McDermott wins Professional Adviser IFA Personality Award

Darius McDermott, managing director of Chelsea Financial Services, was awarded the IFA Personality of the Year title at the Professional Adviser awards last night.

The award was voted for by guests from across the financial services industry at a ceremony in London.

Also on the shortlist for the award were: Hargreaves Lansdown's Mark Dampier, Sesame-Bankhall's Ivan Martin, Tom Baigrie from LifeSearch, Brian Dennehy from Dennehy Weller & Co and Towry Law's Andrew Fisher.

Darius started his career at Chelsea Financial Services in 1996 in its PEP department. In 1997, he was appointed Unit Trust Manager and ran that department until September
1998.

His expertise then shifted to life and pensions, bonds, VCTs and structured products which he oversaw until becoming Investment Manger in 1999.

It was only then, in 2000, after he had accumulated a broad base of knowledge across a whole multitude of investment areas that he was appointment managing director.

Darius has built a reputation as a respected media pundit offering a candid and independent investment view to both the trade and national print press.

He is also a consistent presence on the nation's airwaves keeping viewers and listeners up-to-date with the ever-changing world of personal finance.

Commenting on his win, Darius says: "It is an honour to be nominated and I was delighted and surprised to win. It was particulaly pleasing to win as it is voted for by industry peers."

For the full list of winners at the Professional Adviser Awards click here.