Sir Michael Snyder to retire from Kingston Smith

SIR Michael Snyder is to retire from Kingston Smith after 42 years service, the firm has announced.

He will be replaced as senior partner by Martin Muirhead on 1 May 2016.
Sir Michael led Kingston Smith – 18th in the 2015 Accountancy Age Top 50+50 – for 36 years, first as managing partner and then as senior partner from 1990.

The news comes just weeks after the firm appointed Maureen Penfold as managing partner to replace Julie Walsh who will retire in April. She will be succeeded by Penfold, who joined the firm as a trainee and became a partner in 1990.

During the course of his tenure, the firm grew from seven partners to 64, increasing its headcount to over 500 staff, and £43m turnover.

A well-known supporter of SMEs, Snyder advised the UK Government on the issues affecting growing businesses as well as sitting on the Small Business Council and Small Business Investment Taskforce. He helped set up the National Business Angels Network and acted as its chairman between 1999 and 2002.

An elected member of the City of London Corporation, he has represented the Ward of Cordwainer since 1986. He chaired several committees, including finance, before taking the leadership of the City Corporation as Policy and Resources Chairman between 2003 and 2008. He oversaw the foundation of three academies for the City of London, as well as opening offices in Brussels, India and China.

Sir Michael also led the City’s support for Crossrail, helping to secure a major financial contribution from the City. He was knighted in 2008 for his services for business and for the City of London.

‘Passionate about client service’

Incoming senior partner, Martin Muirhead, said: “Michael has been passionate about client service, nurturing talent in our own people and growing our firm. He has also been very active in his support for SMEs, advising government over an extended period and chairing the government’s Professional and Business Services Council where he championed the value and quality of this sector. His leadership of our firm has been inspiring and he will be much missed.”

Snyder has been a governor of The London Guildhall University and subsequently the London Metropolitan University, where he also chaired the audit committee as well as being a member of the City Academics Sponsors Trust.

He said: “I have enjoyed working with an exceptional group of people over the years. I have worked with Martin for many years and I know that I am leaving our clients, people and the business in good hands. I am confident that the firm will continue to build on its success and is poised for future growth.”