Stewart Kennedy has joined Mark Dempster Counselling (MDC) as a Consultant liaising between MDC and the City and Canary Wharf. Prior to joining Mark Dempster Counselling, Stewart enjoyed a successful career in the City as a senior corporate, investment and private banker with Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Wells Fargo and BNP Paribas in a career spanning 25 years.

It was during Stewart’s Banking career he became seriously alcohol dependent and immediately sought professional help through his employer’s Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). He has now successfully been in recovery for over 10 years and has a first-hand experience in the field of addiction as well as being a former banker. This gives him a unique set of skills to understand the addiction issues affecting many people working in this Stewart holds an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Aston University Management Centre, and a post-graduate research degree in International Relations from Oxford University. He is currently in his second year reading for an MSc in Addiction Psychology and Counselling at London South Bank University. His dissertation will examine alcohol dependency in London’s financial district.

Commented Mark Dempster, “I am delighted to be able to welcome Stewart on board. He has a vast experience of working in the City at the highest levels. He has been in recovery for over 10 years and attended three top rehab clinics. He understands the City and he understands addiction from both the inside and outside.

Stewart added “I am thrilled to be taking on this exciting role. My drinking almost killed me in that I was given less than eight weeks to live unless I stopped immediately. I now want to give something back and help people with addiction issues in London’s financial district.”