Those partners named on the shortlist are John Berriman, Rodger Hughes, Kieran Poynter, Andrew Ratcliffe and Ed Smith.
The five come from a range of backgrounds and experience with the firm. Berriman, 43, is UK head of operations for the firm’s Assurance and Business Advisory Service, while Hughes, aged 51, is UK head of ABAS.
Currently UK managing partner, Poynter is 49. Ratcliffe is 46 and a member of PwC’s global oversight board. Ed Smith, 45, is overseeing the global development and implementation of the firm’s new ABAS strategy.
Peter Smith’s successor will be chosen using a single transferable vote amongst PwC partners. The result of the vote will be known in the week beginning 26 June with the new UK senior partner due to take up his post on 1 July.
It is not yet clear what Smith plans to do next.