Former Cazenove head of Financial Planning David Austin has joined the wealth management arm of law firm Irwin Mitchell as a non-executive director.

David Austin was at Cazenove Capital Management for 20 years where he was part of the team that set up its wealth brand. He then became part of the senior management team with roles including head of Financial Planning and head of UK business development.

He was part of the team which oversaw several acquisitions as well as the sale of the brand to the Schroder Group for £440m in 2013.

Mr Austin will now help provide strategic direction, business development and professional development for key team members at Irwin Mitchell.

He said: “The opportunity for growth at Irwin Mitchell is very exciting. Combining a broad range of expert lawyers with a very high-quality wealth management offer provides clients with a unique and powerful package. Irwin Mitchell is also a forward-thinking employer offering fully flexible working and improved family friendly people policies. There is huge potential to grow the business.

“I’m here to provide advice and support to the leadership team to help them execute and shape the strategic growth plan and I’m looking forward to getting started.”

Irwin Mitchell Asset Management was launched in 2000 to provide Financial Planning and asset management to personal injury clients receiving large settlements through the law group. ln 2017 their offer was broadened to provide wider wealth management services for external clients.

Irwin Mitchell’s wealth management arm has a team of 60 staff offering Financial Planning, tax planning and other wealth management services and £980m in assets under management. Clients include the group’s personal injury clients as well as business owners and directors.

Richard Potts, CEO of Irwin Mitchell Asset Management, said: “Bringing David on board will boost our growth plans significantly and we’re delighted that he has recognised our potential. We’ve grown fast in the past few years but we want to accelerate our plans and bring our expert services to even more clients. David’s experience and expertise will be fundamental in helping us to grow our reputation and market share in the wealth arena.

“As part of Irwin Mitchell we’re uniquely placed to help clients with both legal and financial services. Our clients are increasingly using more and more services with us and we want to continue to bring that excellent client service to others. Our Financial Planners can draw on a wide range of experts across the group such as wealth structuring, tax and pensions specialists including those with significant international clients.”

Irwin Mitchell has also recently announced a new flexible working policy allowing all colleagues to work when and where they want subject to client requirements.