Rake takes control three months early

KPMG has accelerated the appointment of its UK senior partner-elect,ganisation. Mike Rake, and is set to unveil its global vision on 14 June.

Rake was to have assumed his role on 1 October, but in the firm’s haste to re-organise he agreed with international chairman Colin Sharman to take de facto control from 1 July.

Sharman will chair an international board with six roving vice-chairmen.

This board will report to a council of representatives from the 23 largest national firms. The new UK executive is the culmination of an 18-month effort to integrate the firm and, according to Rake, represents a new generation of leaders.

‘We will look at things in a fresh and totally different way. We will create mobility and be able to make decisions more quickly,’ said Rake.

Alongside the executive will be a new client service board chaired by current UK head of audit, Gerry Acher. Acher’s term as head of audit ends this month, when he will be replaced by Ted Awty, ‘one of our brightest and best audit partners’, said Rake.

Acher is tipped to replace Michael Farrell when his term as head of the London office expires in October, but Rake wanted to find a role for him in the interim. KPMG Management Consulting is also creating an executive committee: its international head, Alan Reid, returns to the UK firm as head of finance and infrastructure on Rake’s committee.

MONEY MAKERS

‘KPMG’s client service board is a new concept in practice management,’ said Rake. The group of 20 to 25 partners will meet quarterly and advise Rake on improving client service. A six-strong recruitment panel, appointed last week, will seek nominations from the best business development people in local offices. Each member will serve a three-year term. ‘It’s a determined attempt to ensure that no matter how large we get, we won’t forget the views of the people who make money for us,’ said Rake. ‘The board will keep client service people up on a pedestal.’