O’Hare drops Tesco for Virgin Media role

Eamonn O’Hare has sealed a deal with Virgin Media to be its CFO. The current Tesco UK finance director was apparently overlooked to replace Andrew Higginson for the group FD role earlier this year, losing out to Laurie McIlwee, former distribution director at Tesco. Many headhunters and speculators suggested maybe it was time for O’Hare to leave after that decision.

O’Hare begins in November. He spent ten years at PepsiCo in several senior finance positions including finance director of its Middle Eastern operations and replaces Jerry Elliot at Virgin Media.

It’s also all change at Baker Tilly, which has killed five birds with one stone by making several recruitments, including three as partner.

Tony Summers, who has particular expertise in media and technology, leads the way as audit partner in the firm’s Sussex office. He spent the previous ten years at PwC, latterly as senior manager in the London mid-tier division.

The Bristol office welcomes Paul Falvey as tax partner. Previously at Grant Thornton, in the same role, he has over 20 years experience and specialises in advising smaller quoted companies. Neil Thomas takes on the audit partner role at the Bromley office and will be responsible for growing the practice.

Alison Chapman, who was previously at Vantis for ten years, becomes senior private client tax manager in Tunbridge Wells. John Kingsley meanwhile is promoted to tax partner from tax director in the Brighton office.

Also in practice, Alexander Myerson & Co promotes Paul Burns to associate partner from audit manager. Burns joined the firm in 2005 as accounts and audit manager.

Tenon’s former director of audit is now business development partner at Alliott. Cairn joins the firm with the intention to focus on SMEs and not-for-profit enterprises.

Previously he was trustee and chair of the audit committee for Action 4 Children.