Global professional services giant KPMG is today announcing a changing of the guard in its Aberdeen office.
Duncan MacAskill, an audit partner who became office senior partner in the Granite City in 2007 and has spent 35 years with the firm, will retire in June.
Aberdeen tax partner Martin Findlay has been promoted to office senior partner, with effect from the beginning of this month, while partner David Derbyshire is tasked with heading up the audit practice after 18 years with the firm.
Mr MacAskill, who spent 25 years with KPMG in Birmingham before moving to Aberdeen 10 years ago to lead the audit practice, said he became “evangelical” about the Granite City soon after he arrived, thanks to its entrepreneurial spirit.
He added: “Even now, I do not believe that the rest of the country really understands the qualities and full potential of our business community.
“While we live through challenging times just now, I am convinced that our economy has the people with the skills and experience to carry us through better and stronger.”
The Aberdeen office has seen significant investment and growth during Mr MacAskill’s tenure, including a 50% increase in headcount.
Mr Findlay has worked for KPMG for 24 years, in its Aberdeen and London offices, and became the firm’s head of tax in the Granite City in 2000.
“Duncan leaves an important legacy in terms of the breadth and depth of service that we are now able to deliver from Aberdeen, the new senior partner said, adding: “We have a multinational team, with very strong global networks.”
KPMG’s Aberdeen office is a UK centre of oil and gas expertise, with strong links to a global energy network spanning all the major energy hubs and emerging territories.