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Business advisory group, Dow Schofield Watts, has revealed its founder James Dow is to step down from his role as CEO and be succeeded by Shru Morris.
Dow will now take on a new position as executive director where he will remain actively involved in shaping the firm’s strategic direction, mentoring advisers across the network, and representing the business through his ambassadorial role for both Dow Schofield Watts and the international Pandea network.
In her new role, Morris will drive Dow Schofield Watts’ growth by expanding its licensee network, which offers professionals the opportunity to build and scale their own advisory businesses. She will also lead the firm’s diversification strategy and oversee future acquisitions, building on its 2024 purchase of DR Solicitors.
Morris joined Dow Schofield Watts in August 2024 as Deputy CEO and has served as CEO designate since November 2024.
With a strong background in professional services and the legal sector, she has extensive leadership experience from previous roles, including CEO of Napthens LLP, CFO of Careerpass Network and Finance Director at Pick Everard. Her expertise will play a key role in advancing the group’s growth agenda.
As part of the leadership team, Pete Fendall will continue as chief finance and operating officer. Fendall, who joined the firm in 2021 after eight years at Deloitte, plays a central role in operational strategy and supporting the expansion of the licensee network.
Morris said: “It’s a real privilege to step into the role of CEO of Dow Schofield Watts. Since founding the business, James has done an outstanding job of taking it from strength to strength and establishing a serious challenger platform to traditional advisory firms. I’m very much looking forward to leading the business through its next chapter as we continue to grow and diversify our licensee businesses and attract ambitious entrepreneurs.”
Dow added: “Since establishing Dow Schofield Watts more than 20 years ago, I am extremely proud of everything that the team has achieved in that time. Shru has already done an excellent job in leading the business through recent successes, and her experience will be invaluable to Dow Schofield Watts’ expansion and diversification journey.
“Remaining an active part of the leadership team and board as Executive Director, I will continue to ensure that the advisers within our network are empowered to start-up and scale with the autonomy, but structured guidance, that we provide.”
