Meet the team

David Brassington – Managing Director

David combines the responsibilities of being Managing Director and advising clients. He is a Chartered Financial Planner, an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute and an Associate of the Society of Financial Advisers, qualifications he believes give him a wider perspective when advising clients.

He specialises in investment and estate planning though retains a keen interest in pensions. Outside work he enjoys skiing, mountain biking and motorsport and is an active member of Round Table. He lives in Sandiway with his wife and son.

Keith Brassington – Chairman & Founder

Keith founded the firm in 1980 and, having retired from the day to day activities of the practice in 2004, now acts in a consultative capacity. He is a Chartered Insurance Practitioner, a Fellow of the Chartered Insurance Institute and an Associate of the Pensions Management Institute.

He has also served as Vice Chairman of the I.F.A. Association (the body responsible for representing Independent Financial Advisers nationally) and has appeared before the House of Commons Select Committee to inform M.P.s considering Financial Services Regulation. He enjoys cycling, playing the piano and is currently learning to speak Spanish.

Anna Willis – Chartered Financial Planner

Anna is a Chartered Financial Planner and an Associate of the Personal Finance Society.  She has successfully completed extensive financial services examinations, and has experience advising clients on a wide range of financial planning areas including investment, protection, tax and mortgage planning.

In 2011 Anna was awarded Newly Qualified Independent Financial Adviser of the year, and was highly commended as Protection Independent Financial Adviser of the year, at the Financial Adviser Life and Pension Awards.  She joined Cestrian in December 2015.

Anna attended the University of Sheffield where she gained a joint honours degree in Economics and Politics and currently lives in Mold.  Outside of work, she enjoys walking and reading, and is a keen runner who has completed several half marathons.

Sandie Gilbert – Financial Services Paraplanner

Sandie has over 20 years experience of working in the financial services industry. She is a member of the Chartered Insurance Institute and having obtained her Financial Planning Certificate, is currently studying towards her Diploma in Financial Planning.

She joined Cestrian in 2004 and works as a Paraplanner alongside the Chartered Financial Planners, preparing financial plans for clients by researching appropriate investment, pension, insurance and tax planning solutions. Sandie lives in Shropshire with her husband Andrew and enjoys sport and travelling.