Forvis Mazars has appointed Sofia Ihsan as AI consulting leader to drive AI-enabled transformation. In this newly created role, Ihsan will lead AI consulting services across all markets to help clients use AI responsibly and securely, and will also play a key internal role in shaping how Forvis Mazars continues to adopt and scale AI across its own operations. She joins from EY, where she designed and led the global rollout of a Responsible AI Framework in her role as trusted AI lead.  

HW Fisher, part of Sumer Group, has promoted Mark Taylor to partner and co-lead of the business solutions practice. He has been with the firm for over eight years, and brings nearly two decades’ experience in professional services, six years spent specialising in audit, and has particular expertise in compliance, strategic advisory and growth support for SMEs, start-ups and owner-managed businesses. His sector experience spans property, hospitality, charity and healthcare. Royalty audit and forensic specialist Pierre-Luc Beneytout has been promoted to director to develop the royalty audit team, deepen relationships with clients and spearhead new business development initiatives.

Johnston Carmichael has appointed ecosystem expert Calum Purdie as head of technology and life sciences. He succeeds partner Shaun Millican, who is now head of business advisory and sits on the board. Purdie joined the firm two years ago and brings 10 years’ experience of working with high growth businesses and investors. Previously, he worked in the advisory space supporting private equity and VC investors across the UK, Europe and US with technology due diligence before working for Tech Nation as scaleup engagement manager for Scotland.

HaysMac has appointed Sarah Redstone as audit director in its property team. Chartered accountant Redstone brings 12 years of experience in the industry working in the property and construction sectors, delivering and managing complex audit engagements with a background in transactions and advisory work. Her expertise also includes internal control reviews, group reporting, and close collaboration with cross-functional teams such as tax, corporate finance, and other specialist departments. Previously she was audit director, real estate and construction, at BDO.

Grant Thornton has promoted Katherine Reid to tax director, focusing on mid-market businesses across the south. Reid joined the firm as a graduate in 2008 and brings deep technical expertise and a pragmatic, commercial approach to advising fast-growing businesses, particularly those in the region’s thriving science and technology sectors. She will play a key role in helping clients manage complex tax challenges, remain compliant, and prepare for future growth.

PKF Smith Cooper has appointed Ali Garner and Tony Chamberlain as indirect tax managers in continued growth plans for the firm’s specialist divisions. Garner joins from KPMG where she gained experience working with bigger clients in a variety of sectors, including businesses who trade outside of the UK, and the education sector. Chamberlain returns to the firm from NHS Property Services. He has worked in VAT for over 10 years, and started his career at HMRC as hidden economy manager, before moving to a VAT advisory role.

Blick Rothenberg partner Ele Theochari has been appointed as vice president of the Association of Taxation Technicians (ATT). She will support deputy president, Barry Jefferd, and president, Graham Batty. Her priorities will be on raising the profile of the ATT, and working with HMRC and other qualifying bodies for the development of taxation as a career and the improvement of the taxation system overall.

MGI Midgley Snelling LLP has hired Kate Hedges as a trainee bookkeeper in the management services team, and Kian Healy as trainee audit, assurance and tax assistant. Both trainees will be studying for their AAT qualifications. Hedges brings  strong teamwork and customer service skills from a background in hospitality, and while gaining practical, hands-on experience with the team, she will study towards her AAT qualifications as will school leaver Healey.

IRIS Software Group has appointed Jason Dies as chief executive officer, taking over from interim CEO Gus Malezis, who will continue with his role as chairman of the board. Dies has more than 30 years of experience driving transformation and growth at large, global organisations, and will be based in the US. He joins from technology, logistics and financial services company Pitney Bowes, where he was interim CEO, and previously executive vice president and group president.

Redwood Bank has appointed Simon Goodyear as chief information and technology officer (CITO) to focus on transformation, growth and creating a more agile and automated operating model. He has over 20 years of experience in financial services technology, having held senior leadership roles in lending and finance sectors. Previuosly he was chief technology officer at JBR Capital, where he led critical technology initiatives and played a central role in preparing the organisation for a successful sale.

The National Wealth Fund has appointed Oliver Holbourn as CEO of the government’s principal investor and policy bank, confirmed by the chancellor Rachel Reeves. He brings more than 25 years of experience across banking, strategy, and public financial investments including most recently as CEO of RBS International, a subsidiary of NatWest Group, where he was a member of the group executive committee. Previously he held senior leadership roles at UK Financial Investments and Bank of America.