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LONDON - Gateley (AIM:GTLY), the professional services group, announced Wednesday that Chief Financial Officer Neil Smith will step down from his role on April 30, 2026, after 17 years with the company.
John Paton, who previously served as CFO at Alpha Financial Markets Consulting from 2018 to 2025, will succeed Smith. Paton will join Gateley on January 5, 2026, as an Executive Director before assuming the CFO position on May 1, 2026, following a transition period.
Smith, who has been CFO since Gateley’s IPO in 2015, will remain with the company to focus on projects supporting the Group’s growth strategy.
Paton brings experience in finance, M&A, corporate strategy, and capital markets. Prior to his role at Alpha Financial Markets Consulting, he spent eleven years at HSBC Bank plc in various positions, including director roles in Corporate Capital Origination and UK Mid-Market M&A Advisory teams. He is a qualified accountant who previously worked at KPMG for seven years.
Rod Waldie, Chief Executive Officer of Gateley, thanked Smith for his "exceptional service" and welcomed Paton, noting his "extensive experience as a CFO and proven track record delivering growth in professional services businesses."
Edward Knapp, Chair of Gateley, expressed confidence that Paton’s experience in "high growth professional services businesses" would support the company’s next development phase.
Smith said he felt "privileged and immensely proud" of his career at Gateley and looks forward to continuing to support the business while ensuring an orderly transition.
The announcement noted that Smith’s early indication of his intent to step down allowed for structured succession planning, with Paton’s appointment following a rigorous search conducted with a leading executive search firm.
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