By Ruth Sullivan

07 February 2006

Sir Francis Mackay, the outgoing chairman of Kingfisher, the retail group, and Compass, the support services group, is beginning to build up his portfolio.

Sir Francis is taking on the role of non-executive vice-chairman at Carlton Financial Group, the corporate advisory and investment management company.

The boardroom veteran joins founders Andrew Taee, chairman, George Magan, deputy chairman, and non-executive vice- chairmen Alan Wheatley and Ian Reeves.

At the same time, Carlton Capital Partners, the investment management division of the group, has taken on Nicolas Wirz, from Morgan Stanley, as a partner and member of its executive management committee.

At the investment bank Mr Wirz held the role of managing director, with responsibilities for pan-European equity distribution in continental Europe as well as being the head of equities in France and managing director of Morgan Stanley International, based in Paris.

Carlton Capital Partners launched its first fund, Ribot, at the end of 2005 and is building up its assets under management. Ruth Sullivan