PwC has elected Marco Amitrano as senior partner, taking over from Kevin Ellis who is stepping down after eight years having more than doubled revenue at the Big Four firm
For the first time, the three candidates on the list included two women, head of tax Lauren Hinton and head of audit and reputation, Hemione Hudson. Despite the excitement around the possible appointment of the first woman in such an influential role in the UK accounting world, Amitrano was elected by the partners and is set to head up the firm.
Amitrano has a strong consulting background and has been instrumental in driving technology adoption through client transformation programmes. He becomes senior partner for PwC UK and Middle East, effective from 1 July 2024 for four years.
He is currently managing partner and head of clients and markets at PwC UK and has been on the management board since 2016. Made a partner in 2005, previous leadership roles included head of consulting for EMEA and global head of risk assurance services.
Amitrano said: ‘It’s a huge privilege to have been elected senior partner and have the mandate to lead our people.
‘In an era of profound change, I want to ensure we stay ahead of the curve without losing sight of what makes PwC special for our people and our clients.
‘I’d like to thank Kevin Ellis for his exemplary leadership over the last eight years and his commitment to our people and clients.’
Ellis was first elected in 2016 and has led the firm for eight years during a period of major upheaval for the accountancy profession with audit in particular under the spotlight. During his tenure revenue at the firm has nearly doubled from £3.08bn to £5.72bn, and it is firmly in the number one position in the Top 75 Accounting Firms this year.
Commenting on the appointment, Ellis said: ‘Marco is a fantastic leader, with deep understanding of our business, our markets and the challenges our clients face.
‘As part of my management board, I have seen the creativity and sound judgment he brings to complex situations, and the importance he places on the firm’s values. The partners have made the right choice in the leader for PwC’s next chapter.’
Amitrano is a vocal champion of diversity, equity and inclusion, and sponsors the firm’s neurodiversity network.
In 2009 PwC UK entered into a strategic alliance with PwC Middle East. Hani Ashkar will remain as territory senior partner for the Middle East.