Our People

Alexandra Rae

My role is to work with all the teams here at Wise. I help to ensure the smooth daily running of the business as well as working on our longer-term business strategy.
I started working at Wise in 2000, initially joining the administration team. I then became a Financial Planner before joining the management team and then becoming CEO in 2016.
I really enjoy working with all my colleagues. I am proud that we have always been equally focussed on our clients and staff. If we look after the people who work at Wise they will look after our clients well. Being part of an employee-owned business is also something I really value. I feel it makes us unique and more resilient.
My focus going forward it to ensure that we have a sustainable business that is here for years to come.

Angus Aston

My role at Wise focuses on communication, reassurance, long term strategy and planning. I work with a great team, lovely and interesting clients and really enjoy helping advise on their futures.

Following a degree in law at Exeter University, and a spell working in the City, I took a career detour and trained as a photographer, before discovering financial advice as an engaging and rewarding profession. After a short time as an independent mortgage adviser, I met the founder of Wise Investment, Tony Yarrow, and joined the firm shortly afterwards in March 2004.  Alongside my main role as a client adviser and portfolio manager, I have also been a team leader, the firm’s compliance officer, and now serve as a Director.

Going forwards, I plan to continually improve both the business and myself, with a vision for the company to survive and thrive long into the future.

James Payne

Much of my time is spent ensuring clients remain on track to satisfy their financial goals. Most people have little time or inclination to do this themselves, so passing this task on to me gives my clients the freedom to focus their efforts on other things they value.

I started my career as an investment analyst at Insight Investment, but after a brief spell working at Barclays, I joined Wise Investment as a financial planner and investment adviser in 2006.

I have worked at Wise for many years and have witnessed the company grow into a very successful employee-owned business. Our knowledgeable, client-focused and jargon-free approach has helped us to develop numerous long-term client relationships – with many becoming personal friends.

As a Director at Wise Investment, I am not only working with clients, but also helping to shape the future direction of the business itself.

Robert Blinkhorn

My function as Chief Operating Officer is to oversee the day-to-day administrative and operational functions of Wise Investment. Essentially , I see this as making sure every employee within Wise has the resources available to them so the business can run as efficiently as possible. By achieving this, we can deliver the best level of service possible to our clients.

I have worked in financial planning firms for my entire career which started in 1994, undertaking various roles including providing financial advice, investment management and now, at Wise, directing the operational activity of the business. After beginning my career at Wise in 2017 to initially help develop the investment management proposition, my role has developed into supporting our CEO, Alex Rae, in continuing to grow our business for the benefit of our clients and every employee who each own a part of our company.

Angus Aston

My role at Wise focuses on communication, reassurance, long term strategy and planning. I work with a great team, lovely and interesting clients and really enjoy helping advise on their futures.

Following a degree in law at Exeter University, and a spell working in the City, I took a career detour and trained as a photographer, before discovering financial advice as an engaging and rewarding profession. After a short time as an independent mortgage adviser, I met the founder of Wise Investment, Tony Yarrow, and joined the firm shortly afterwards in March 2004.  Alongside my main role as a client adviser and portfolio manager, I have also been a team leader, the firm’s compliance officer, and now serve as a Director.

Going forwards, I plan to continually improve both the business and myself, with a vision for the company to survive and thrive long into the future.

David Burrell

My principal role is to meet with clients, taking the time with them to understand their plans and hopes for the future. I then help them plan for their future and advise them on their journey.
I really appreciate that I can spend the time to build genuine relationships with our clients. This is an important aspect of my role, and I enjoy helping them towards their future.
I am developing my skills by studying towards Chartered status as an adviser. Having been with Wise for five years I have really enjoyed the journey so far and look forward to establishing ever stronger relationships with my clients over many years to come.

David Jones

I’m excited to have joined Wise Investment as Head of Financial Planning. With over 17 years in financial services, I’ve had the opportunity to build my career across a range of roles, from retail banking to financial planning. My career began in 2007 with Lloyds TSB, where I progressed into branch management, overseeing operations in Swindon and Hungerford. In 2016, I transitioned into financial planning as an Independent Financial Adviser, and I’ve been passionate about helping clients achieve their financial goals ever since.

Most recently, I served as a Senior Paraplanner at Courtiers, where I supported the management of Paraplanners and contributed to the successful overhaul of the firm’s Customer Relationship Management system. I’m also a Chartered Associate of the London Foundation of Banking & Finance, having earned the Level 6 Advanced Diploma.

I’m looking forward to working with the talented team at Wise Investment, building on the strong foundation already in place as we continue to grow and provide exceptional support to our clients.

Heidi Woźniak

I help my clients by assessing their financial circumstances and formulate a tailored plan to help them reach their goals.

I studied an Architecture degree at Coventry University and decided on a career change after being made redundant. I joined the admin team at Wise in 2016 and fell in love with the industry and the company, progressing through various roles within the business to my current position of Financial Planner. I have completed the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and was awarded Paraplanner Apprentice of the Year in 2023. I am now working towards the advanced diploma and Chartered Status.

Wise has supported me to further my career through exams and by shadowing my colleagues. I really like our culture and the people that I work with. I really enjoy attending client meetings and continuing to learn from my colleagues. The sky’s the limit!

Jamal Moche

My role is wide ranging, from helping clients with simple valuation queries, to helping them achieve their life goals and objectives.

As an employee-owned business I see Wise as an exciting, forward-thinking company in a fast moving industry. I have worked with Wise since 2007, starting as an administrator and training to become a Financial Planner in 2012.

My future focus is looking after my existing clients and helping sustainably grow their portfolios and pensions.

James Payne

Much of my time is spent ensuring clients remain on track to satisfy their financial goals. Most people have little time or inclination to do this themselves, so passing this task on to me gives my clients the freedom to focus their efforts on other things they value.

I started my career as an investment analyst at Insight Investment, but after a brief spell working at Barclays, I joined Wise Investment as a financial planner and investment adviser in 2006.

I have worked at Wise for many years and have witnessed the company grow into a very successful employee-owned business. Our knowledgeable, client-focused and jargon-free approach has helped us to develop numerous long-term client relationships – with many becoming personal friends.

As a Director at Wise Investment, I am not only working with clients, but also helping to shape the future direction of the business itself.

Joanna Campbell-Meiklejohn

I am a qualified financial planner dedicated to advising clients with a comprehensive and personalised approach. My career began with 16 years in Corporate and Investment Banking, where I held various international positions with major global banks. My roles spanned sales and relationship management, strategy, and business management at the C-Suite level, providing me with a profound understanding of the financial industry.

Following the birth of my second child, I transitioned from banking to running a property business in the Cotswolds. This venture included developing properties, managing residential homes, and offering holiday lets, further enhancing my business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit.

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a pivotal moment in my career as I decided to amalgamate my extensive life and professional experiences. I embarked on a new journey, undertaking professional exams with the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) in the Diploma of Regulated Financial Planning. In 2022, I proudly qualified as a Financial Adviser, a role that I am passionate about and consider a privilege to perform.

Beyond my professional life, I am married and have 2 daughters with busy lives. If not performing my family taxi duties I love to keep active and enjoy making the most of the beautiful Cotswold countryside. Whether it’s taking long walks with our dog, going on bike rides with my family, or exploring new destinations through travel.

Joe Cooper

I started off in the industry 15 years ago, initially focussing on the protection market. I later gained a broader knowledge of the industry, enabling me to offer the best possible advice to my clients.

I aim to make things as straightforward and transparent as possible for my clients. I always encourage them to pursue holistic financial planning to help ensure we cover all areas of their financial wellbeing.

As an adviser, I am really proud of the fact that we offer not only top quality Financial Planning but also Discretionary Management as part of the same service. We advise many families across the generations and it is great to feel you are making a positive impact on people’s lives in this way.

Natascha Cavers​​​​

Much of my time is dedicated to assisting clients in navigating their financial journeys toward success. I look to ensure that my client’s financial goals align seamlessly with their life’s purpose and aspirations. Recognising that money often becomes a considerable source of stress and anxiety, my primary objective is to formulate a strategic plan that transforms financial resources into a support system rather than a distraction. My mission is to empower my clients with a customised financial strategy that enables them to focus on what truly matters in their lives.

I am a Chartered Financial Analyst® with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry.

My role at Wise also involves creating and monitoring Wise’s carbon action plan as well as potential B-Corp certification.

Andrew Reed

I joined Wise in February 2022 and feel like I have met my ”forever” employer. I love being part of the team and working for a company that puts such a strong onus on the wellbeing of their staff.

I assist our advisors in producing clear and compliant reports for our clients, helping them to meet their financial and aspirational goals, as well as helping the development of my colleagues through training sessions and seminars.

I have been in the financial services industry both in England and Australia for over 25 years. Having attained a diploma, I am now working towards my chartered status. I enjoy the technical aspect of paraplanning as well as the variety.

Going forward I am hoping to continue to help my colleagues in providing outstanding service and solid advice for our clients.

Holly Switalski

I began my career in Financial Services in 2013 as an Apprentice Administrator, but soon progressed to the role of Senior Administrator. I joined Wise as an Administrator in April 2024, after relocating to Oxfordshire from Cornwall. Having settled in the Admin team, I was encouraged to apply for a role on the Paraplanning team. I am already studying for my Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, which I look forward to achieving as I establish myself within the Paraplanning team.

I work closely with the Financial Planning and Admin teams, and I really enjoy the variety and technical aspects of Paraplanning. I’m passionate about delivering high-quality research and reports to my colleagues, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our clients. I look forward to continuing my professional growth in financial services

The culture at Wise is professional but friendly and I’ve enjoyed getting to know everyone. It is great to work for an employee-owned company whose main focus is its clients.

Justin Roake

I joined the paraplanning team at Wise in August 2018, having previously worked in a similar role with a large accountancy firm in Oxford. I joined the financial services industry in 1980s. I am qualified to chartered level and hold the advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. I enjoy working with our Financial Planners and particularly like the technical challenges that come with pension and inheritance tax planning.

Leeann Taylor

As a Paraplanner, I work alongside our team of Financial Planners to research and recommend the most suitable plan of action for our clients. I also run comparison reports and conduct in depth research on things like fund options, as well as costs and charges. My favourite area of planning is insurance/pensions/tax efficient saving.

I joined Wise in May 2024, bringing with me 24 years industry experience.  I really connected with Wise and what the company stands for, especially being employee-owned. It’s clear that everyone genuinely cares about the long-term success of the business, which is evident in how long some of our clients have been with us.

I really enjoy analysing our clients’ current circumstances and helping to formulate a plan to better improve their financial situation.

Eloise Harvey

As Head of Administration, I ensure the team are providing the best possible service for our clients. This includes listening to our client’s wants and needs, which is our top priority.
I have worked in the financial services industry for over 14 years, mainly focusing on pensions and investments. I moved into management several years ago, using the knowledge I have gained over the years to improve our internal processes, as well as the service that we provide to our clients.
Wise is customer focused, which is really important to me. Everyone is so passionate about what they do, and we all work to the same common goal.
I look forward to continuing to learn as much as I can, both personally and professionally.

Emma Bodily

I help our clients every day by implementing and seeing through the recommendations made by the financial planners. I am also on hand to help answer general administration queries.
Prior to joining Wise in 2017 I worked in the insurance industry.
I really enjoy the flexibility and relaxed, but professional, atmosphere at Wise.

Laura Wallington

On a day-to-day basis I am the first point of contact for clients and assist with their administration queries. I am also responsible for helping clients with the Client Portal.
I studied English Language and Communication at Cardiff University. After graduating I worked in marketing, and I then transferred my administrative experience to become an advisory support administrator for a wealth management company in Witney. After 3 years, in 2021, I joined the admin team at Wise as a client services administrator.
I like working as part of a friendly team where everyone is so approachable. It is great to work for an employee-owned company that has both its clients and employees’ best interests at the heart of the business.
I’m looking forward to learning more within the administration team at Wise and building good client relationships.

Megan Blindell

I joined the admin team at Wise in 2023, having started my career in financial services in 2019. Before joining Wise, I spent time working with Ernst & Young and NFU Mutual.

As well as the technical aspects of my role, I really enjoy getting to know our clients, and understanding their individual needs. I am currently studying to achieve my Level 4 Diploma in Financial Planning.

I have found the culture at Wise to be professional whilst also being very friendly and supportive. I look forward to continuing to grow my industry knowledge and understanding as I further my career with Wise, and to completing my Diploma.

Michelle Badejo

I help to manage the Administration team and support them with administration tasks when needed.
I first started working in financial services in 2001, mainly in mortgages/life insurance, then got made redundant in 2010 and found Wise Investment. I joined the team as a client administrator and am now the Administration Team Leader.
I enjoy working for Wise because we always put the clients first; one of the main reasons that I joined the company.
I look forward to continuing to provide our clients with the best service we can offer.

Sarah Edmunds

I joined Wise Investment as a Client Services Administrator in March 2024.  With over 12 years of experience in administration, I am passionate about helping clients navigate their financial needs and making sure everything runs efficiently behind the scenes. I really like how client focussed the team at Wise are; its one of the main reasons I joined the company.

Outside of work, I play hockey for the Shipston on Stour Ladies team every weekend. I’m a big believer in the power of teamwork—whether it’s on the field or in the office—and I always strive to build strong, lasting relationships with those I work with.

Siobhan Johnson

I work with the administration team processing new business and providing clients with a point of contact to assist with any queries or help they may require.
I trained in Oxford at Secretarial College, before working as PA and later moving on to local government. I joined the Wise team back in 2004.
I really enjoy the variety of work and flexibility to be able to work from home.

Will Brown

I joined the Admin team at Wise in early 2023. As a Client Services Administrator, my primary role is talking to and helping our clients, ensuring their needs are taken care of. To do this, I work closely with the Financial Planners and Paraplanners.

I have worked within the financial sector in a variety of roles since 2013, beginning my career on the Isle of Man.

Wise have enabled me to further my industry knowledge and understanding, whilst also providing the opportunity to progress within my career. I’m excited to see where this takes me.

The culture at Wise is professional but incredibly friendly, and I have loved getting to know our clients and everyone in the wider business.

Chris Kerridge

I joined Wise in 2015 as a Client Service Administrator, bringing three years of experience working in Financial Services. In 2018 I moved into the Operations team.

I mainly work ‘behind the scenes’ carrying out maintenance of client data. This includes managing cash balances and payment of fees, as well as running a range of audits and checks on our databases, collecting and analysing the data. Alongside my day to day tasks, I also work on larger projects that mean coordinating with other teams. All this helps to support our client facing teams and ensures our systems are accurately maintained.

I really like the emphasis that Wise place on providing quality customer service, and I also enjoy working with the rest of the team here at Wise.

Claire Burrows

Much of my time is spent on project management, process efficiencies, database maintenance, tax planning and client reporting requirements.

I joined Wise in 2010, having previously worked for eight years at Sesame Bankhall Group, latterly in an investment research role.

I hold the CII’s Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and Diploma in Investment Management as well as the CISI’s Diploma in Investment Compliance.

I love working at Wise as we focus so much on customer service. The flexibility and variety of my role suits me perfectly and I have influence over the future of the business.

Heather Cooper-Harris

I’ve worked at Wise Investment since 1996 and during my time here I’ve held various roles.  This has given me a good all-round knowledge and understanding of the business, which I have found beneficial in my role as Head of Operations.

The Operations team is responsible for a variety of tasks, and I enjoy the varied nature of my role working alongside my colleagues to ensure that the more ‘behind the scenes’ elements of Financial Services are running smoothly.  This includes carrying out audits, gathering, analysing, and maintaining data, troubleshooting and problem solving, and working with both the Operations and Management teams on day-to-day processes and larger projects.

I’m passionate about Client Service and Wise Investment’s ethos of doing the best for our clients and the local community.

Kim Hobday

My day-to-day work is mainly ensuring that client accounts are correct by running a number of audits and checks. This ensures the accuracy and integrity of our data.
Before joining Wise Investment, I had a long and varied career in the Ministry of Defence. I spent 5 years working for the American Airforce, followed by many years working in defence logistics, during which time I held a number of project management and data analysis roles.
I enjoy my role at Wise, and the team environment that I work in. I enjoy problem solving, correcting errors and making positive contributions to the smooth running of the company. The people help to make the job rewarding!
I am looking forward to continuing to learn more about financial services, the operations team and the company as a whole, expanding my knowledge wherever possible.

Laura-Jane Higgins

My role is to maintain client information via a range of data and system audits to ensure accurate and reliable data. This makes sure that everything in the background runs smoothly.

I have a Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Southampton and previously worked for a national distribution and outsourcing company and an NHS consultancy firm.

What I love most about Wise is the culture – being part of an amazing team and feeling valued as part of the company.

I’d like to continue to maintain client information to keep everything running smoothly and continue to develop my financial services knowledge going forwards.

Holly Stowe

I joined Wise in August 2023 as Receptionist. I take pride in meeting and greeting clients, ensuring their needs are promptly met and creating a welcoming atmosphere. I love the environment here at Wise; the entire team is not only extremely friendly but also highly professional.

Jo Radcliffe

As Social Media & Marketing Coordinator, I support the company by monitoring and maintaining our social media channels and producing marketing communications.

I joined the admin team at Wise in 2012 on a temporary contract, while trying to determine my long-term career path. I fell in love with the company and the industry and was lucky enough to be offered permanent position. I started in the paraplanning team in 2016, and became Head of Paraplanning in 2018. In 2023 I transitioned to my role of social media & marketing coordinator.

I really enjoy working with Wise and my colleagues here. I feel valued and trusted by my manager, and I’m definitely planning to stay with the company for the long term.

Katie Adams

I joined Wise Investment in 2017 as Finance Manager, and have been working in accountancy roles since my career began, over 17 years ago.

My role is to ensure the smooth running of all aspects of the company’s finances, from making supplier payments right through to production of the company’s accounts and supporting the business’s strategic decision making by providing accurate and timely financial data.

I completed my Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) exams in 2018 and became AAT qualified in 2007.

I enjoy working closely with the management team and getting stuck into projects that focus on improving efficiencies and effectiveness within my department and the company.

Ruth Derbyshire

I have spent 23 years working in the dental industry. I then completed my BA in Business Management and went on to manage a local Prep School prior to joining Wise in 2021 as Executive Assistant/Office Manager.
I really enjoy working with likeminded people in a friendly office environment.
I plan to further my knowledge on investment management and financial planning to ensure I can carry out my role to its maximum potential.

Tom Partridge

As part of the Investment Management team, I help implement the asset allocation for the Wise Model Portfolios. I also assist with the overall maintenance and daily operation of the investment team.

I graduated from the University of Surrey with a degree in Business Management. I joined Wise Investment in 2017, working as a Paraplanner for 4 years and gaining the Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. I transitioned to the investment team in 2021 and now hold the Certificate in Investment Management (IMC) and CFA Level 1.

I like the friendly, informal but professional company culture at Wise.

William Geffen

My role as Head of Investment Management is to lead the team in providing investment research and guidance for our Financial Planners, as well as managing Wise Investment’s Model Portfolio Service.

I am a CFA charter holder, having gained my experience working as an investment analyst and fund manager at Neptune Investment management and Liontrust Asset Management. I deeply enjoy the challenges investment markets pose, as well as utilising my skills and experience to help guide our client’s investments to achieve their long-term financial objectives.

I look forward to helping the Wise community to continue to grow and prosper.