Alesco has tapped RK Harrison’s Jonathan Smith as managing partner of energy.

He succeeds Simon Clarkson, who has been promoted to deputy chairman of energy, which the broker said will “enable him to dedicate more time to business production and managing key client relationships.”

Smith joins Alesco following an 11-year career at RK Harrison, where he was most recently executive director, head of upstream energy. Before that, he spent nine years at Agnew Higgins Pickering, joining its board in 2005 and taking responsibility for the upstream division. His career has also included positions at Willis and Alexander Howden.

Jonathan Lyne, chairman of energy at Alesco, said: “Our business and reputation are built on attracting, investing in and retaining the best talent in the market. Naturally, therefore, we are delighted to welcome Jonathan — a recognised energy sector leader — into the Alesco fold and congratulate Simon on his new role.

“This transition demonstrates the flexibility of Alesco’s senior management, and its dedication to creating innovative and industry-leading solutions for both existing and prospective clients — more of whom will now benefit from Simon’s extensive knowledge of Alesco’s capabilities, while receiving a fantastic service from our dedicated energy practice. I expect to see continued growth from this division under its new leadership team.”