After an incredible 38 years with CooperAitken, Partner Gavin Haddon concluded his time with the firm on 31 March 2026. Gavin’s dedication, leadership, and unwavering commitment to our clients and our people have left a lasting legacy.

We would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Gavin’s outstanding contribution and thank him for the significant impact he has made over many years. Over the past year, Gavin has taken great care in transitioning his client relationships to existing partners from within the practice who are well placed to support each client’s needs.

As a relationship‑driven firm, this handover has been a key priority, ensuring continuity, strong connections, and the same trusted level of advice going forward.

CooperAitken continues to be led by Partners Deborah Hollands, Grant Eddy, Anna Bennett, Peter Hexter, Rory Noorland, Carissa Cressy, Amy Watson (Coombes), Gerrie Jacobs, Coral Philips, Megan Potter, Rachel Robb, and newly appointed Partner Louise Maxwell Granich.

The existing partners look forward to building strong, trusted relationships through working closely with the new clients and supporting them on their business journey towards time, mind and financial freedom.

Gavin joined CooperAitken on 22 November 1988, beginning his career as an Accountant before progressing to Partner nine years later following Gary Caves’ departure.

Over nearly four decades, Gavin both witnessed and drove significant change within the firm, playing a pivotal role in shaping CooperAitken into the business it is today.

During his time as a partner, including his role as Board Chair from 2005 to 2015, he became a highly respected mentor, with around half of the current partners having either worked in his team or been guided by him into partner roles. Gavin has a genuine passion for seeing others succeed – he measures his own success by theirs, and this is a quality that will be deeply missed within the firm.

His warmth, professionalism, and energy made a real difference to both his clients and team.

Reflecting on his time at CooperAitken, Gavin shared how proud he is of both the team and his years as a Partner. He spoke warmly of the growth and development of many team members, each building remarkable careers, and of the way the firm continued to adapt to new challenges and opportunities with resilience and progress. Throughout his career, Gavin valued the trust placed in him by clients and the strong relationships built along the way – relationships he noted would continue beyond his time with the firm.

While we are really sad to see Gavin go, we are equally excited for what lies ahead for him. Retirement will see Gavin spending more time with his family, supporting his wife and her business ventures, and enjoying more time on the water and seeing the world.

If you have any questions regarding your ongoing support or would like to connect with your current Partner or Advisor, the CooperAitken team is always happy to assist. Our support and commitment to our clients with remain as it always has.