Independent trust company, Alex Picot Trust has added strength and depth to its trust administration team with the appointment of a new trust manager and increased its HR management provision with the appointment of a human resources specialist.

Experienced trust professional, Chelsea Ford, joins Alex Picot Trust as Trust Manager from VG where she gained private client experience involving UK real estate and family office structures for an international client base.

Taking up the newly created role of human resources (HR) and payroll manager, HR professional Melissa Gordon assumes responsibility for a wide HR management remit including recruitment, performance management, training and development, and facilitating positive employee relations.

Chris Cotillard, director at Alex Picot Trust, said:
“We are very pleased to welcome Chelsea and Melissa to Alex Picot Trust. Each bring relevant experience to their new roles to support us in our growth strategy and for the first time, we have a dedicated human resources professional supporting our directors.

“Alex Picot Trust is firmly committed to ensuring our entire team feel motivated, supported and empowered in their roles so that they can lead, inspire and support their colleagues. Melissa’s capabilities and relevant background for her role will be pivotal to driving forward the positive working culture we have in place and will give Melissa the opportunity to fully utilise her skill set. We are delighted that Melissa has agreed to join us for this essential role.

“We have seen an increase in new clients over the past 12 months and this is set to continue into 2023 as more wealthy families look to independent trust companies to manage their affairs. To ensure that our growing client base continues to receive the consistent and professional service we have always provided to our private clients, it is essential that we have a strong team in place that is confident in handling their needs. Chelsea is well positioned to take on the responsibility of the day-to-day client work and she is passionate about building solid client relationships and delivering a superior client service.”

Miss Ford will draw upon 7 years of trust experience to oversee an established portfolio of client accounts and oversee a team of administrators in her new role. She holds STEP (The Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Diploma in International Trust Management.

Following 7 years of experience in HR, Mrs Gordon will oversee all day-to-day HR matters for 42 staff members whilst working together with the board of directors to develop an HR strategy which aligns with the overall business strategy and creates value through its people. She holds the CIPD Level 5 Diploma in Human Resource Management and has a 1st class BA with Honours degree from Edinburgh Napier University in International Business Languages and Human Resource Management.