Duncan and Toplis appoints Ian Brown as CFO

Duncan and Toplis has appointed Ian Brown to its executive leadership team as chief finance officer.

His appointment comes as the firm prepares to mark its centenary in 2025 during what it describes as its “strongest period of growth to date”.

Over the past year, Duncan and Toplis has expanded with new locations in London and Derby and broadened its service offering across the Midlands and the capital.

Brown brings extensive experience in financial management and strategic planning, which the group said would strengthen its leadership as it continues to grow.

With a career spanning more than two decades, Brown has held senior finance roles at organisations including Boots, Hillarys and Simplify. 

At Hillarys and Simplify, he helped scale the business, drive strategic growth and improve operations. Most recently, he led mergers and acquisitions for UK and international development at Hunter Douglas.

According to Duncan and Toplis, Brown’s expertise in financial strategy and operational efficiency “would support its continued expansion”.

Brown said: “I am delighted to be joining the Duncan and Toplis group at such an exciting time in the company’s journey. The organisation has a strong reputation for excellence, and I look forward to working with the team to drive financial performance and strategic growth.

“My focus will be on ensuring that we build upon our financial strength while continuing to support the diverse needs of our clients and stakeholders.”

Damon Brain, chief executive of Duncan and Toplis, added: “We are thrilled to welcome Ian to the Duncan and Toplis group. His wealth of experience in financial leadership and strategic planning makes him a fantastic addition to our leadership team.

“Strong and effective leadership in financial management is central to our continued growth, and Ian’s expertise will play a crucial role in helping us navigate the opportunities and challenges ahead.”