Mazars faces sexual discrimination claim from former partner

A sexual discrimination claim has been lodged against Mazars by the partner
who negotiated the merger of MRI Moores Rowland with the City firm.

Fiona Hotston Moore was the head of Moores Rowland at the time of the merger
in 2007 and joined the Mazars board.

The former head of a firm that merged with Mazars has brought a claim of
sexual discrimination against the City accountants.

Fiona Hotston Moore was the head of MRI Moores Rowland when it merged with
Mazars in 2007. She took a seat on the Mazars board at the time of joining.

Hotston Moore said in a statement that she was “extremely disappointed” by
events at Mazars.

A statement from Mazars said: “Fiona Hotston Moore has lodged a sex
discrimination claim against Mazars LLP. The firm vigorously denies the
allegations put forward, is very confident in its position, and remains proud of
its steadfast commitment to diversity.

“It would be inappropriate to comment any further due to the ongoing nature
of this case.”

Hotston Moore lodged her claim with the East London Employment Tribunal. She
left Mazars in March this year and is now working as a partner at Crowe Clark
Whitehill (formerly Horwath Clark Whitehill).

The tribunal hearing is likely to take place next year. The tribunal
confirmed that a claim had been lodged and that a response had been filed by
Mazars.

Hotston Moore was previously managing partner of MRI Moores Rowland and
negotiated the terms of the merger with Mazars.

She was most recently partner in charge of London owner-managed businesses at
Mazars.

In her new role Hotston Moore is a partner in audit and business advisory.

“I am extremely disappointed by events at Mazars. I led a very successful and
respected team in the UK corporate market and I look forward to the future in
Crowe Clarke Whitehill where I believe the cultural fit is excellent and where I
am joined by the key members of my partner and manager team who have also joined
CCW. I have been fortunate in the support my team, clients and fellow
professionals have given me,” said Hotston Moore.

Former Mazars partners Helen Clarke, Robin Stevens, Stephen Bullock and Leo
Malkin have departed from the firm this year and joined Crowe Clark Whitehill.
The five partners were all previously employees at MRI Moores Rowland.

In 2007 Hotston Moore won the award for top female accountant at the Women in
the City Awards.

Further reading:

Profile:
Fiona Hotston Moore and Alistair Fraser

Former
E&Y partner joins Mazars

Mazars
partner wins Women in the City Award

Mazars
repeats call for audit reform