Our Team

Sandy Farmer - Before launching the Orca pod, Sandy spent 14 years investing in and operating SME businesses, focusing on owner-managed companies navigating succession.

  • FOUNDING PARTNER

    Before launching the Orca pod, Sandy spent 14 years investing in and operating SME businesses, focusing on owner-managed companies navigating succession.

    He co-founded Ethos Partners and held senior roles at two private equity-backed growth businesses, following his earlier investing experience with Canter Equity Partners.

    He began his career at Kearney and earned an MBA from London Business School — where he also graced the rugby field with Pascal!

    Sandy is a proud father of three girls and happiest with a golf club or fishing rod in hand, a good dog by his side, and a great bottle opened among friends.

Pascal Wittet - Before co-founding Orca, Pascal spent 14 years in SME private equity, most recently at Ethos Partners and Connection Capital, focusing on succession sales and serving on the boards of more than 10 companies

  • FOUNDING PARTNER

    Before co-founding Orca, Pascal spent 14 years in SME private equity, most recently at Ethos Partners and Connection Capital, focusing on succession sales and serving on the boards of more than 10 companies

    He began his career as a consultant at PwC, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant, before earning an MBA from London Business School — where he played rugby with Sandy.

    Outside of work, Pascal is usually chasing waves, powder, or mountain trails — and occasionally dusting off the bagpipes to keep the neighbours on their toes.

Scott Bannerman - Before co-founding Orca, Scott spent 6 years at Ethos Partners after working in EY's M&A team. A Chartered Accountant by background, Scott's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by his parents who ran family businesses.

  • FOUNDING PARTNER

    Before co-founding Orca, Scott spent 6 years at Ethos Partners after working in EY's M&A team.

    A Chartered Accountant by background, Scott's entrepreneurial spirit was sparked by his parents who ran family businesses – giving him early insight into business owners' journeys, while teaching him that he is best suited to a supporting rather than leading role.

    He met Sandy playing golf in 2017. A self-described "very average sportsman", Scott now has three young sons showing an interest in golf and knows he'll soon be the family's worst golfer.

Jo Cockburn - Before co-founding Orca, Jo spent 6 years at Ethos Partners, where he led Ethos' first search fund investment and co-founded Ethos Search Capital, its dedicated proposition for backing acquisition entrepreneurs.

  • FOUNDING PARTNER

    Before co-founding Orca, Jo spent 6 years at Ethos Partners, where he led Ethos' first search fund investment and co-founded Ethos Search Capital, its dedicated proposition for backing acquisition entrepreneurs.

    Previously, he was a software growth equity investor at One Peak Partners. Jo began his career as an M&A banker at Perella Weinberg Partners in London, advising large corporates and private equity firms on deals in the financial sector.

    A proud South African and insufferable Springbok supporter, Jo tends to get his tail up every four years.

Gordon McNair - Gordon joins Orca as Non-Executive Chairman, bringing 25+ years of experience investing in and leading businesses across private equity, financial markets, and investment management.

  • CHAIRMAN

    Gordon joins Orca as Non-Executive Chairman, bringing 25+ years of experience investing in and leading businesses across private equity, financial markets, and investment management. He is also Chairman of a global distribution and manufacturing group. 

    Previously, he held senior roles at a leading entrepreneurial investment firm, serving on boards across multiple asset classes. Earlier, Gordon helped significantly grow London Stock Exchange Group having started his career at EY and ECI Partners. 

    A keen golfer, he also enjoys cycling, skiing, and supporting Scotland (sometimes heartbreakingly) on the rugby pitch.

Oli Ashness - Oli founded SimplyCook and led it for over a decade before selling to Nestlé in 2021, gaining firsthand experience scaling and exiting a high-growth business.

  • OPERATING PARTNER

    Oli founded SimplyCook and led it for over a decade before selling to Nestlé in 2021, gaining firsthand experience scaling and exiting a high-growth business. 

    Before becoming a founder himself, Oli spent two years at Draper Esprit investing in startups.  He studied at London Business School with Sandy and Pascal and is passionate about growth, decision-making science, and supporting entrepreneurs. 

    Oli lives in Kent with his wife and four children, enjoys tennis and skiing, and hopes to hit the slopes with fellow Orcas soon.