Financial Planner and professional services firm Progeny has appointed Tom Wood as its new chief financial officer as the firm looks for options to speed up growth.

He brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, including leading change and growth within private equity-backed businesses.

Former roles include CEO and CFO of Shawbrook Group, and chief restructuring and financial officer of the Co-Operative Bank, during which he co-advised on its recapitalisation.

Mr Wood said: “I’m delighted to join Neil and the team at this exciting and energising time for Progeny. Progeny is a unique business well positioned to extend its scale and reach.”

His appointment comes as Progeny looks to boost its growth, with Mr Wood’s expertise in mergers and acquisitions likely to play a pivotal role in advancing the firm’s acquisitive strategy.

Neil Moles, CEO of Progeny, said Mr Wood chose to join the Financial Planning firm having spent some time working as a consultant with the business.

He said: “Having spent time inside the business in an advisory capacity, he’s seen first-hand our ambition and what we’re seeking to achieve and has decided he wants to be a part of it. From a CFO of his pedigree and experience, I couldn’t think of a greater accolade for our business.

“Tom’s CV speaks for itself in that he is a highly skilled and strategic operator at this level with a demonstrable track record of success and we’re very excited about what he’ll contribute to Progeny.”

Leeds-based Progeny has made a number of acquisitions in recent months including acquiring HNW-focused Chartered financial advice firm Chartered Wealth Management in January.

The firm made several acquisitions last year including in October the takeover of £600 AUM Scottish Chartered Financial Planner firm Carbon Financial Partners for an undisclosed sum. Earlier in the year it acquired Nottingham-based Fiscal Engineers.

In April 2023 it acquired the Fry Group expanding the firm’s reach into international territories for the first time, adding offices in the Middle East, Asia and Europe.