Richard Cleary named risk leader for PwC West and Wales

Richard Cleary has joined PwC as a new risk leader in the West of England and Wales. John-Paul Barker, leader of the regional market for PwC, noted that, “Richard knows the region and he knows the market, so it's fantastic that he will be able to continue to build our profile as the people to turn to for risk needs.”

Barker, who took up his role in 2019, added, “Richard's experience and expertise will ensure that businesses in the South West and Wales will be getting an unrivalled service from PwC as we help build their resilience, enabling them to create trust, unlock value, embrace new technologies and stay protected when things get tough."

The West of England and Wales are an important part of the UK economy, with some of the UK’s most successful companies being represented in the area. With Brexit and Covid-19 having subjected the region to a succession of economic shockwaves, however, companies in the area are increasingly turning to the consulting sector for advice on how to weather the storm.

Holding multiple offices across the West of England and Wales, PwC has around 700 employees in its Bristol locale alone, along with offices in Swansea and Cardiff. PwC’s West and Wales region is among the largest in PwC’s UK regional network, extending from South Wales to Cornwall, a region includes a wealth of UK industries and sectors including aerospace and defence, financial services, technology, manufacturing, government and health, legal and private equity.

PwC Partner Cleary has been with the company for the last nine years. Most recently the leader of risk assurance for the South East, he was previously PwC’s risk assurance business unit leader for Wales and the West. Returning to the region, he will now lead the whole risk business for PwC there. Prior to his times with PwC, Cleary was also a Director in Advisory Services with Big Four rival EY.

Speaking on his new career chapter, Cleary noted, "I have experience of the market on both sides of the Severn and am proud to call this region my home. The last few years in particular have shown how organisations must be resilient to succeed in an unpredictable environment. In this role, I'm looking forward to helping businesses in our region understand how evolving risks might affect them and their industry, equipping them to respond quickly and emerge stronger."