Azets announces trio of partner promotions
Azets has demonstrated its commitment to grow its network with three partner appointments. David Saunders, Ben Sheldon and Francesca Hutcheson take on the senior roles, as the firm looks to rapidly expand its profile in the UK.
David Saunders joined Azets in April 2017 as Client Manager, and he has quickly risen through the ranks. Two promotions in 14 months saw him become Associate Director – and as Azets continues to grow and develop its team at its Walsall office, he will now serve as Partner.
Ben Sheldon joined Azets in 2019 from Big Four firm PwC, working in its private business team. At Azets he most recently served as Audit Director, while also sitting on the ICAEW's Technical and Practical Auditing Committee – something he will maintain while becoming a Partner.
Francesca Hutcheson meanwhile brings 20 years of experience to Azets, arriving in its Central Tax Advisory team. As a Partner she will advise on all aspects of tax advisory work throughout the owner managed business lifecycle, including research and development, capital allowances claims, exit and succession planning for family businesses, merger and acquisition tax transaction support and employee rewards. Prior to joining Azets, she was a Tax Director with Dyke Yaxley.
Paul Clifford, regional CEO at Azets UK, said, “We are actively recruiting at all levels, with our investment in hybrid working creating more opportunities for existing staff and removing traditional barriers around location and flexibility. As well as this, we truly recognise the importance in harnessing and growing talent from within the business, and these promotions are proof of this. Each promotion is incredibly well deserved and we look forward to maintaining and growing our team, in line with our strategic plan.”
Elsewhere, Azets bolstered its capacity with Matt Walker joining as Private Client Senior Manager. Sarah Connolly and Benjamin Barnett have been promoted to Associate Director, as well as Matthew Allen who is now Senior Manager. Joel Fentem takes on the role of Senior Manager in the audit team, while Jaden Reynolds has been promoted to Manager within the forensic accountancy team.
Azets is a business advisory and accounting firm headquartered in London. Established in August 2016, the company won backing from UK private equity investor Hg, and has since used the funding to fuel a rapid global expansion campaign. The company has more than 165 offices globally, with some 7,000 staff working with 120,000 clients.
Even after all that, Azets is not resting on its laurels, either. The senior appointments follow another announcement from the company, pledging to undertake a national recruitment drive which will see Azets add 900 roles across the UK business in the coming 12 months.
