FD MAR - DIARY - P48 - TO BE SUBBED
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Oh yes he is! PwC CFO takes to the stage for annual panto
This year marked the 30th anniversary of PwC’s annual pantomime, with the entirety of the production formed of its staff. Warwick Hunt, the firm’s CFO joined in with the fun yesterday to help mark the occasion.
The unique charitable production is a must-see for many in the accountancy profession, ever since its first production back in 1987, with the PwC team performing the classic Disney tale Cinderella.
This year it was Jack and the Beanstalk, which was apt as there were a number of bean counters in the audience – one of the many jokes which appeared in the cleverly-written script.
The production was not your typical pantomime that can be found in your local church or town hall. The actors were supported by a brilliant orchestra (all of whom are PwC employees) who kept up the tempo with their takes on melodic pop tunes like One Republic’s Counting Stars, Miley Cyrus’s The Climb and Bruno Mars’ Uptown Funk.
Despite PwC having over 200,000 employees to choose from, the firm’s C-suite execs weren’t afraid to get stuck in and take to the stage. CFO Warwick Hunt kicked off proceedings with a skit alongside “Fairy of the Year” Alecia Putt.
Each night a different board member takes on the cameo, with appearances from UK chairman Ian Powell, head of clients and markets Dan Schwarzmann, head of strategy Richard Oldfield, head of deals John Dwyer, regions chief Stephanie Hyde and head of consulting Ashley Unwin.
Other sketches included appearances from fast growth companies leader Brian Henderson (see below), who was part of the excellent ensemble.
Hunt also capped off the evening by awarding Putt and her character Fairy Ida Noh with “Fairy of the Year 2016” as well of reminding people what the evening is all about.
Is the postman set to head up HMRC?
RUMOURS over Lin Homer’s successor have been flying into OB Towers recently, but it now seems that there could be a new front runner in the race to become HMRC’s next CEO.
Two senior tax experts have suggested that Paula Vennells, current chief executive at the Post Office, could well be on her way to HMRC.
Vennells wasn’t on OB’s radar when we drew up our list of potential candidates to succeed Homer, but perhaps we should now give William Hill a ring to find out what her odds are.
The CEO has been at the Post Office since 2007, and having been appointed as CEO in 2012, was instrumental in its digital transformation,a skill that many advisers believe is necessary for the person that takes over from Homer, as HMRC looks to become one of the biggest digital administrations in the world.
Vennells also has experience working within the private sector. In November, she was appointed to the board of struggling supermarket giant Morrisons for her renowned restructuring skills, a talent that might certainly be of use if she is to join HMRC.