KPMG partner in Yorkshire joins UK board as non-exec
A TAX partner at KPMG in Leeds has been appointed to the professional services firm’s UK board as a non-executive director.
Christine Hewson is tasked with supporting and challenging the firm’s executive committee on decisions affecting KPMG’s clients and 13,500 partners and staff across the UK.
She will also use her 20 years’ experience, gained advising the North of England’s business community, to convey the region’s perspective and unique challenges at a national board level and will continue to lead the firm’s tax practice in Yorkshire.
Sue Richardson, a director in the firm’s North deal advisory practice, will become KPMG’s head of retail in the North of England, taking over this sector leadership from Ms Hewson.
Ms Richardson will lead KPMG’s relationships with retail businesses across the North, drawing on her wide experience supporting regional retailers, such as Card Factory and Go Outdoors, through periods of change.
Ms Hewson said: “This position is a brilliant opportunity for me to represent Yorkshire and the North on a national stage. It will also help me support my colleagues and broaden the scope of advice I can deliver to clients.
“On a personal level, I’m proud to be asked to help shape the decisions made by our board. The pace of technological change and the evolving needs of our clients continue to challenge both our own profession and our role as advisers. It’s very rewarding to be at the heart of our firm’s drive to meet this challenge.”
Ms Richardson added: “It’s a privilege to step into a role to which Christine has brought so much. The North of England’s retail community is vibrant and dynamic, but it is operating in an increasingly challenging environment.
“Differentiating through value, convenience, or customer experience is key if retailers are going to stand out from the crowd, all whilst navigating a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
“I’m looking forward to applying what I’ve learned through advising my retail and consumer clients whilst co-ordinating all of KPMG’s specialist functions, so we can continue to maximise our offering and help retailers across the region thrive.”
KPMG employs around 1,000 people in Leeds – 700 in the main office on Sovereign Square and 300 in the tech solutions centre on Broadgate.
It’s a brilliant opportunity to represent Yorkshire on a national stage. Christine Hewsontax partner & non-executive director, KPMG