Peter Gallanagh, chief executive officer of Azets UK&I has decided to step down at the end of this year after more than 20 years with the firm, and its predecessor businesses, although he will remain in an advisory role. He will be replaced by David Aikman, currently chief financial officer of Azets, who has been appointed to succeed him in a reshaped role as UK&I managing director.

Gallanagh has been a major driving force at Azets and has been with the Top 10 firm for over 25 years, becoming UK CEO role in 2023 after being regional CEO, and has been a partner at the firm in its various guises since 2001.

The leadership change at Azets is part of a planned succession process and Azets confirmed Gallanagh will ‘remain in his current role until 31 December 2026 to support a smooth transition’. He has played a significant role in the growth and development of Azets, leading the UK&I business through a period of expansion, integration and transformation, which has seen multiple mergers and acquisitions, with the backing of two private equity partners Ng Capital and PAI Partners.

Commenting on his decision to step down, Gallanagh said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead the UK&I business and to work alongside so many talented and committed colleagues. I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved together and the strong business we’ve built.

‘Having been closely involved in planning the next chapter, I believe this is the right time for me to step back from the day-to-day leadership of the business. I’m delighted that David will be taking on the role and have every confidence in his ability to lead Azets forward.’

After the brief transition period, Gallanagh will remain with the business in an advisory capacity. ‘I will not be fully disappearing, as I move into an advisory role several days per month,’ he said. ‘I am looking forward to spending more time with my family and taking up new interests. It has been a privilege to work with so many talented and committed people. Their dedication will ensure that Azets will continue to thrive. Thank you to everyone who has supported me over the years.’

In recent year Azets has grown rapidly into a major accounting business, with annual revenue of £444.3m in FY25, and is now ranked as the eighth largest accounting firm in the UK. In the last financial year ending 30 June 2025, UK fee income was up 10% year on year and it has over 4,700 staff, 253 equity partners and 60 offices nationwide.

CFO steps up

Aikman, who has been with Azets since 2020, will take on the new role as managing director UK and Ireland in January. He is currently UK&I chief financial officer for Azets and be brings extensive knowledge of the business and its operations to his new role. His appointment ‘provides continuity of leadership and positions Azets to build on its established strengths and pursue its long-term ambitions across the UK and Ireland,’ the firm said.

The ICAS chartered accountant has been CFO since August 2022, having originally joined as regional CFO in 2020. Prior to Azets, Aikman spent the majority of his career working in business in corporate financial roles, previously as finance director at Eclipse Legal Systems in Bradford and also Barrachd in Edinburgh.

Commenting on Aikman’s promotion, Chris Horne, group chief executive officer of Azets, said: ‘David is exceptionally well placed to take the business forward. He has a deep understanding of Azets, our people and our clients, and his appointment provides important continuity as we look to the next stage of our growth.’

Aikman added: ‘I am delighted to be taking on this role and look forward to building on the strong foundations Peter has established. We have a fantastic team, great clients and significant opportunities ahead. My focus will be on turning those opportunities into sustainable growth, delivering consistently for our clients and supporting our people to succeed.

‘I am excited about what we can achieve together and to lead Azets UK&I through its next chapter.’

Pictured: Peter Gallanagh 

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