01 Oct 2025

Rob Gear promoted to partner in our corporate finance team

We’re delighted to announce that Rob Gear has been promoted to partner, recognising his contribution to our corporate finance practice and leadership of its due diligence team.

Rob’s career began in audit in the South West, and over the past two decades he’s built up extensive experience in corporate finance. His journey includes seven years with a Big Four firm, working across the energy and infrastructure sectors, and gaining valuable international experience in London and Abu Dhabi.

Since joining PKF Francis Clark in 2013, Rob has been a key part of our award-winning corporate finance team. He’s known for his hands-on, practical approach to financial due diligence — supporting both corporate and institutional buyers and funders and providing vendor assistance and vendor due diligence.

Rob has advised on transactions ranging in value from £5m to £250m, guiding businesses through the M&A journey with clear, results-focused advice. He’s passionate about building trusted relationships and helping clients make confident, well-informed decisions.

“Partnership is both a privilege and a responsibility,” said Rob. “It represents an opportunity to contribute to the firm’s continued growth and mentor our future leaders, building on our values of integrity and ambition.”

Rob said his career progression reflects the firm’s investment in leadership development and its supportive culture.

“PKF Francis Clark is a firm with a clear vision and a strong culture – recognised as a Great Place to Work and ranked among the UK’s top 20 Best Large Workplaces,” Rob added. “I’m proud to be part of a team that combines professional excellence with a genuine commitment to its people and clients.”

In his new role as partner, Rob will be leading the strategic growth of PKF Francis Clark’s transaction services offering. His focus will be on strengthening client relationships, enhancing services and continuing to build the high-performing team that works with private equity, institutional investors and corporate clients.

Paul Crocker, CEO at PKF Francis Clark, said: “Rob’s promotion to partner is a testament to his expertise, leadership and commitment to enabling our people and clients to succeed. His journey reflects our focus on nurturing talent and investing in the future of our firm. I’m delighted to welcome Rob to the partnership and look forward to him playing a key role in the continued success of our award-winning corporate finance team.”

Outside work, Rob enjoys spending time with his young family and fitting in a game of cricket or golf when he can. He’s also a proud supporter of the Exeter Chiefs.

Find out more about careers at PKF Francis Clark.

What would you like to achieve?

Whether you’re selling or buying a business, looking for funding or completing due diligence, our corporate finance specialists can assist you. Get in touch for an initial chat to find out how we can help.

Latest news

A group of six people in a modern office setting having a meeting around a glass conference table. One person is standing and speaking, while the others are seated and listening attentively.

Foreign branch exemption to become mandatory from 2027

1 June 2026

Read
A group of people sitting around a conference table engaged in a discussion. One person is standing, while three others are seated with laptops, notebooks, and coffee cups in front of them.

Succession planning: why consider an employee ownership trust?

28 May 2026

Read
A large group of office workers seated in a boardroom all turn to face a female colleague who is smiling and gesturing animatedly as she talks.

The Fair Work Agency: Key updates and employer guidance for a year of transition

27 May 2026

Read

Challenges and opportunities for Independent Schools

26 May 2026

Read

How B Corp™ certification actually works

26 May 2026

Read
An ambulance outside a building

Administrators secure sale of Bristol ambulance company BAEMS Ltd, safeguarding services and jobs

22 May 2026

Read
A group of volunteers sorting donated clothes and items in a well-lit room.

What the Colchester VAT ruling means for charities

22 May 2026

Read
A large group of students sit on low leather seating while they study in a library.

What the Colchester VAT ruling means for further education institutions

22 May 2026

Read

Retirement planning as a law firm member

19 May 2026

Read

What leading our B Corp™ certification taught me

19 May 2026

Read
Two workmen in hardhats work together to feed copper wire through a hole at a construction site.

CIS fraud & HMRC’s supply‑chain clampdown

18 May 2026

Read
Business team discussing plan in the office

Could your business be owed money? Recovering unclaimed employment allowance

15 May 2026

Read