AccountancyTop 20 firm Kingston Smith has appointed Julie Walsh as managing partner with effect from 1 November 2013, succeeding Sir Michael Snyder.

Snyder will continue in his role as senior partner. The partners have also appointed an executive board whose other members are Martin Muirhead, Maureen Penfold, Tim Stovold, Jon Sutcliffe and Graham Tyler.

Walsh, who has been a partner at Kingston Smith since 1987, will remain head of the professional firms sector group in her new role, whilst continuing to act for her current clients. She said: 'I am delighted to take on this exciting role as managing partner. Working with Michael and the other members of the executive board, I look forward to leading the firm to further success in this challenging and dynamic business environment.'

Walsh's appointment doubles the number of female heads of mid-tier firms, as she joins Julie Adams who is senior partner at Menzies.