Our Values
The 79th Group operates on a clear and simple ethical code backed by trust, honesty and integrity.
Our prime objective is to create value for those we work with by utilising our extensive experience to embrace and develop exciting investment opportunities, whilst simultaneously capitalising on our established relationships. By working closely with our stakeholders and partners, we are able to establish more – together.
We Have Invested Our Family Funds Alongside Our Investors
As a family-owned business, we are confident in the potential of each and every project we launch across The 79th Group and its subsidiaries. Our board not only holds a personal investment in our projects, but also a financial one.
We Will Invest In The Communities In Which We Operate.
Investing in the communities in which we operate is a hugely important part of our ethos as an asset management company. As a family-owned and managed business, we value loyalty and respect for our fellow humans, wildlife and the environment. That is why we never purchase a property development or natural resource concession without giving something back to the local community. As plans are being drawn up by our team for the purchase of an asset, so are the plans to detail how we can help the local people, wildlife and environment.
Our Business Is Built On Honest, Open and Long-Term Relationships.
The nature of our company means that we choose only to work with the most trusted and well-respected brands to mitigate risks for both our company and our stakeholders. Thanks to the connections built up by our board throughout their many years in the asset management sector, we have partnered with the leading names in law, accounting and geology. Thorough due diligence is undertaken prior to working with a company to assess whether their ethos aligns with that of The 79th Group.
Meet the family.
Dave Webster
Chairman
Dave Webster
Chairman
A natural leader and previously one of the largest private landlords in the UK, David has over 27 years of experience in the property sector as both a developer and a landlord.
Starting his journey with just one property, David has previously built significant personal and corporate portfolios, consisting of developments in excess of £500 million of both residential and commercial property.
Following his initial retirement from the property sector, David partnered with SNR Dentons as a commodity advisor in the precious metals industry before launching his own venture in the natural resources sector, Lusso Tesoro.
A dynamic and proactive leader, David is responsible for the overall direction and growth of The 79th Group and its subsidiaries, continuously seeking out new and exciting opportunities that elevate our operations to new heights and deliver increasingly substantial returns for our stakeholders.
Starting his journey with just one property, David has previously built significant personal and corporate portfolios, consisting of developments in excess of £500 million of both residential and commercial property.
Following his initial retirement from the property sector, David partnered with SNR Dentons as a commodity advisor in the precious metals industry before launching his own venture in the natural resources sector, Lusso Tesoro.
A dynamic and proactive leader, David is responsible for the overall direction and growth of The 79th Group and its subsidiaries, continuously seeking out new and exciting opportunities that elevate our operations to new heights and deliver increasingly substantial returns for our stakeholders.
Jake Webster
Managing Director
Jake Webster
Managing Director
Working as a Managing Director across The 79th Group and its subsidiaries (including 79th Luxury Living and Lusso Tesoro), Jake is highly experienced and proficient in portfolio management, deal structuring and private finance.
Jake has been heavily involved in the natural resources and asset management sectors for a number of years, working internationally with central banks and global commodity houses to establish and arrange finance for projects and commodity supply chains.
On a personal level, Jake is a fully qualified pilot who holds an EASA license, as well as a martial arts instructor. Jake also studied at the American Institute of Diamond Cutting and is a certified rough diamond grader.
Jake has been heavily involved in the natural resources and asset management sectors for a number of years, working internationally with central banks and global commodity houses to establish and arrange finance for projects and commodity supply chains.
On a personal level, Jake is a fully qualified pilot who holds an EASA license, as well as a martial arts instructor. Jake also studied at the American Institute of Diamond Cutting and is a certified rough diamond grader.
Curtis Webster
Investment Director
Curtis Webster
Investment Director
An organised and hard-working professional, Curtis followed in his family’s footsteps and entered the real estate and natural resources sectors following his completion of further education in the United Kingdom.
Alongside his committed investment team, Curtis provides valuable support to our stakeholders situated across the globe, managing new and existing relationships as well as overseeing The 79th Group’s existing and future capital raising activities.
Over recent years, Curtis has gained significant experience in natural resources, with a particular focus on mineral extraction and general supply chain management. Outside of his work, Curtis is a keen martial artist, practicing both Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Alongside his committed investment team, Curtis provides valuable support to our stakeholders situated across the globe, managing new and existing relationships as well as overseeing The 79th Group’s existing and future capital raising activities.
Over recent years, Curtis has gained significant experience in natural resources, with a particular focus on mineral extraction and general supply chain management. Outside of his work, Curtis is a keen martial artist, practicing both Muay Thai and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Natalie Bellis
Chief Executive Officer
Natalie Bellis
Chief Executive Officer
A highly experienced compliance specialist with a wealth of regulatory and administrative knowledge, Natalie is backed by a background of over 10 years in the sector, specialising in creating and implementing governance frameworks and FCA regulations.
As CEO of The Seventy Ninth Group, Natalie’s role sees her managing and directing the company toward its primary goals and objectives, overseeing employment decisions at the executive level of the company and leading a team of executives to consider major decisions, including acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, or large-scale expansion.
Throughout her career, Natalie has been appointed across a wide range of Governance roles, including being a regulatory auditor for globally established brands such as Selfridges, EasyJet, Toyota and Nintendo. Natalie has also led large, well-known retail and financial services operations with over 500 employees in each sector, delivering their corporate strategies alongside chairing Corporate Risk Committees.
As CEO of The Seventy Ninth Group, Natalie’s role sees her managing and directing the company toward its primary goals and objectives, overseeing employment decisions at the executive level of the company and leading a team of executives to consider major decisions, including acquisitions, mergers, joint ventures, or large-scale expansion.
Throughout her career, Natalie has been appointed across a wide range of Governance roles, including being a regulatory auditor for globally established brands such as Selfridges, EasyJet, Toyota and Nintendo. Natalie has also led large, well-known retail and financial services operations with over 500 employees in each sector, delivering their corporate strategies alongside chairing Corporate Risk Committees.
Gary Pitts
Non-executive Director
Gary Pitts
Non-executive Director
Gary has been a compliance professional for over 27 years, beginning his career at Lautro and the Personal Investment Authority and including spells at Threadneedle, Henderson (including managing the N2 transition), Head of Compliance at hedge fund, Brevan Howard, and Head of Compliance Europe, Mid-East, Africa and Japan for a boutique investment bank. Since 2013 he has run his own regulatory and training consultancy, Tetractys, with operations in the UK and Ireland. Tetractys focuses the importance of governance as the essential driver of good compliance outcomes. He delivers open and bespoke training courses and external Board effectiveness assessments alongside his consulting work. Gary has a particular interest in cyber security governance and the impact of digitisation on compliance and business processes.
Gary has held FCA controlled/senior manager functions since 2001, has been a director of regulated companies in the UK and South Africa and has also been a Central Bank regulated person in Ireland. Gary is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and holds an MBA from the Open University Business School and Masters degrees from Oxford and London Universities. He sits on the regulatory advisory board of the Journal of Securities Operations and has also held a number of charity trusteeships.
Gary has held FCA controlled/senior manager functions since 2001, has been a director of regulated companies in the UK and South Africa and has also been a Central Bank regulated person in Ireland. Gary is a Fellow of the Institute of Leadership and Management, Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute and holds an MBA from the Open University Business School and Masters degrees from Oxford and London Universities. He sits on the regulatory advisory board of the Journal of Securities Operations and has also held a number of charity trusteeships.
Andy Cole CBE
Board Advisor
Andy Cole CBE
Board Advisor
An almost 50-year veteran of the Civil Service, Andy is a highly experienced tax professional whom, having trained as a criminal and civil investigator, subsequently held a wide range of senior posts throughout his career, including operational delivery management, strategy development
and project/programme management.
Andy’s previous senior appointments – specifically those at HMRC – have seen him tackle the largest and most complex fraud and avoidance risks using a range of bespoke criminal, civil and insolvency powers, in addition to developing HMRC’s strategy to tackle promoters and users of aggressive tax avoidance. At a point, Andy was responsible for approximately 1700 investigation specialists, technicians, accountants and insolvency experts based throughout the UK.
In the 2011 New Year’s Honours lists, Andy was commended for his achievements and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Andy’s previous senior appointments – specifically those at HMRC – have seen him tackle the largest and most complex fraud and avoidance risks using a range of bespoke criminal, civil and insolvency powers, in addition to developing HMRC’s strategy to tackle promoters and users of aggressive tax avoidance. At a point, Andy was responsible for approximately 1700 investigation specialists, technicians, accountants and insolvency experts based throughout the UK.
In the 2011 New Year’s Honours lists, Andy was commended for his achievements and appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
Adrienne Kelbie CBE
Non-executive Director
Adrienne Kelbie CBE
Non-executive Director
An inspiring and award-winning transformational leader, Adriènne brings over 25 years of leadership experience in high-profile public sector organisations spanning community funding, local authorities, safeguarding, criminal records and nuclear regulation, helping others to create environments in which businesses and their people thrive.
Adriènne has spoken to global audiences about the importance of psychological safety, inclusion and cognitive diversity to high performing teams, especially in high hazard industries. Most recently, Adriènne led the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) – recognised as one of the foremost in the world – to international credit for its effective stakeholder engagement, strong international contribution and enabling regulation.
Her straightforward, outcome-focused approach also won the regulator several awards recognising exceptional staff talent and development.
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, Adriènne was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the nuclear industry, diversity and inclusion.
Adriènne has spoken to global audiences about the importance of psychological safety, inclusion and cognitive diversity to high performing teams, especially in high hazard industries. Most recently, Adriènne led the UK’s Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) – recognised as one of the foremost in the world – to international credit for its effective stakeholder engagement, strong international contribution and enabling regulation.
Her straightforward, outcome-focused approach also won the regulator several awards recognising exceptional staff talent and development.
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2020, Adriènne was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for her services to the nuclear industry, diversity and inclusion.
Genevieve Pearson
Non-executive Director
Genevieve Pearson
Non-executive Director
Genevieve has over 20 years extensive project and operational experience across commodities in West, Central, East and Southern Africa. Following deep level gold mining experience in South Africa she ran greenfields gold exploration projects in Botswana and then Mali for 3 years. Over the years she has developed experience in artisanal to large-scale gold mining and exploration projects mainly in Mali, Guinea, Gabon, DRC and Tanzania, expanding her knowledge by managing commercial negotiations and contracts across Africa & Europe.
As an independent consultant, she has advised investors, commodity traders and mining companies on their various strategies for investing in a range of exploration and mining projects across commodities (including iron, coal, copper, lead, zinc, tin and gold etc) throughout Africa. Specialising in security of tenure with a strong background in commercial mining legislation and negotiating mining deals she hopes to bring high-level experience and oversight to the company’s minerals portfolio strategy.
As an independent consultant, she has advised investors, commodity traders and mining companies on their various strategies for investing in a range of exploration and mining projects across commodities (including iron, coal, copper, lead, zinc, tin and gold etc) throughout Africa. Specialising in security of tenure with a strong background in commercial mining legislation and negotiating mining deals she hopes to bring high-level experience and oversight to the company’s minerals portfolio strategy.
Andor Lips
Non-executive Director
Andor Lips
Non-executive Director
With over 25 years of professional experience within Mining & Minerals and his status as a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining, Andor is a highly valuable member to our board of Non-Executive Directors. Andor has on the ground experience within the Republic of Guinea, a country in which we currently hold many assets within our natural resources division, which makes him extremely valuable as an advisor as we increase our operations across West Africa.
Throughout his career, Andor has had over 25 publications and is a published author, this partnered with his expansive education (PhD and MSc in Geology) makes him an invaluable member of our board when it comes to providing strategic advice. He has acted within an advisory capacity for world-leading mining companies and has developed experience across the entire mining value chain.
Throughout his career, Andor has had over 25 publications and is a published author, this partnered with his expansive education (PhD and MSc in Geology) makes him an invaluable member of our board when it comes to providing strategic advice. He has acted within an advisory capacity for world-leading mining companies and has developed experience across the entire mining value chain.
Gill Newman
Chief Operating Officer
Gill Newman
Chief Operating Officer
A dynamic and accomplished leader, Gill has a proven track record in all aspects of senior management, building excellent client relationships and top performing teams, during a successful career within a global bank. Gill has significant experience of operating in multiple jurisdictions across Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East.
As Chief Operating Officer for The 79th Group, Gill will be bringing her people leadership and risk management experience to company-wide operations by developing and implementing a strategy to aid the company’s long-term growth. She will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, bringing a collaborative, modern approach with her leadership.
Gill will have oversight of company-wide compliance and the continuous development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures to ensure the company continues to operate to industry leading regulatory practices.
As Chief Operating Officer for The 79th Group, Gill will be bringing her people leadership and risk management experience to company-wide operations by developing and implementing a strategy to aid the company’s long-term growth. She will oversee the company’s day-to-day operations, bringing a collaborative, modern approach with her leadership.
Gill will have oversight of company-wide compliance and the continuous development and maintenance of internal policies and procedures to ensure the company continues to operate to industry leading regulatory practices.
Alicia McMahon
Human Resources Manager
Alicia McMahon
Human Resources Manager
A highly driven, CIPD-qualified manager with over 20 years of human resources experience, Alicia is responsible for improving and protecting the health, happiness and general wellbeing of our team.
Passionate about building an environment in which staff can realise their full potential, Alicia is complemented by a rich history spanning a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace, residential care and manufacturing. Her main areas of responsibility within The 79th Group include staffing, setting policies, managing employee benefits, retention, training and payroll.
Outside of her work, Alicia’s interests include women’s football and walking her Westie dog, Oscar.
Passionate about building an environment in which staff can realise their full potential, Alicia is complemented by a rich history spanning a variety of sectors, including telecommunications, aerospace, residential care and manufacturing. Her main areas of responsibility within The 79th Group include staffing, setting policies, managing employee benefits, retention, training and payroll.
Outside of her work, Alicia’s interests include women’s football and walking her Westie dog, Oscar.
Justine Murphy
Group Legal Executive
Justine Murphy
Group Legal Executive
A highly organised and experienced professional, Justine works closely with The 79th Group’s board of directors to ensure the smooth running of matters across the company.
Justine brings with her almost ten years of valuable experience from her previous role as a personal assistant within the legal sector. After working within such a fast-paced environment for close to a decade, Justine is quick-thinking, efficient and easily able to adapt to a business’ needs – an impressive skillset that translates perfectly to her new role within The 79th Group.
Justine brings with her almost ten years of valuable experience from her previous role as a personal assistant within the legal sector. After working within such a fast-paced environment for close to a decade, Justine is quick-thinking, efficient and easily able to adapt to a business’ needs – an impressive skillset that translates perfectly to her new role within The 79th Group.
Glen Parker
Group Operations Manager
Glen Parker
Group Operations Manager
Glen has over 20 years’ experience in leadership across military engagements in the middle east and civilian territories.
Glen brings significant experience in supply chain and operational projects setting up warehouses, 3PLs in the EU and offices in the USA within his roles at top global pharmaceutical companies.
Overseeing the day-to-day management of operations, Glen provides clear direction, inspiration and guidance to the operations and project teams. “I nurture the strengths and talents of the team around me to deliver a clear vision with the ambition to succeed.”
In his spare time, Glen feels this time is all about the family and letting loose on my creative side making art from anything that washes up on the beach. Glen also has his own clothing brand.
Glen brings significant experience in supply chain and operational projects setting up warehouses, 3PLs in the EU and offices in the USA within his roles at top global pharmaceutical companies.
Overseeing the day-to-day management of operations, Glen provides clear direction, inspiration and guidance to the operations and project teams. “I nurture the strengths and talents of the team around me to deliver a clear vision with the ambition to succeed.”
In his spare time, Glen feels this time is all about the family and letting loose on my creative side making art from anything that washes up on the beach. Glen also has his own clothing brand.
Aaron Crotty
Investment Manager
Aaron Crotty
Investment Manager
Aaron has 5 years of experience working at NatWest bank as a customer advisor, also recently returned to the UK after 10 years working in the UAE as an IFA. Aaron’s most recent role was Head of Client Services for an International brokerage, managing clients all over the globe.
Aaron, an active member of the CSI, has joined the 79th Group as the Head of Client Services to bring his abundance of experience to both our current and prospective investor base.
Aaron, an active member of the CSI, has joined the 79th Group as the Head of Client Services to bring his abundance of experience to both our current and prospective investor base.
Colin Smith
Chief Marketing Officer
Colin Smith
Chief Marketing Officer
Colin is a seasoned marketer with global experience working on some of the world’s most well known and loved brands. After moving to London shortly after University, he moved into the entertainment industry, spending almost twenty years working for companies such as Disney, Warner Brothers and streaming giant HBO, working on international campaigns for Harry Potter, Pixar Studios, Game Of Thrones and DC Comics, to name a few, as well as forging and managing strategic partnerships with companies such as Apple, Lego, Amazon and Google.
Colin joined 79th Group in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, helping to scale up the marketing operations for the entire business, and is responsible for all digital, brand, media and PR activity as well as supporting the production of all company events. Colin manages a team of marketing professionals and graphic designers who shape, deliver and design all the marketing materials and content for the company’s various communication channels.
Col is a bit of a music nerd and could put together a Spotify playlist for any occasion. He grew up playing multiple instruments, loves attending gigs and is the best music guru for quiz nights. Colin is also a keen globe trotter and his favorite cities are New York City, Boston, Hong Kong and Budapest.
Colin joined 79th Group in 2022 as Chief Marketing Officer, helping to scale up the marketing operations for the entire business, and is responsible for all digital, brand, media and PR activity as well as supporting the production of all company events. Colin manages a team of marketing professionals and graphic designers who shape, deliver and design all the marketing materials and content for the company’s various communication channels.
Col is a bit of a music nerd and could put together a Spotify playlist for any occasion. He grew up playing multiple instruments, loves attending gigs and is the best music guru for quiz nights. Colin is also a keen globe trotter and his favorite cities are New York City, Boston, Hong Kong and Budapest.
Alexander Jenkinson
Client Support Team Manager
Alexander Jenkinson
Client Support Team Manager
A stalwart of the commercial finance sector and Civil Service, Alexander leads The 79th Group’s investment team and is extremely well-versed in Anti Money Laundering (AML) regulations.
A hands-on and pragmatic leader committed to his team’s development, much of Alexander’s time is spent ensuring that our investment processes are kept on schedule, compliant and up to our exceptionally high standards. Alexander is also responsible for streamlining various processes and continually ensuring that our checking procedure is as robust as possible.
Outside of his work, Alexander enjoys spending time with his friends and family in the great outdoors and is partial to a good game of Monopoly.
A hands-on and pragmatic leader committed to his team’s development, much of Alexander’s time is spent ensuring that our investment processes are kept on schedule, compliant and up to our exceptionally high standards. Alexander is also responsible for streamlining various processes and continually ensuring that our checking procedure is as robust as possible.
Outside of his work, Alexander enjoys spending time with his friends and family in the great outdoors and is partial to a good game of Monopoly.
Vincent Topping
Group Finance Manager
Vincent Topping
Group Finance Manager
As a dedicated and detail-oriented accounting professional Vin brings over 30 years of working hand in hand with a range of private enterprises with responsibilities spanning audit, tax, financial reporting and business management.
His experience working with both companies and individual clients has allowed him to navigate the financial world and provide sound professional advice to help clients fulfill their strategic goals.
As Group Finance Manager at the 79th group Vin will be responsible for the oversight of all financial planning, implementation and preparation of the groups accounting records and ensuring the provision of detailed and timely reporting to both the Board of Directors and the external Auditors.
Outside of work Vin is a keen golfer and still enjoys a weekly game of 5-a-side football.
His experience working with both companies and individual clients has allowed him to navigate the financial world and provide sound professional advice to help clients fulfill their strategic goals.
As Group Finance Manager at the 79th group Vin will be responsible for the oversight of all financial planning, implementation and preparation of the groups accounting records and ensuring the provision of detailed and timely reporting to both the Board of Directors and the external Auditors.
Outside of work Vin is a keen golfer and still enjoys a weekly game of 5-a-side football.
Ashley Weston
Executive Assistant
Ashley Weston
Executive Assistant
A highly driven Business and Administration graduate, Ashley brings with her 6 years of experience from a similar role, alongside organisational skills that are second to none.
Joining one family business from another, Ashley has quickly found herself at home with our team and has clicked into our hard-working family dynamic seamlessly. Her flexible skillset sees her tackling a variety of roles around the office, including accounts management, administrative procedures and telecommunications.
Outside of her work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and always has the next adventure planned for her young daughter
Joining one family business from another, Ashley has quickly found herself at home with our team and has clicked into our hard-working family dynamic seamlessly. Her flexible skillset sees her tackling a variety of roles around the office, including accounts management, administrative procedures and telecommunications.
Outside of her work, Ashley enjoys spending time with her family and always has the next adventure planned for her young daughter
Elliot Boileau
IT Support
Elliot Boileau
IT Support
An indispensable member of the team with a background in software engineering, Elliot is responsible for the smooth running of The 79th Group’s information technology systems.
Elliot brings with him significant experience from working at one of the industry’s leading credit brokers, greatly supporting their identity and fraud prevention services.
Passionate about technology and how it can be leveraged to drive efficiency, Elliot’s role sees him providing internal desktop support as well as building and maintaining IT infrastructure across the company and its subsidiaries.
Outside of work, Elliot enjoys spending time traveling to the lake district with friends and family and is an avid fan of construction and management simulation games
Elliot brings with him significant experience from working at one of the industry’s leading credit brokers, greatly supporting their identity and fraud prevention services.
Passionate about technology and how it can be leveraged to drive efficiency, Elliot’s role sees him providing internal desktop support as well as building and maintaining IT infrastructure across the company and its subsidiaries.
Outside of work, Elliot enjoys spending time traveling to the lake district with friends and family and is an avid fan of construction and management simulation games
Phil Hayton
Social Media & Events Manager
Phil Hayton
Social Media & Events Manager
A highly versatile social media professional with extensive experience in the financial sector, Phil is responsible for the management of company-wide communications and events.
Initially intending to work as an accountant, Phil trained towards his qualifications at Big Four financial services company KPMG, with whom he worked until he ultimately decided to focus his efforts on his passion for social media marketing.
Much of Phil’s time is spent on analytics, account growth and social media content creation for The 79th Group across a multitude of platforms, from posts covering up-to-date news on the company to informative podcasts and videos. In addition, Phil’s role also sees him organising and running internal, corporate and charity events.
Initially intending to work as an accountant, Phil trained towards his qualifications at Big Four financial services company KPMG, with whom he worked until he ultimately decided to focus his efforts on his passion for social media marketing.
Much of Phil’s time is spent on analytics, account growth and social media content creation for The 79th Group across a multitude of platforms, from posts covering up-to-date news on the company to informative podcasts and videos. In addition, Phil’s role also sees him organising and running internal, corporate and charity events.
Amy Jones
Investment Onboarding Officer
Amy Jones
Investment Onboarding Officer
A highly regarded professional with extensive experience in the compliance sector, Amy is responsible for onboarding new stakeholders across The 79th Group and assisting with any queries they may have.
Having graduated from further education in travel, Amy’s qualifications and previous experience have proven advantageous in gaining a more thorough understanding of the needs of our global client base. Her previous role at a prolific life insurance company also saw Amy heavily involved with the business’ compliance procedures, which has allowed her to provide a fresh perspective and valuable input towards our own compliance strategies.
Outside of her work, Amy enjoys spending time with her son and is all about family, making her an excellent fit for our family business.
Having graduated from further education in travel, Amy’s qualifications and previous experience have proven advantageous in gaining a more thorough understanding of the needs of our global client base. Her previous role at a prolific life insurance company also saw Amy heavily involved with the business’ compliance procedures, which has allowed her to provide a fresh perspective and valuable input towards our own compliance strategies.
Outside of her work, Amy enjoys spending time with her son and is all about family, making her an excellent fit for our family business.
Adam Kendal-Crispin
Investment Onboarding Officer
Adam Kendal-Crispin
Investment Onboarding Officer
Joining the business following a successful career in the financial sector, Adam is an accomplished member of our investment team with a keen eye for detail, responsible for the onboarding of new stakeholders across The 79th Group.
Adam’s previous roles have seen him working in the financial and insolvency accounting sectors. He has also worked closely with CIFAS (a respected United Kingdom fraud prevention service) whilst investigating fraud prevention algorithms for a variety of banks.
Outside of his work, Adam has a strong interest in a vast array of sports – primarily football.
Adam’s previous roles have seen him working in the financial and insolvency accounting sectors. He has also worked closely with CIFAS (a respected United Kingdom fraud prevention service) whilst investigating fraud prevention algorithms for a variety of banks.
Outside of his work, Adam has a strong interest in a vast array of sports – primarily football.
Leanne Hodgson
Investment Onboarding Officer
Leanne Hodgson
Investment Onboarding Officer
A ten-year veteran of the financial sector with extensive knowledge in anti-money laundering regulations and KYC procedures, Leanne is responsible for onboarding new stakeholders across The 79th Group.
With experience spanning several roles across a variety of financial institutions, Leanne is more than well-versed in financial management and can work efficiently within a team, maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
Outside of her work, Leanne enjoys spending time with her family and is partial to a good walk or a visit to the theatre. She also manages her dog’s very own social media page!
With experience spanning several roles across a variety of financial institutions, Leanne is more than well-versed in financial management and can work efficiently within a team, maintaining confidentiality in sensitive matters.
Outside of her work, Leanne enjoys spending time with her family and is partial to a good walk or a visit to the theatre. She also manages her dog’s very own social media page!
Rhian Pennington
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Rhian Pennington
Executive Assistant to the CEO
Rhian has over 25 years of office experience and has joined the 79th Group as the Executive PA to Natalie, the company’s CEO.
Rhian likes to spend weekends away to North Wales with her 2 dogs.
Rhian likes to spend weekends away to North Wales with her 2 dogs.
Georgia Peach
Relationship Manager
Georgia Peach
Relationship Manager
Georgia has a sales background in the insurance sector, as well as a previous experience working with pensions. Georgia’s experience has allowed her to gain key networking skills which aids her to build rapport with clients.
Georgia has a close relationship with her family, making the transition into a family run business special to her. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys keeping fit.
Georgia has a close relationship with her family, making the transition into a family run business special to her. In her spare time, Georgia enjoys keeping fit.
Jamie Mather
Relationship Manager
Jamie Mather
Relationship Manager
Over the past 10 years, Jamie has spent much of his career within the education sector teaching French and Spanish. Through his time within this sector, he has developed a true sense of customer service and developed best practices to reach his clients end goal. This role also saw Jamie develop management experience whereby he would create policies within his field of expertise to ensure the businesses core objectives are met.
Jamie has developed experience providing support to young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Personal Care (PC) through his experience as a Residential Support Worker which has seen him overcome difficult scenarios due to his professional competence.
Most recently, Jamie has worked within the Universal Credit division of The Department for Work and Pensions as an Account Developer which saw him processing applicants and payments to claimants – a role which requires a highly organised individual. Outside of work, Jamie spends time with his local drama group who work towards doing 2 productions each year.
Jamie has developed experience providing support to young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), Special Educational Needs (SEND) and Personal Care (PC) through his experience as a Residential Support Worker which has seen him overcome difficult scenarios due to his professional competence.
Most recently, Jamie has worked within the Universal Credit division of The Department for Work and Pensions as an Account Developer which saw him processing applicants and payments to claimants – a role which requires a highly organised individual. Outside of work, Jamie spends time with his local drama group who work towards doing 2 productions each year.
Matthew Kinsey
Graphic Designer
Matthew Kinsey
Graphic Designer
Matthew is one of the in-house graphic Designer who has completed his bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, with a few years’ experience working as a freelancer designer. Growing up and living most of his life in South Africa, Matthew has moved over to the UK to seek out opportunity and experience.
Matthew has joined the 79th Group as part of the marketing department to help design and deliver content for the company, such as brochures and banners.
Outside work, Matthew likes spending time with family and visiting different parts of the UK. Matthew is also part of a Southport & Birkdale Sports Club playing hockey.
Matthew has joined the 79th Group as part of the marketing department to help design and deliver content for the company, such as brochures and banners.
Outside work, Matthew likes spending time with family and visiting different parts of the UK. Matthew is also part of a Southport & Birkdale Sports Club playing hockey.
Georgia Dutton
Graphic Designer
Georgia Dutton
Graphic Designer
Georgia is one of our in house graphic designers with a love for all things creative. Her role spans a wide range of activities from designing brochures, creating graphics and assisting the marketing team with social media content.
Her favourite part of the job is designing and creating animations for video work that is put out on our social media channels. Outside of work, when she isn’t spending time looking after her pets (a cat, a rabbit, a snake and 3 chickens), Georgia loves trips to the theatre and mountain biking.
Her favourite part of the job is designing and creating animations for video work that is put out on our social media channels. Outside of work, when she isn’t spending time looking after her pets (a cat, a rabbit, a snake and 3 chickens), Georgia loves trips to the theatre and mountain biking.
Kat O’Sullivan
Project Manager
Kat O’Sullivan
Project Manager
A member of the British Computer Society and Prince 2 qualified, Kat is a highly motivated and organised project manager with a background in business analysis and cyber security across the financial sector. Kat drives BAU projects as well as IT and implementation projects.
Outside of work, Kat loves to walk her 2 golden retrievers Sassy and Orla. Kat is a season ticket holder for Liverpool FC, is a member of a local rock choir and enjoys deadlifting cars at weekly strongman training
Outside of work, Kat loves to walk her 2 golden retrievers Sassy and Orla. Kat is a season ticket holder for Liverpool FC, is a member of a local rock choir and enjoys deadlifting cars at weekly strongman training
Amy Wockenforth
HR Assistant
Amy Wockenforth
HR Assistant
Amy is ambitious, driven and passionate individual. Amy has gained her HR experience within a variety of sectors such as Education, Healthcare and Manufacturing. Amy loves helping people achieve their goals and she genuinely cares about the well-being and development of all employees. Amy working within HR gives her the opportunity to support and assist employees with their own development.
Amy’s main responsibility within The 79th Group is to support the HR Manager with Recruitment, Induction, Payroll and Training as well as acting as the first point of contact for all HR related queries and handling all personnel related paperwork and documentation.
In Amy’s spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, go karting, walking her German shepherd (Rosie) and spending time with her family and friends.
Amy’s main responsibility within The 79th Group is to support the HR Manager with Recruitment, Induction, Payroll and Training as well as acting as the first point of contact for all HR related queries and handling all personnel related paperwork and documentation.
In Amy’s spare time, she enjoys rock climbing, go karting, walking her German shepherd (Rosie) and spending time with her family and friends.
Seventy Ninth™ Global Team
Ben Rockell ACSI
Head of Business Development
Ben Rockell ACSI
Head of Business Development
Seventy Ninth™ Global
After successfully completing his undergraduate degree in History & Politics from the University of Warwick (2017-2020), Ben relocated to Dubai to pursue his interest in financial services. Working for a leading investment brokerage in the Middle East, specialising in financial solutions for expatriate clients, Ben also qualified as a financial advisor through the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) ensuring he is fully Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and MiFID compliant with an adept knowledge of FCA and PRA regulations.
Ben is well-versed in client management, portfolio construction and holds himself to the highest standards of professional ethics. In his role as Head of Business Development within our capital markets division, 79th Global, Ben undergoes the day-to-day management and oversight of investor and agent onboarding as well as seeking pragmatic solutions for his GCC clientele from his experience of the local UAE and wider Middle Eastern market.
After successfully completing his undergraduate degree in History & Politics from the University of Warwick (2017-2020), Ben relocated to Dubai to pursue his interest in financial services. Working for a leading investment brokerage in the Middle East, specialising in financial solutions for expatriate clients, Ben also qualified as a financial advisor through the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment (CISI) ensuring he is fully Retail Distribution Review (RDR) and MiFID compliant with an adept knowledge of FCA and PRA regulations.
Ben is well-versed in client management, portfolio construction and holds himself to the highest standards of professional ethics. In his role as Head of Business Development within our capital markets division, 79th Global, Ben undergoes the day-to-day management and oversight of investor and agent onboarding as well as seeking pragmatic solutions for his GCC clientele from his experience of the local UAE and wider Middle Eastern market.
Experienced Investor Fund Directors.
George Felipes
Director
George Felipes
Director
George has 33 years of hands on experience in the finance industry in Gibraltar where he has held various senior management roles. George started his career with Mobil Oil in Spain (Madrid) where he worked for 8 years, initially as a Financial Analyst and subsequently as the IT Manager of the Spanish organisation. In 1988, George returned to his native Gibraltar working for A.I.G. (American International Group) where he was responsible for setting up two hedge funds.
George then moved to Hambros Bank (Gibraltar) Limited where during a period of 6 years he modernised all the Banks’ systems and procedures to dramatically increase efficiency. In 1993, George was invited to join the local Board of Directors of the Bank. In 1995, Mr. Felipes joined ABN AMRO Bank N.V. – Gibraltar as CFO.
During the next thirteen years he contributed to the success of the local Branch responsible for: introducing overall new systems; creating an Operations Department to handle the Private Banking business; planning for and overseeing change to new premises for the Branch; planning for the Euro and KY2; the setting up of a representative office in Marbella from conception through to final opening; and finally taking a leading role in the sale of the local operation of the Bank to SG Hambros which was closed in September 2008.
After that George took on a role as CEO for Gibraltar Car Parks Limited, a new Gibraltar Government venture. During his tenure the company grew as it took on responsibility for all aspects of parking in Gibraltar until the entire operation was outsourced to a third party in 2019. He was then seconded to the Ministry of Business, Tourism, Transport and the Port where he worked directly for the Minister on several transport related projects. George graduated in 1980 with an honours degree in Accounting and Financial Management from Loughborough University, UK. George is an active member of GFIA (Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association) and is also licensed by the FSC to act as an Experienced Investor Fund director.
George holds a general consent under the EIF Regulations to act as one of the two required directors of an EIF.
George then moved to Hambros Bank (Gibraltar) Limited where during a period of 6 years he modernised all the Banks’ systems and procedures to dramatically increase efficiency. In 1993, George was invited to join the local Board of Directors of the Bank. In 1995, Mr. Felipes joined ABN AMRO Bank N.V. – Gibraltar as CFO.
During the next thirteen years he contributed to the success of the local Branch responsible for: introducing overall new systems; creating an Operations Department to handle the Private Banking business; planning for and overseeing change to new premises for the Branch; planning for the Euro and KY2; the setting up of a representative office in Marbella from conception through to final opening; and finally taking a leading role in the sale of the local operation of the Bank to SG Hambros which was closed in September 2008.
After that George took on a role as CEO for Gibraltar Car Parks Limited, a new Gibraltar Government venture. During his tenure the company grew as it took on responsibility for all aspects of parking in Gibraltar until the entire operation was outsourced to a third party in 2019. He was then seconded to the Ministry of Business, Tourism, Transport and the Port where he worked directly for the Minister on several transport related projects. George graduated in 1980 with an honours degree in Accounting and Financial Management from Loughborough University, UK. George is an active member of GFIA (Gibraltar Funds & Investments Association) and is also licensed by the FSC to act as an Experienced Investor Fund director.
George holds a general consent under the EIF Regulations to act as one of the two required directors of an EIF.
Umesh Bhambhwani
Director
Umesh Bhambhwani
Director
Umesh trained as a Chartered Certified Accountant with KPMG in Gibraltar, qualifying in 2003. Throughout his career, he has acquired knowledge and experience on a large and diverse portfolio of clients, providing services such as audit, accounting, tax, insolvency, directorships and financial control, specialising in the Financial Services Industry and in particular on funds. He has developed a wide range of skills and experience in the industry by providing the highest standard of professional services. Umesh is a fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and also holds a practising certificate from the ACCA. Umesh holds a general consent under the EIF Regulations to act as one of the two required directors of an EIF.
