People Moves: AAT, BDO and Fieldfisher appoint high-level roles

AAT appoints new president and vice president

The Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) has appointed John Thornton as its 39th president, succeeding Vernon Anderson.

Thornton, an independent adviser and writer, was previously the professional body’s vice president, and is set to remain in his presidential role until September 2020. David Frederick will now take over as AAT’s vice president.

“I am extremely proud to have been elected president of AAT,” Thornton said. “I’ve hugely enjoyed my time as vice president over the past year, meeting AAT members at branches throughout the country and supporting Vernon in his role.

“AAT has made a tremendous difference to the lives of thousands of students past and present, and I look forward to leading the organisation as it continues to help the industry meet the challenges and opportunities of an ever-evolving business environment.”

Thornton has previously held many director roles, most recently as managing director of specialist consultancy firm e-ssential Resources.

BDO promotes veteran staff to managing director

BDO LLP has promoted James Fieldhouse from corporate finance director to managing director for the firm’s northern mergers and acquisitions (M&A) team.

Bringing his experience in mid-market private equity and cross-border transactions across several sectors to the team, Fieldhouse will be developing the deal pipeline with the M&A team in the immediate future.

Rob McCann, M&A partner at BDO’s Manchester branch, said: “Jim has proven himself time and time again as a trusted adviser to clients and a well-respected colleague across the firm.

“It’s fantastic to see a key member of our northern team progress to this important new role and we look forward to seeing him drive his further success.”

Fieldhouse joined BDO in 2003 and brings 16 years of BDO-centric experience to his new position.

Fieldfisher law firm hires first pensions partner

Jeremy Harris has joined the European law firm Fieldfisher as the company’s first pensions partner, bringing 30 years of pensions experience into the role.

Operating out of the firm’s Manchester office, Harris will work alongside the existing employment and pensions team.

Previously, Harris worked with allowance legislation, unauthorised payments legislation and defined contribution freedoms, with a focus on scheme benefit change advisory.

David Gallagher, head of pensions at Fieldfisher, said: “Jeremy is a first-class pensions lawyer with a strong reputation as a leading practitioner.

“His arrival allows us to expand the services we offer existing and prospective clients, especially focusing on the new demands of 21st century trusteeship.”

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