Mr Lees will work with entrepreneurs, business owners and high-net-worth individuals, helping Scottish clients access the firm’s wider range of financial expertise.
He brings more than a decade of experience advising business owners and families, along with a strong understanding of the Scottish market.
The appointment forms part of Cooper Parry’s wider UK expansion strategy, which focuses on growing through investment in people and acquisitions.
The firm has expanded its Scottish team to almost 100 people over the past year and continues to develop its integrated offering across wealth, tax, audit, finance recruitment, business advisory and digital services.
Cooper Parry has also grown its Scottish presence through acquisitions, including Scotland-based advisory firm Hutcheon Mearns.
Other recent acquisitions include Liberty Corporate Finance, Cavanagh Kelly, Fellwood Advisory, URM Consulting Services, embracent, Gem & Co and UUNA.
The firm now employs close to 2,000 people and has set a target of reaching £600 million turnover by 2028.
Neil Norman, head of Scotland at Cooper Parry, said: “Scotland has an exceptionally strong entrepreneurial community, with every region offering its own opportunities and challenges.
“We’re seeing increasing demand from business owners and families looking for advice that brings together wealth planning, tax, and wider business expertise.
“Darren’s appointment strengthens our ability to deliver exactly that while continuing to invest in our long-term presence across Scotland.”
Mr Lees said: “I’m delighted to be joining Cooper Parry Wealth at such an exciting stage in its growth.
“From the outset, I was struck by how closely the firm’s values and cultures align with my own, particularly its commitment to putting clients at the heart of every conversation and every piece of advice.
“My experience has always centred on building long-term relationships with clients and helping them navigate important financial decisions, so it felt like a natural fit.
“Cooper Parry has already built an exceptional business with the expertise, investment, and collaborative approach needed to support clients in a truly joined up way.
“I’m excited to help grow that presence across Scotland, introducing more people to what makes the business different while building on the strong foundations already in place.”
