Meet the Cornerstone Team
A team of experienced professionals, dedicated to delivering trusted financial solutions.
Maddy Benyon
Engagement Adviser
Maddy Benyon
Engagement Adviser
About
I joined Cornerstone Finance in August 2025. I have 2 years’ experience working in the financial industry including administration and customer service. I have a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science from Cardiff Metropolitan University. I am currently working towards my CompTIA qualification; I am always looking for ways to learn and grow. I enjoy engaging with advisers and being part of a team. In my spare time I love listening to music and going to the gym. Especially Hyrox, CrossFit and running!
James Doherty
QC Officer
James Doherty
QC Officer
About
I joined Cornerstone in September 2024 and currently work in the Compliance team as a QC Officer. I live in Cardiff but was born and raised in the Rhondda Valleys.
Before joining Cornerstone, I worked for over two years as a Recruitment and Sales Consultant. Outside of work, I’ve been an avid music producer, composer, and sound designer since the age of 13, collaborating with artists from around the world.
I’m currently studying towards my financial qualifications, with aspirations to provide mortgage and protection advice in the future.
Philip Emanuel
Director of Network Growth
Philip Emanuel
Director of Network Growth
About
With over 30 years’ experience in the UK financial services sector, Phil has extensive expertise in recruitment, performance, and sales management. He has significant experience within mortgage and protection networks, with a particular focus on implementing best practices across large teams.
phil@thecornerstonenetwork.co.uk
Louis Flage
Engagement Adviser
Louis Flage
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been working for Cornerstone since the beginning of 2025. In my role I enjoy the opportunity to engage with many different professionals in their fields and provide them with support. I was born and raised in Newport and I graduated Swansea University with a degree in Criminology.
I am a big West Ham fan and enjoy watching them play in my free time.
Alex Laister
QC Officer
Alex Laister
QC Officer
About
I was previously a technical support assistant for a busy broker, dealing with complex, niche, and challenging regulated cases.
Away from work, I enjoy all forms of motorsport, particularly F1, BTCC, and WRC. I also play snooker and 9-ball pool whenever I can against a lifelong friend and eternal sporting rival. I cannot readily accept defeat at his hand - the fury drives me onwards.
Graeme Lewis
Head of Network Engagement
Graeme Lewis
Head of Network Engagement
About
With over 25 years of experience in financial services, Graeme brings a wealth of expertise from frontline banking, business development, and even the motor and healthcare sectors.
Graeme is a passionate Swansea City season ticket holder.
Hannah Lister
Engagement Team Leader
Hannah Lister
Engagement Team Leader
About
I joined the Cornerstone Network in September 2024. As the Engagement Team Leader I’m focused on supporting the Engagement Team in creating a positive work environment and delivering excellent service across the Network.I have several years’ experience in team management and customer service. I graduated from Swansea University with a Master’s in Human Rights Law and International Development. Outside of work, I enjoy switching off by walking my dog on the beach and binge-watching reality TV.
Milo Moran
Network Onboarding Officer
Milo Moran
Network Onboarding Officer
About
Brought up in Gloucestershire, I moved to Cardiff as a teenager. I started working for Cornerstone on my birthday, which makes it easy to remember. Outside the office, I play music and am a recent convert to following football.
Harry Morgan
QC Officer
Harry Morgan
QC Officer
About
I currently live in Roath, having moved away from the Valleys to attend university, and have lived in Cardiff ever since.
In my spare time, I enjoy playing padel and exploring Cardiff’s food scene.
Jonathan Needham
Business Development Director
Jonathan Needham
Business Development Director
About
Jonathan leads the growth and development of Cornerstone’s Appointed Representative network, supporting firms and advisers nationwide to build sustainable, specialist businesses. With over 30 years’ experience in financial services, he’s passionate about helping advisers unlock new income streams through training, mentoring, and access to market-leading products.
Away from work, Jonathan’s focus is on family, fitness, and his ongoing “Road to Specialism” journey - building a network founded on community, expertise, and opportunity.
Andrew Needham
Business Development Manager
Andrew Needham
Business Development Manager
About
Starting my career 23 years ago at Royal Bank of Scotland, I’ve built a career rooted in trust and growth. As a Business Development Manager, I specialise in supporting financial advisers to expand their businesses, unlock new opportunities, and deliver exceptional value to their clients. My main passion is building relationships and witness people achieve their dreams.
A season ticket holder at Rotherham United and Manchester United, a proud family man.
Sasha Plenty
Engagement Adviser
Sasha Plenty
Engagement Adviser
About
I enjoy engaging with advisers and being part of a team. I recently graduated from university with a 2:1 degree. In my spare time, I enjoy drawing and staying active.
Nayanaa Prashar
Network Relationship Officer
Nayanaa Prashar
Network Relationship Officer
About
I’ve been with cornerstone for 2 and a half years. I enjoy the role is varied and there’s always something new to do. Born and raised in Slough, I moved to Cardiff for university and never looked back! In my free time, I enjoy playing cricket, reading, and learning languages.
Lindsay Smith
Engagement Adviser
Lindsay Smith
Engagement Adviser
About
I’m originally from the Midlands and now based in Cardiff. In my role, I enjoy connecting with advisers and supporting them with their business needs. I hold an MA in PR and Communications, the DipFA, and for the past four years, I’ve been working in financial services.
Outside of work, I’m passionate about travel, reading, trying new experiences, meeting new people, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Patrick Smith
Engagement Adviser
Patrick Smith
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement Advisor at Cornerstone since April 2025, and my favourite part of the role is speaking with advisers across the network. I was born and raised in Birmingham but recently moved to Cardiff to pursue my career after completing my studies at Cardiff University. In my free time, I enjoy watching football – even though my team loses every week.
Michelle Sweetman Toledo
Engagement Adviser
Michelle Sweetman Toledo
Engagement Adviser
About
I have been an Engagement advisor at Cornerstone since September 2024, and I enjoy chatting with all the advisors within my role. I have a degree in Philosophy. I love going on holiday and in my free time I enjoy Ice skating, shopping, and going out for food.