and their professional advisers.”