A Chartered Financial Planner has been hired as the new director general of The Enterprise Investment Scheme Association.

Mark Brownridge CFPTM Chartered MCSI will join from Accredited Financial Planning Firm Mazars Financial Planning, where he is head of research and development.

He will take up the post at EISA, which represents IFAs and wealth managers among others, on 1 August.

Mr Brownridge, who has more than 20 years’ experience in financial services, takes over from John Glencross, chief executive of Calculus Capital. He had been acting director general of EISA since Sarah Wadham stood down as director general at the end of March.

Mr Brownridge is a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, a Chartered Financial Planner and a Certified Financial Planner.

He said: “In my eyes, the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme stand out in the investment landscape.

“They help small companies attract the investment they need to grow and succeed, they help our economy by creating jobs and driving growth and they provide investors with attractive tax incentives.

“That’s why I am delighted to be taking on the role of director general and I look forward to leading EISA into a new and exciting phase at a time when the sector is attracting investment at record levels.

“I am committed to reaching out to a broad range of audiences, including financial advisers and other professionals, to make sure they are fully aware of the benefits offered by EIS and SEIS investments.”

John Glencross said: “Mark combines a first-class financial services pedigree with enormous drive and energy. These are exactly the qualities needed to continue to increase the influence of EISA among our key audiences and stakeholders.”

EISA’s chairman, Lord Flight, said Mr Brownridge had for years been a champion of EIS and SEIS investment and would be a passionate advocate for the industry.

EISA is the official trade body for the Enterprise Investment Scheme, with members across the UK representing all areas of the EIS and SEIS industry including EIS/SEIS fund managers, lawyers, accountants, tax advisers, corporate financiers, IFAs and wealth managers.