Financial services business Hood Sweeney has appointed Chris Stewart as MD to replace Matthew Rowe, who is leaving to study at Harvard Business School.

Mr Stewart will start the new role on Wednesday, and says maintaining a client focus is a priority.

“For our clients it is business as usual, with our focus to remain on providing the highest possible level of service,” Mr Stewart said.

“We are approaching the years ahead with a positive outlook for our business and individual clients, as well as the firm.”

“We have an outstanding team and an unwavering client-first mentality.”

Mr Stewart is currently a director and leader of the consulting and performance coaching team, providing strategic planning and corporate governance advice to clients.

He joined Hood Sweeney in 2011 as head of business development and was promoted to his current position in 2013.

“This has been a well thought out and executed succession plan,” Chairman Andrew Holsman said. “In Chris we have a dynamic and astute leader.

“He understands our business intimately and is ideally suited to build on this great foundation and lead the firm to ongoing success.”

Mr Rowe is a former Chairman of the Financial Planning Association and is also a trustee and director of the Future2 Foundation.