| Meet the team

Steven Vallery

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Despite graduating from university with a law degree, the majority of Steven’s career has been spent in the financial services industry. A founding director of S4 Financial, Steven has over 20 years’ financial advisory experience and has been instrumental in driving the business forward, consistently ensuring that the service offering continues to reflect the needs of a new generation of clients in an ever-evolving industry landscape.

 

Steven’s access to a large network of industry professionals, carefully built and nurtured across decades in financial services, enables him to source the very best support and opportunities for his clients.

 

T : 0203 195 7218

Tim McKechnie

INVESTMENT DIRECTOR

Tim has over two decades of experience in financial planning, specialising particularly in assisting high-net-worth individuals with their often complex planning needs. His hands-on approach to client management, combined with his extensive knowledge and expertise, has helped him develop strong personal relationships not only with his own clients, but with clients across the business.

 

Tim plays an important role in driving the company’s business strategy, whilst his investment expertise perfectly places him to oversee investment allocation for client portfolios.

 

T : 0203 195 7220

Ronald Elder

INDEPENDENT CHAIR/DIRECTOR

In his capacity as non-executive Director, Ron brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to S4 Financial, gained from a career that has spanned almost three decades. 

 

Ron has occupied a wide range of senior finance and business leadership positions over the years, within both the financial services and manufacturing sectors.

Diane Wagland MAAT

FINANCE/HR MANAGER

Diane is a qualified member of the Association of Accounting Technicians and has been with S4 Financial since its establishment. Prior to this, she worked in a variety of management roles within the education sector and as a financial adviser at a large firm.

 

Diane is fully responsible for the management and supervision of S4 Financial’s corporate accounts. She also leads the Corporate Accounting Team, which offers a full corporate management package to business clients.

 

T : 0203 1957 227

Mary McDonnell APFS

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

Mary has a background in customer services and joined S4 in 2006. She has over 16 years paraplanning experience and has a special interest in pensions and retirement planning.

 

Mary is an experienced Paraplanner with a high-level knowledge of pensions and investments, and manages our Paraplanning team. She is responsible for the technical aspects of our service including research, technical analysis, and report writing.  She is passionate about the service we provide to our clients and, along with the rest of the support team, works to ensure that every client feels valued and cared for by prioritising their needs.

 

Mary holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning and achieved Chartered status in 2022. She is currently working toward becoming a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society.

 

T : 0203 195 7211

Yvette Anthony CertCII (FS)

PARAPLANNER

Yvette joined S4 Financial in 2019 after a career working within the banking and pension administration sectors.

 

Yvette works within our Paraplanning team, providing support to our financial advisors by conducting research, writing comprehensive suitability reports, and ensuring compliance with regulations, as well as liaising with product providers and being a key point of contact for clients.

 

In 2021, Yvette obtained her Certificate in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is currently working towards her Diploma.

T : 0203 195 7219

John Dean DipPFS

FINANCIAL CONSULTANT

After graduating from Brunel University, John spent 14 years in the financial services industry as a Paraplanner and an adviser specialising in final salary pension schemes. He joined the company in 2019.

 

John holds the Diploma in Financial Planning from the Chartered Insurance Institute and is working towards his Advanced Diploma. He has also completed the CII’s specialist AF7 module on Pension Transfers. 

 

T : 0203 195 7216

M: 07732 497410

Louise Franklin

Accounts Assistant

Louise joined S4 Financial in September 2024 after a career working within the banking sector. She now works within our Accountancy Team and is responsible for accounting support.

 

She plays an essential role in supporting the accounting function at S4 Financial.

 

T: 0203 195 7226

Tracey Woodage

ADMINISTRATOR

Tracey joined us in May 2023 following a varied career within the childcare, travel and customer service industries.

 

Tracey works within our Support Team undertaking a variety of administration tasks, helping to ensure the smooth day to day running of the office.  She supports our advisors by handling paperwork and client data, as well as gathering the information required from clients, and product providers, to enable the advisers to formulate financial plans.

 

Tracey plays an essential role in ensuring our advisers are able to provide their clients with a holistic wealth management service.

 

T : 0203 195 7221

Luka Deverill

Technical Administrator

Luka joined S4 Financial in November 2024 after working in the financial services sector for many years.

 

Luka works within our Support Team and offers technical and administration support to our Advisers and Paraplanners.  She plays an essential role in producing valuations and reviews for clients, and assists the Paraplanners in processing the implementation of advice.

 

T: 0203 195 7213

Kyle Francis

Trainee Paraplanner

Kyle joined S4 Financial in August 2025 after graduating from the University of Surrey with a Master’s in Economics and Finance.

 

He is currently pursuing his CII qualifications, and will support our Financial Advisory team – preparing reports, tools and data analysis.

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