Frank Hirth Chairman Paul Hocking passes away in a tragic accident

Paul Hocking, Chairman and first employee of Frank Hirth, has passed away at the age of 62, following an accident in Africa. The loss of the top tax accountant and philanthropist has been felt deeply at Frank Hirth, as well as by his friends, close clients and throughout the financial sector.

Joining Frank Hirth during its first year in business, Paul Hocking became the consultancy’s first employee in 1976, ascending to the rank of Partner over the following decade. During his extensive tenure with the firm, he led its tax practice for over 42 years, helping the company to grow from two to over 220 employees in that time. He amassed an unmatched level of experience in the industry over the course of his time in the industry, and was highly valued in the private client world as a result.

Hocking was recognised in The Spear’s 500 as a leading accountant for the three years since its inaugural edition in 2015, and was awarded “Private Client Accountant of the Year” in the Spears Wealth Management Awards 2017. He also acted as chair of the British American Business Tax Forum in London and served for two years as a member of the Electronic Tax Administration Advisory Committee (ETAAC), a US Congressional tax committee reporting on matters to the Electronic Tax Administration, among a long list of other hallmark achievements. In 2017, Hocking was also named one of the top 10 tax accountant advisors in the UK.

Besides this, Hocking was also the Chairman for Two Wheels for Life, playing an active role helping to raise money for the charity in Africa since 2008. The charity helps provide sustainable transport for ministries of health in seven African countries, helping provide access to healthcare for 14 million people. In regards to his hard work to improve the lives of others, Hocking once said, “I think philanthropy in all its forms needs more attention,” and living by that idiom, he was instrumental in raising over £700,000 for Two Wheels in the last three years alone.

Robyn Limmer, Managing Director at Frank Hirth, said, “It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye not only to a close colleague but a friend. Paul was a leader who influenced the lives of all at Frank Hirth and will always be remembered and loved. Although it is an emotionally difficult time for us all, Paul and I have spent significant time over the recent year planning for him to step down and transition to retirement. So, it is all the more heart breaking that he leaves us in this way. Frank Hirth will ensure that the firm maintains Paul’s positive legacy and a ‘can do’ attitude and continue in the same vein we always have done.”

A statement from Frank Hirth further said, “Paul was an inspirational leader, a kind-hearted man and a passionate advocate of his philanthropic work which many described as his real legacy… At this difficult time, we extend our deepest condolences and thoughts to all his family.”