PwC Cambridge appoints Linda Kempenaar as Partner
Following 15 years with the firm, Linda Kempenaar has been made a Partner in PwC’s Cambridge office. Kempenaar, who will be focussing on supporting local technology hubs, has spent time in the Big Four firm’s London and Hong Kong hubs during her time at the company.
Cambridge is one of the leading innovation hubs in the UK, and as the UK faces a myriad of potential changes ahead of Brexit this has made it an increasingly important centre for the future success of British businesses. As a result, consulting firms have spent the duration of 2019 ramping up their offerings in the city. Earlier in the year, RSM installed two new professionals in its regional wing, while Big Four firm EY appointed two new Directors to its tax team.
Now, PwC’s Cambridge locale has admitted a new Partner in the form of Linda Kempenaar. The move comes amid a spate of six new Partner promotions across the Big Four firm’s South East wing since from July, and will see Kempenaar work to support the growth of the business in Cambridge and the surrounding areas. She will be particularly focus on supporting the technology, biotechnology and pharmaceutical hubs in the area.
Commenting on her promotion, Kempenaar said, “I am delighted to be joining the PwC partnership and look forward to working closely with our strong partner group in Cambridge. The area is full of opportunity and I’m particularly looking forward to getting to know a host of new people and clients.”
Kempenaar has been with the firm since 2004, working within the audit practice for the duration of that time, while helping clients across a range of industry areas such as retail, consumer, telecommunications and most recently pharmaceuticals. She also spent three years working in Hong Kong, where she was a Senior Manager, before returning to London to become a Director with PwC. Prior to her 15 year stay with the company, Kempenaar spent three years as a Trainee Accountant at Grant Thornton.
Sian Steele, PwC Cambridge Office Senior Partner remarked, “I am delighted that Linda is joining the group of partners in our Cambridge office. Cambridge and the East of England is such an exciting and vibrant area to live and work. Bringing Linda into the team will contribute to the growing expertise of our team, and ultimately help our clients across the region with the opportunities and challenges they face.”
According to a release from PwC, the firm has admitted 69 Directors to its UK Partnership this year. Along with the 13 direct entry Partners who joined the firm throughout the year, these bring the total UK partner numbers to 944. Partners have been promoted across all lines of service, with 22% focusing on technology as the firm looks towards a digital future.
