Cenkos Securities co-founder Jim Durkin to return as CEO

Stockbroker Cenkos Securities said on Monday that it has rehired Jim Durkin as its chief executive officer, as it announced that chairman Gerry Aherne was retiring from the board with immediate effect.

Durkin, who was a founding shareholder of the company and CEO from December 2011 to July 2017, has 30 years' experience in the UK securities industry. Cenkos said he has had "substantial experience" originating and executing corporate finance transactions across a range of industries including insurance, property, financials and utilities.

Anthony Hotson will stay on as CEO until regulatory approval has been received for Durkin's appointment. Meanwhile, non-executive director Jeff Hewitt has been appointed acting chairman until a successor to Aherne has been found.

Hewitt said: "We welcome Jim back to the company and have every confidence in Jim in leading the company going forward. Jim is well placed to undertake the role having previously been on the board and has been actively involved in the successful management of the company."

Back in September, Cenkos said its interim pre-tax profit dropped to £0.3m from £3.7m in the same period a year ago, as revenue slid to £18.1m from £29.2m.