People
Introducing
Our Team
Alexander Walsh
Chief Executive Officer
Alexander Walsh
Chief Executive Officer
Alex joined the Howells team in 2020 as our Business Development Director, and was named Chief Executive Officer in August 2021.
Alex has a proven ability to lead and manage teams rooted in his past career as an officer in the British Army, where he led and developed teams across the world. Since joining Howells, Alex has provided clear strategic leadership through his deep understanding of team-dynamics and macro tech trends, working hand in glove with the Board and management team to drive our business forward. Passionate about the future of tech in relieving the admin burden from human end-users, Alex is very keen to see Howells prosper in a future facilitated through sustainable technology.
Alex read Classics at the University of Leeds; is a member of the Global Equity Organisation UK Leadership team; a founding member of the Armed Forces Sustainability Network; and in 2019 rowed across the Atlantic Ocean in 37 days.
Alastair Hall
Managing Director
Alastair Hall
Managing Director
Alastair has been working at Howells since 1999, where he has been instrumental in the development and delivery of expert executive remuneration services for over 20 years. In 2009, Alastair took on the role of Managing Director, where he continues to guide day-to-day operational excellence across the business.
Alastair has a keen interest in solving the complex and simplifying quandaries which appear unconquerable. Combined with his deep knowledge of share plans, and ‘client-first’ outlook in business, Alastair has been central to providing accessible solutions on our key client accounts.
A History graduate from the University of Hull, Alastair enjoys stretching his problem-solving muscles through gaming and DIY.
Sarah Ellis
Head of Technical
Sarah Ellis
Head of Technical
Sarah has been with Howells since 2010, when she joined as a software developer after having gained a 1st class honours degree in Computing from Northumbria University. In November 2014, Sarah took over the management of Howells’ software development team.
Sarah has a passion for improving user experience and consistently strives to enhance our systems to ensure that our users can manage their workloads with ease. With a great eye for user interface work, a solid knowledge of backend technologies and a proven ability to effectively manage a team of developers, Sarah’s broad experience and expertise allow her to turn a hand to any technical problem we might come up against.
Sarah loves taking her dog out for long walks in the beautiful North Yorkshire countryside and is also a keen runner; in 2018 she completed her first marathon, in sub-3hrs 40mins.
Lucy Anderson
Head of Growth and Client Solutions
Lucy Anderson
Head of Growth and Client Solutions
Lucy Anderson is the Head of Growth and Client Solutions at Howells. Bringing over 17 years of experience in operational and front office roles in stockbroking, with the last 7 being dedicated to share plans, Lucy’s broking background provides a unique perspective, allowing her to understand client needs beyond technology. She is passionate about incentivising staff through equity and educating participants on the meaning of being a shareholder as well as post vesting solutions. Leveraging her expertise and a vast network of industry experts, Lucy provides clients with bespoke solutions tailored to their individual needs.
In addition to her professional achievements, Lucy has co-founded a networking group aimed at nurturing the next generation of share plan professionals. Outside of work, she enjoys socialising and living the country life with her family and miniature sausage dogs.
Our Culture
Our team is incredible with their hard work & determination in their pursuit of client satisfaction month after month. So it stands to reason why we love to celebrate both individual and team successes.
We’re a tight knit team who work collaboratively across a range of departments to deliver an integrated share plan administration platform. We want you to succeed within Howells, so we will give you everything you need so that you can perform at your best. True growth starts from within!
We’re dedicated to making life at Howells the best job you’ve ever had – a good working culture is the foundation to this.
- All employees are eligible for 30+ days of annual leave a year
- Birthdays off!
- We are a remote-first company. We maintain a headquarters in Harrogate with space for collaboration, client meetings and cross-department mixers
- Comprehensive maternity & paternity packages
- Pension scheme
- EMI to promote ownership in the company outcomes
- Market leading training in share plans and MAR
- Dog friendly office, and “paw-ternity” leave for fluffy new additions
- Company-wide commitment to the share plan world through active memberships of the industry bodies which share best practice, including the Global Equity Organisation, ESOP Centre and ProShare.
- Funded CPD opportunities throughout the year
- Dedicated to achieving Net Zero by 2025
Environmental Responsibility
We have a responsibility to our environment for future generations. In that spirit, we have made a commitment to be Net Zero by 2025.
- Ongoing training programme through the Carbon Literacy Project
- Net Zero by 2025 working with supercritical
- TechZero declaration
