KPMG names new head of Scotland practice
Burnet is currently the head of KPMG’s Financial Services team in Scotland
KPMG has appointed veteran partner Catherine Burnet to lead its business in Scotland, becoming the first female senior partner of a Big Four accountancy firm in Scotland.
Edinburgh-based Burnet, who has been a partner at the accountancy firm since 2009, takes on the role at a time of growth for KPMG, as the Big Four firm claims its employee numbers in Scotland are at a record high.
Burnet has spent more than 20 years with the accountancy firm, and is currently serving as the head of KPMG’s Financial Services team in Scotland. She is also a member of the ICAS council and the FiSAB.
She will become regional chair in October and is believed by KPMG to be the first female senior partner of a Big Four accountancy firm in Scotland.
Burnet will replace Craig Anderson who in September will be calling time on his 37-year career with the firm.
Simon Collins, UK Chairman of KPMG, commented: “Catherine has an enviable reputation in the financial services industry, having worked with investment managers, traditional major banks and the new breed of challenger banks.
“Financial services is under-going substantial transformation at rapid pace and our Scottish practice will benefit from the experience, leadership and agility that Catherine has built up in her client work,” continued Collins.
Burnet added: “It is an exciting time to take over the leadership of such a talented team, against the backdrop of significant changes in the Scottish economy and society.
“We are continually investing in our business to ensure the level of expertise and service meets the needs of our colleagues and our clients. As a firm we are fortunate to support some of Scotland’s most influential and fastest-growing companies, as well as important civic bodies.”
In March KPMG promoted Blair Nimmo to UK head of restructuring following the departure of Mark Firmin who is leaving the Big Four firm.