Darren Drake takes up role as Managing Partner at Saffery

Darren Drake has taken up the role of Managing Partner at Saffery, with effect from 21 January 2026.

Darren was elected to the role in June 2025 and succeeds Matthew Burton, who concludes his second term as Managing Partner.

The handover has come two months earlier than originally anticipated. This will allow Matthew to take on the full-time leadership of a major strategic project for the firm. He remains a member of the firm’s Leadership Board and will work closely with Darren, and the wider partnership, to help deliver the new 2026-30 strategic business plan.

Darren commented:

“I’m very pleased to take on the Managing Partner role at an exciting time for the firm. I’d like to thank Matthew for his help over the last few months during our transition and handover phase. I’m delighted he will remain on the firm’s Leadership Board to help support our future strategic ambitions.”

Matthew commented:

“It has been an enormous privilege and pleasure to lead the firm over the past eight years – it has been one of the most rewarding periods of my career. I hand over the reins knowing that the firm is in great hands and I look forward to working closely with, and supporting, Darren.”

Further details on Darren’s appointment are available in the announcement published in November 2025.