Jane Scott Paul, AAT chief executive, is to retire after 27 years with the organisation having served as its head since 1997. Her replacement is Mark Farrar, who previously led the Construction Industry Training Board.

Baker Tilly has appointed Peter Vandervelde as head of due diligence. He was formerly head of corporate finance at RSM Tenon, and has over 20 years' experience working with businesses in various sectors, including financial services, insurance and leasing, travel, IT services and waste management and business services.

Gillian Fawcett, ACCA's head of public sector has been appointed to the Guardian's Public Leaders Network editorial advisory board.

Smith & Williamson has taken on a four-person private client tax team who previously worked in RBC's Wealth Planning Division. Louise Somerset joins the firm as partner along with associate director Krista Woodman, assistant tax manager Daniel Gadd, and Emma Robinson who is a tax trainee. The Cheltenham-based team has particular experience in working with internationally mobile families.>

Grant Thornton has appointed Richard Shaw as a new director in its not for profit team. Shaw joins from KPMG and is a recognised education specialist with extensive experience working with the further and higher education sectors and their regulatory bodies.