Ms Bradbury has been with Gilson Gray Financial Management since it was first set up 10 years ago.

She has held several roles during that time supporting its expansion, including her most recent position as operations director. She will take over from Steve Herkes who is retiring as managing director.

GGFM said it is targeting more than £1bn assets under management for the financial year. It said it has several key acquisitions already lined up to boost the firm’s client base and headcount.

Plans include expansion into additional locations, complementing the full suite of legal services already offered by Gilson Gray in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, East Lothian and Lincoln.

Last year GGFM announced a series of takeovers including Edinburgh-based Financial Planning firm Sarah Hughes Wealth Management and RS Robertson Financial Planning in Fife, bringing its total assets under management to around £700m.

Glen Gilson, chair of Gilson Gray Financial Management, said: “Emma has been at the centre of GGFM’s development in recent years and as COO will be a great asset to the team as we move forward.

“We have ambitious plans for the year ahead, and Emma will be responsible for the operational delivery of the growth strategy and achieving the targets we have set. Steve Herkes retires with our best wishes and thanks for his dedication to the firm.”

Ms Bradbury said: “Having been with GGFM since day one, this is a natural next step in my progression with the firm. In recent years I have increasingly been part of the strategic decision-making process, so it is great to formalise that and play a key part in the future growth strategy.

“I became a working mother. To secure this promotion within a few months of returning from maternity leave is a huge personal achievement and testament to the support of the team.” 

Gilson Gray Financial Management offers specialist financial advice to private and corporate clients around the UK. It is a senior partner practice of wealth manager St James’s Place Wealth Management.

Gilson Gray was established in 2014 and provides advice on law, property and finance. The firm has more than 160 staff in four offices in North Berwick, Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow.