Smith & Williamson promotes Royle to co-manager of Focke's trust

Smith & Williamson Investment Management has promoted Robert Royle to co-manager of the group's £82m North American trust, alongside Lady Tana Focke.

Smith & Williamson said the move will ensure a smooth transition when Lady Focke retires from the firm. However, the group stressed Lady Focke has no plans to retire in the foreseeable future. Royle joined Smith & Williamson in 2008 as an assistant manager on the trust. Nick Hodgson, director of marketing and sales at the group, said:  "We are keen to have a clear succession plan in place for the fund management of our North American Trust, and indeed have been asked about this by advisers when conducting their due diligence. "Tana has no plans to announce her retirement in t...