Castlefield appoints Matt Ralph as Chief Executive Officer

Castlefield is delighted to confirm that Matt Ralph has been appointed to the role of Chief Executive Officer. Matt, previously Head of Client Management, takes over from Castlefield founder John Eckersley, who became Non-Executive Chair and remains closely involved with the business. 

Matt's appointment forms part of a broader evolution of the senior management team within Castlefield to support the firm’s long-term growth plans. This leadership team comprises:

• Rupert Lovesy – Partner, Chief Client Officer, previously Head of Client Engagement & Advice
• Mark Elliott – Partner, Chief Investment Officer, previously Head of Investment Management
• Kathryn Holland – Chief Financial Officer, previously Head of Finance
• Ita McMahon – Chief Stewardship Officer, previously Head of Stewardship
• Ewelina N. Wilson – Chief of Staff, previously Head of People & Improvement
• Sarah Hanlon – Chief Compliance & Risk Officer, previously Head of Risk & Compliance
• Summayya Mosam – Chief Information Officer, previously Head of Client Services & IT

Castlefield has also made several other senior appointments from within the business. Partners Tom McCoy and Simon Holman have been appointed Head of Financial Planning and Head of Client Portfolio Services respectively, while Bronwyn Riley has been promoted to Partner.

John Eckersley, Founder and Non-Executive Chair at Castlefield, commented: "One of my ambitions when establishing Castlefield was to build a business that would thrive well beyond its founder. Matt's appointment as CEO is an important milestone in that journey.

Since joining Castlefield in 2018, Matt has made a significant contribution to the business, helping to shape the firm's strategy and supporting its continued growth. He embodies the values that have shaped Castlefield over more than two decades, and is ideally placed to lead the business into its next chapter.

"As an employee-owned business we are committed to recognising talent and creating opportunities internally. Matt's appointment as CEO, promoted from within the business, is a demonstration of that model in action."

Matt Ralph, Chief Executive Officer at Castlefield, added: "It's a real honour to be named CEO at such an exciting point in Castlefield's development. Having been part of the leadership team for a number of years, this feels like a natural next step in a succession plan that has been carefully developed over time.

"Under the guidance of our founder, John Eckersley, we have spent recent years strengthening the leadership team and preparing the business for its next chapter. For more than two decades, we've built a strong reputation as the Thoughtful Investor®, and I'm excited to build on those foundations as we continue to grow."

"Over the past few years, we have developed an exceptionally strong leadership team with deep expertise across investment management and stewardship, financial planning, technology and operations. That preparation means we are well positioned to deliver on our long-term ambitions while remaining true to the values that make Castlefield distinctive."