Richard Reid has stepped up as KPMG London chairman, taking over from Ian Barlow, who has been in the role for six years.

Reid has been with the firm since 1980 and is KPMG's UK vice chairman as well as chairman of the firm's consumer and industrial markets group.

He takes on his new role as KPMG prepares to move 4,000 of its 6,000 London staff to its new Canary Wharf headquarters in 2010.

Reid will also continue Barlow's work in helping promote the City as a leading international centre for professional services.

Barlow will remain an adviser to the firm.