Radiant Financial Group
Our management team
Our operational experts work hard to make sure your experience
with Radiant is seamless, efficient and grounded in good governance.
Simon Cogman-Hellier
Chief Executive Officer
Simon Cogman-Hellier
Chief Executive Officer
With over 40 years’ experience in financial services, Simon has worked as a financial planner and held several senior leadership roles, including Managing Director of multiple financial services businesses and running his own consultancy. Simon lives in Cheshire with his husband and their large family of dogs. Outside of work, he enjoys farm life and is currently undertaking another major house renovation project.
James Cumming
Chief Finance Officer
James Cumming
Chief Finance Officer
James joined Radiant Financial Group in September 2020, bringing extensive financial and leadership experience. Before this, he spent eight years at Complete Cover Group, including six as Group CFO, where he oversaw the company’s sale in early 2020. Earlier in his career, he spent a decade at EY, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant and advising financial services clients on transactions. At Radiant, James leads the finance function, manages debt facilities to support acquisitions, and oversees financial due diligence during M&A activity. Outside of work, he’s a keen cyclist and runner and enjoys time with his two young sons.
Derek Elliot
Chairman of Radiant Financial Group
Derek Elliot
Chairman of Radiant Financial Group
With 25 years’ experience in private equity, Derek has invested across multiple sectors and held a range of senior board positions. He was a Principal at Permira, working on major buyouts across Europe, before co-founding Darwin Private Equity, where he supported several UK mid-market companies. Today, he chairs Radiant Financial Group and Wise, and serves as a Non-Executive Director of Energy Aspects and Times Higher Education. Derek lives with his partner and three children and is a lifelong Arsenal supporter who enjoys family life and travel.
Robert Taylor
Group Compliance Director
Robert Taylor
Group Compliance Director
Rob is Group Compliance Director at Radiant Financial Group and is responsible for regulatory compliance across the business. He joined Radiant in October 2020 with 20 years of compliance consultancy experience, most recently as a Senior Consultant at The Consulting Consortium, where he advised over 50 firms in the retail advice and asset management sectors. Rob is passionate about driving good consumer outcomes. Beyond work, Rob enjoys travelling, cycling, and exploring the countryside with his partner.
Will Stemp
Head of Human Resources
Will Stemp
Head of Human Resources
With seven years’ experience across SaaS businesses in automotive e-commerce and aviation safety, Will combines a passion for technology with a deep interest in people and culture. He holds an MA in Strategic Human Resource Management and is CIPD qualified, driven by a commitment to making workplaces engaging and enjoyable. With a process-focused mindset, he enjoys using technology to streamline work and unlock efficiency. Outside of work, Will loves to travel, organising annual trips with friends to explore new theme parks, and indulging his lifelong love of all things nerdy, from Star Wars to LEGO.
Sam Pinnock
Head of Mergers & Acquisitions
Sam Pinnock
Head of Mergers & Acquisitions
Sam joined Radiant Financial Group in April 2024 with over 10 years of experience in financial services. He began his career at KPMG, qualifying as a Chartered Accountant while working in deal advisory and restructuring. He later joined Clear Insurance Management, where he supported the firm’s acquisition strategy during its investment phase with Goldman Sachs. At Radiant, Sam contributes to the Group’s long-term M&A strategy and internal value-building initiatives. Outside of work, he’s passionate about sport, regularly playing football and taking part in endurance events such as the London Marathon and London to Brighton Bike Ride in support of charitable causes.
Jamie Smiles
Group Data and Technology Lead
Jamie Smiles
Group Data and Technology Lead
With over ten years’ experience in financial services technology, Jamie specialises in data architecture, systems integration and platform innovation. Before joining Radiant, he led the development of a bespoke CRM and reporting platform at Seven Bridges Investment Management. At Radiant, he oversees the group’s technology and data strategy, focusing on scalable systems, AI-driven tools and operational efficiency. Jamie holds an MSc in Data Science and a BSc in Applied Computing. He lives in the North-East with his fiancé and their dog and enjoys CrossFit, travel and experimenting with new technologies.
Amanda Gurney
Group Finance Manager
Amanda Gurney
Group Finance Manager
With over 17 years’ experience in finance and accounting, Amanda began her career in practice, earning her AAT qualification before progressing into senior financial leadership roles across the manufacturing and retail sectors. She joined Radiant in 2020 as Group Finance Manager, bringing a strong track record in financial strategy, analysis and operational improvement. Known for her hands-on approach and analytical mindset, Amanda is passionate about driving efficiency and supporting growth. Outside work, she enjoys family life, high-intensity training and baking.
Samantha Darbyshire
EA to the CEO & Head of Marketing
Samantha Darbyshire
EA to the CEO & Head of Marketing
Samantha joined Radiant Financial Group in 2021 as Executive Assistant to the Group CEO and also leads the Group Marketing function. She brings over 10 years of experience in financial advisory services, having previously worked as Executive Assistant to a Founder and as Office Manager. Earlier in her career, Samantha was an Account Manager for an IT distributor before taking time to raise her family. Outside of work, Samantha enjoys spending time with her family and friends.


