Gilson Gray Financial Management (GGFM), the financial planning arm of full-service legal firm Gilson Gray, has promoted Emma Bradbury to chief operating officer (COO).

Emma has been with the firm since it was first set up 10 years ago and has held several roles during that time supporting its expansion, including her most recent position as operations director. As COO, Emma will drive the next chapter of GGFM’s growth, taking over from Steve Herkes who retires as managing director.

The leadership announcement comes as GGFM reveals it is targeting upwards of £1 billion assets under management for the financial year. Several key acquisitions are already lined up to boost the firm’s client base and headcount.

Plans include expansion into additional locations, complementing the full suite of legal services already offered by Gilson Gray in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, East Lothian and Lincoln.

Last year GGFM announced a series of takeovers including Edinburgh-based Sarah Hughes Wealth Management and RS Robertson Financial Planning in Fife, bringing its total assets under management to around £700 million.

Glen Gilson, chair of Gilson Gray Financial Management, added: “Emma has been at the centre of GGFM’s development in recent years and as COO will be a great asset to the team as we move forward. We have ambitious plans for the year ahead, and Emma will be responsible for the operational delivery of the growth strategy and achieving the targets we have set for 2024. Steve Herkes retires with our best wishes and thanks for his dedication to the firm.”

Emma said: “Having been with GGFM since day one, this is a natural next step in my progression with the firm and I’m excited to take on this leadership role, working closely with Glen as chair and Alastair Fiddes as CFO. In recent years I have increasingly been part of the strategic decision-making process, so it is great to formalise that and play a key part in the future growth strategy. As a group, Gilson Gray has created a progressive and ambitious culture which I’ve experienced throughout my decade at GGFM, and even more so recently as I became a working mother. To secure this promotion within a few months of returning from maternity leave is a huge personal achievement and testament to the support of the team.”

Alastair Lindsay, managing partner at GGFM added: “Emma‘s progression over 10 years with the business is a great story of success and very well deserved. I am delighted to see her take on this senior operational role and feel it compliments my own focus on client care and development and our high net worth proposition. GGFM has enjoyed exponential growth of late and I can only see this continuing with the strength of the management team in place.”