The UK investment management and financial planning group has strengthened its presence in the charity sector.

Tilney has carved out a new role as part of a recruitment drive, naming Nicholas Pearson as head of charity business development.

Pearson’s industry experience includes establishing Cazenove’s first charity division, which grew to £3.5 billion (around $4.3 billion) on behalf of 550 charities. He also set up two Common Investment Funds in 1989 alongside the Charities Aid Foundation, and helped launch the Charities Investors Group 20 years ago, of which he is president.

February has been a busy month for Tilney (previously called Tilney Bestinvest). The firm has already hired Andy Brown as direct equity team leader within its central investment team, and appointed Christopher Godding as its new chief investment officer. Tilney recently rebranded as the Tilney Group to mark the completion of its integration of Towry in August 2016.