PEM is delighted to announce the appointment of David Ball as Partner and Head of Corporate Finance, alongside a series of promotions within its Corporate Finance team, underlining the firm's ongoing investment in one of the region's leading Corporate Finance advisory practices.
David joins PEM with more than a decade of lead advisory M&A experience, advising owner-managed businesses, shareholders and management teams on exit, succession planning and growth strategies. He has built a strong reputation for delivering successful sell-side transactions and is particularly recognised for his expertise in the technology and compliance sectors, having advised on numerous high-profile Cyber Security and Testing, Inspection, Certification and Compliance (TICC) deals over the last few years.
The appointment marks a return to familiar surroundings for David, who originally joined PEM as a graduate trainee before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with the firm. After leaving PEM, he has gained a breadth of Corporate Finance experience across regional advisory boutiques, Top 10 accountancy firms and global mid-market Investment Banks, most recently serving as a Director within the Oaklins S&W M&A team in Cambridge.
Throughout his career, David has advised on transactions across a broad range of industries, helping business owners realise value through carefully managed sale processes and strategic exits. His appointment significantly strengthens PEM’s lead advisory capabilities, whilst adding genuine sector and cross border deal expertise.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, affable approach and strong negotiation skills, David will lead PEM's Corporate Finance team as it continues to support clients through acquisitions, disposals, management buyouts, valuations and financial due diligence.
David Ball said:
"Returning to PEM feels like a genuine full-circle moment. The firm played an important role in the early stages of my career, and I've always admired its culture, ambition and enviable reputation in the local market. PEM has always been at the centre of the Cambridge ecosystem, helping our entrepreneurial community thrive and succeed. I'm extremely excited to join and lead such a talented Corporate Finance team that has built an excellent reputation for supporting entrepreneurial businesses and their owners. With strong momentum in the market and a growing team around us, there is a fantastic opportunity to further expand our offering and help more clients achieve successful outcomes."
The appointment comes alongside the promotion of Darren Hagan to Director, Asaad Khan and James Taylor to Manager, and Jan Asari to Assistant Manager, reflecting the continued growth and success of PEM's Corporate Finance team. Together, these appointments further strengthen the firm's capability to advise ambitious businesses at every stage of their journey, from strategic planning and fundraising through to acquisitions, disposals and succession events.
Welcoming David back to the firm, Warren Tilbury, CEO at PEM, said:
"David's return to PEM is a fantastic example of the strength of the relationships we build with our people, including alumni. He combines exceptional lead advisory experience and technical expertise with commercial insight and a personable approach that clients value highly. His proven track record in delivering successful transactions, particularly within the technology sector, makes him ideally placed to lead and grow our Corporate Finance team.
Combined with the well-deserved promotions within the team, this demonstrates our commitment to investing in our people and ensuring we continue to provide clients with the depth of expertise and high-quality advice they need to achieve their ambitions.”
David's appointment, together with the latest promotions, marks an exciting new chapter for PEM's Corporate Finance team and reinforces the firm's commitment to building a market-leading advisory practice. Supported by One Point Advisory's recent investment in PEM and the firm's ambitious growth plans, the team is continuing to invest in senior talent and specialist expertise. With expertise spanning corporate transactions, management buyouts, valuations, financial due diligence, strategic growth and sector-specialist M&A advice, the team is well positioned to support businesses across Cambridge, East Anglia and beyond.
