Dr John Holder

Chairman

After completing a PhD in Biochemstry at Hull University, I spent three years working as a teacher and a further two years working for a charity, before I moved to a City job with Hambro Life. Within a short time I identified that private investors would get a much better deal if sales volumes were increased and I could rebate some of the commission usually given to intermediaries. I founded Chelsea Financial Services in 1983 and discount-broking in the UK was pioneered. I handed over the day-to-day reigns to Darius in 2000 but I've retained a keen interest in the business and remain Chairman to this day. I spend my free time playing golf and skiing.