Leadership
Paul Whitmarsh DipFPS
Paul joined Aquila Financial Management in 2016, having relocated with his family to Devon from the Midlands.
Paul began in his career in Financial Services with Scottish Widows in Leicester in 1985. He transferred to the Birmingham office in 1993 and then joined a firm of Financial Advisers in Worcestershire in 1996, where he remained until he and his family decided to move to Exeter and be within touching distance of the sea!
Paul holds the CII Diploma in Financial Planning and, as Managing Director of the firm, he is responsible for the day-to-day running of the business and provides the compliance oversight.
Outside of work, Paul spends time with his family exploring the Devonshire countryside and shores. He has also become a keen runner since he moved to the area and has a number of half-marathons under his belt, although he has yet to show any inclination to try the longer distance!
In addition, Paul serves as a Parish Councillor and is also involved in the running of the local Multi-Academy Trust.
Advisers
George York
Following a very successful 9-year career as an Officer in the Royal Marines, George was medically discharged due to a rugby injury.
George quickly carved out a new profession for himself, having already started studying during his military service, and he soon completed the examinations to become a qualified Financial Adviser.
George helped a wide range of clients in his previous role specialising in supporting NHS clients, before joining Aquila in December 2023. George continued with studies alongside his role and achieved Chartered status late 2024.
George lives in Exeter, is married with two children and enjoys participating in any form of exercise whenever his family life permits.
James Wilcock
James has over 11 years of experience in the financial sector and has spent the last 6 years with Aquila.
Having grown up in Cornwall, James began his career in London working for one of the largest financial derivatives brokers in the world, before moving to the banking sector. With a return to the South-West always on the cards, James joined Aquila in September 2018.
He currently holds the Diploma in Financial Planning and is working to achieve his Chartered Status in the not-too-distant future.
Outside of work, James is a keen CrossFitter, enjoys a morning run, and spends his weekends at the coast in his campervan!
James McSorley-Morgan
James has been with Aquila since 2018 and has over 30 years of experience in the Financial Services Industry. Prior to joining Aquila, James built his experience working for one of the country’s largest Financial Advice firms, Skipton Financial Services, and before that, he spent nearly 10 years with Lloyds Bank’s wealth planning division. Both positions were based in Exeter and the surrounding area.
James lives on the outskirts of Exeter with his wife and three daughters. He is a keen sportsman and, although his competitive days are behind him, he is still involved as a member on the committee of his rugby club and plays cricket for his village team. He is also a skills instructor and leader with the Exeter Explorer Scouts.
Support
Liz Nuttall
Liz has over 20 years’ experience working in financial services and holds the CII Diploma in Financial Planning.
Liz has held the title of paraplanner since the role developed in the industry over ten years ago.
Having moved to Devon in 2013 from Bristol, Liz has experienced working for both large and small financial management companies and is delighted to have joined Aquila as Client Liaison Manager in November 2023.
Outside of work, when not busy with her two teenagers, Liz enjoys running and walking her Hungarian Vizsla in the Devon countryside
Gabriele Keleraite
Gabriele started her career in Investment and Wealth management in 2019 and steadily worked her way up to the role of Paraplanner. Holding a Bachelor of Law and Management degree and currently pursuing advanced studies in Financial Markets at Yale University, which is led by Nobel prize winner Dr. Robert Shiller, Gabriele brings a unique blend of knowledge and expertise to her work at Aquila Financial Management.
As an Investment and Financial Planning Paraplanner, Gabriele’s main focus is delivering excellent client service and achieving positive outcomes. She is committed to helping clients achieve financial well-being and making a meaningful impact on their lives through her expertise.
Outside of work, Gabriele is a passionate adventurer and an advocate for a well-balanced lifestyle. You’ll often find her exploring breathtaking hiking trails, swimming or cycling along scenic routes in Devon, and embarking on exciting travel adventures. These activities not only fuel her sense of adventure but also provide inspiration and a fresh perspective in both her personal and professional life.
Claire Botsford
Claire joined Aquila in 2013, arriving with a background in medicine. Initially, Claire worked as Secretary to the Managing Director, before progressing into a processing role, and is now Aquila’s first Administration Manager.
Claire oversees the processing team at Aquila, ensuring our clients receive a first-class service and providing support to the Adviser team. Claire has passed several industry exams and is working towards the CII Diploma in Financial Planning.
When she is away from the office, Claire enjoys yoga, calisthenics and continuing her lifelong love of studying Ancient History.
