A financial planner has been promoted to become a director of a leading Cumbrian accountancy firm.
Justin Rourke has been named as financial planning director – head of advice.
In his new role, Justin, who is based in Penrith, will help lead the firm’s financial planning department and be responsible for defining the client advice process, and the effective delivery and implementation of the firm’s investment strategy.
His promotion follows the appointments of financial planning consultants Sarah Tallentire and Nick Birtle to the Penrith team, and along with Paul Moody, doubles the size of the financial planning consulting team there.
Justin who succeeds financial planning director and partner David Squire as head of advice, joined Armstrong Watson in 2013 and was promoted to senior financial planning manager in 2019.
He will join the board of Armstrong Watson Financial Planning Limited, alongside CEO Paul Dickson, financial planning director Mark Frier and Mr Squire.
Mr Rourke said: “Over the last 10 years I have been very fortunate to work for amazing clients, and to work alongside a number of outstanding individuals who have helped support me throughout my career. When I arrived at Armstrong Watson in Penrith in 2013, David Squire supported me and was instrumental in my development. To be able to succeed David as head of advice gives me a great deal of pride.
“I look forward to continuing to work with my clients in Penrith, whilst also being able to help to shape and develop our advice proposition both now and over the coming years.
“I am passionate about ensuring that we continue to deliver excellent client outcomes and providing direction to the financial planning team to ensure we lead the way in delivering independent and holistic advice.”
Managing partner and chief executive Mr Dickson said: “Justin has built up strong and lasting relationships with clients and colleagues and I am confident that with his, experience, passion and commitment, he will successfully help lead Armstrong Watson Financial Planning, whilst helping our clients achieve prosperity, a secure future and peace of mind.”
