The UK investment and wealth manager has made two appointments from a rival.

Walker Crips has hired Holly Ward and Edward Lester as investment managers, based in the firm's London head office.

The pair join from Charles Stanley, where they were investment managers. Ward began her career at Charles Stanley in 2004 while Lester joined the firm in 2007, having previously worked at the Parliamentary Health Service Ombudsman. 

In the new roles, they will provide a range of investment services to private clients, including discretionary, advisory and execution only.

“We continue to seek high-calibre advisors as we grow our client base. Holly and Edward are both very talented individuals whose proven knowledge and experience will complement the existing team in providing a first-class service to our clients,” said Rodney FitzGerald, chief executive at Walker Crips.

Earlier this week, Walker Crips announced it was opening an office in Epping, Essex, bringing its total number of offices in the UK to 13.