Ian Pontefract appointed Chair of Skarbek
Skarbek Associates has installed a new Chair, as it prepares for growth in 2023. Ian Pontefract takes on the role from David Wright, who was Chair for the last five years.
Ian Pontefract commented, “Skarbek has already firmly established itself as a leader in its field and I look forward to supporting Paul and the team to build on the success they have enjoyed to date. The market opportunity is considerable for the consultancy that has the right team, experience and ethos, all of which drew me to the opportunity. I am delighted to be joining a board comprising such an arsenal of talent.”
Founded in 2012, Skarbek Associates is an international advisory firm, supporting clients with growth and strategy initiatives. The firm’s services include planning and managing complex cross-functional projects, new product development and launch, business transformation, and assisting growth through innovation.
Pontefract joins the firm as its new Chair, following a 35-year career with KPMG. Over that time, he was a founding member of the Big Four firm’s transaction services business, and helped grow its headcount from 10 to more than 600 consultants.
During his spell as Partner at KPMG – which began in 1999 – Pontefract’s focus was primarily asset management and private Equity. He was involved in many, often complex, transactions, helping corporate clients and private equity houses to buy, sell and refinance companies. This means he brings deep expertise in both growing a consultancy business, and driving value for clients, to Skarbek.
Commenting, Skarbek Associate CEO, Paul Heugh, said, “It is great to be welcoming Ian Pontefract as Skarbek Associates’ new Chairman. Ian brings three decades of experience in driving growth in a fast paced, outcomes focused, consulting environment. We are excited about Ian’s contribution as we look to maintain the momentum we are enjoying as we help devise and implement strategies for a wide range of companies.”
Skarbek is currently particularly active with clients across the consumer healthcare, pharmaceutical, FMCG, luxury and professional services sectors. As those markets continue to pick up in 2023, the consultancy is “upbeat” about its prospects for 2023 and beyond, according to Heugh.
Pontefract takes over the role of Chair from David Wright. He took on the role in 2017, after a long career in the HM Diplomatic Service, and with Barclays Capital, where he was Vice Chairman.
Heugh concluded, “I would like to thank Sir David Wright for all his invaluable support as Skarbek’s Chairman over the last five years. He has been a constant and indefatigable source of wise counsel and we look forward to his continuing support in his new role as Senior Advisor.”
