Close Brothers Corporate Finance has appointed Stephen Aulsebrook as its new chief executive to replace Richard Grainger, who takes on the newly created position of executive vice-chairman.

Aulsebrook is currently head of the firm’s special situations business, and his appointment signals a greater focus on restructuring as the firm prepares for “growth over the next five years”.

Matthew Prest, a managing director in European special situations, will replace Aulsebrook as head of that group. Close Brothers is expected to invest further in its restructuring arm.

In addition, Mike Wheeler, formerly a global managing partner at KPMG Financial Advisory Services, will join the firm as non-executive chairman.