Meet The Team
Steven Vallery – Managing Director
Steven is a law graduate, who has over 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. As a founding Director of S4 it has been Steven’s role to drive the business forward and to develop and adapt the business to meet the ever-changing landscape of the financial services industry.
His strong connections with other industry professionals allow him access to the best opportunities for our clients.
Tim McKechnie – Investment Director
Tim has extensive experience of financial planning for High Net Worth Individuals, celebrating 20 years in investment management in 2019. Tim has a hands-on approach to client management and maintains a strong personal relationship with each of his clients and many other S4 clients.
Tim provides a strong steering judgment for the company both with business strategy and investment allocation for client portfolios.
Ronald Elder – Non – Executive Director
Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to S4 in his capacity as non-executive Director. His vast experience is drawn from financial services and manufacturing sectors where he has worked in senior financial and business leadership positions over the last 27 years.
Nick Cole – Senior Financial Consultant
Nick joined S4 as a Consultant in February 2009 after 6 years at Board level with a local wealth management company. Prior to that Nick spent 20 years in the City working exclusively in the private client arena for Coutts & Co, Merrill Lynch International Private Bank and Credit Suisse Private Banking.
As well as being a member of the Personal Finance Society Nick is a member of the Securities Institute with qualifications in Private Client Investment Management, Regulation & Compliance and Fund Management.
Diane Wagland – Finance Manager
Diane Wagland has been Finance and HR Manager for S4 Financial since November 2004 having previously worked in a variety of management roles within Education and as a Financial Advisor for a large Financial institution.
Diane has responsibility for all areas of the corporate accounts, their management and supervision within S4 Financial. Diane also heads up our Corporate Accounting Team offering a full corporate management package to our clients. Diane is a qualified member of the AAT.
Emma Cornish – Finance Assistant
Emma joined S4 Financial in 2013 as a Finance Assistant. Emma has since transitioned into the role of Finance Officer and is a member of the ACCA having successfully obtained the title of Certified Accountant.
Emma works with Diane in the preparation of the S4 corporate accounts. In addition, Emma also works within our corporate client team.
Mary McDonnell – Senior Paraplanner & Pension Transfer Specialist
Mary joined S4 Financial from a customer services background in 2006 as a client researcher and transitioned to the role of Paraplanner in 2009.
Mary holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and achieved Chartered status in 2022.
Mary manages the Paraplanning team and performs the technical aspects of our service including research, technical analysis and report writing as well as providing an additional support service to clients.
Annie Bryant – Paraplanner
Annie joined us in May 2017 as a Trainee Paraplanner with a strong background in Financial Services. She has since transitioned to the role of Paraplanner having obtained her Certificate in Financial Planning. She is currently working towards her Diploma and is a valuable member of the Support Team.
John Dean – Financial Consultant
After graduating from Brunel University John has had a strong background of 14 years in Financial Services as a Paraplanner and advisor in Final Salary pension schemes. He joined S4 Financial in December 2019. John holds the Diploma in Financial Planning along with AF7 Pension Transfers and working towards the Advanced Diploma.
Yvette Anthony – Paraplanner
Yvette joined S4 Financial in 2019 with a history of working in Financial Services, previously working for a Bank and Pension Administration firms. In 2021 she obtained her CII Certificate in Financial Services and is currently working towards her Diploma. Yvette works within the Paraplanner team, providing an administration support service to clients.