Mark Shaw to succeed Paul Eagland as BDO managing partner

Professional services firm BDO has announced the election of its new managing partner, following a vote by the firm’s equity partners. Mark Shaw will take on the role when Paul Eagland concludes his maximum second term.

Paul Eagland first ascended to the role of managing partner at BDO in 2016. In the two four-year terms since, BDO has more than doubled in size – buoyed by a landmark merger with Moore Stephens in 2019 which created the UK’s largest mid-market professional services firm.

This has helped BDO increase its headcount from 3,000 to 7,500 between 2016 and 2024, while partners have grown from 244 to 441. In turn, revenues have ballooned by 131% over the last eight years, rising from £405 million to £935 million; while profits have also rising 147% from £80 million to £198 million.

Eagland will remain in position as BDO’s managing partner until the end of September 2024. In the interim, he will work closely with Mark Shaw and the firm’s senior partner, Matthew White, to ensure a smooth transition in leadership for the business and its people.

Speaking on his successor, Eagland commented, “The next few years will undoubtedly bring more opportunities and developments in our market. I have every confidence that, under Mark’s leadership, the firm and its 7,500 people will continue to grow and succeed. This, combined with the strength and resilience of our core market of entrepreneurial, mid-sized businesses, gives us something unique in the market and something to be incredibly proud of. It’s exciting to be able to pass the baton of a firm in good shape and with huge prospects.”

Having been confirmed by a vote of BDO’s equity partners, Shaw comes to the role with a broad range of experience, having been a partner in BDO since 2006 – and before that with Moore Stephens before since 2000. He has also held numerous senior leadership roles at BDO since 2008, including being national head of business restructuring.

The new managing partner elect stated, “BDO is an incredible firm, occupying a very specific market position. We have much to be proud of from our journey to today, as a near £1 billion firm in the UK. This is a time to build on our heritage, while looking to our future.”

“I look forward to working with our talented partners and colleagues to achieve balanced growth over the coming years, which puts serving the public interest, doing the right thing, culture and wellbeing at its heart.”

As Shaw noted, BDO – which has 17 offices across the UK – is fast approaching the £1 billion revenue milestone. Last year, it reported a 16% increase in revenues, with significant growth across all three of its service lines of audit, tax and advisory. As it continues to chase this landmark figure, BDO has also invested £120 million back into its business – the largest annual investment in the firm’s 100-year history – with people, quality and future high-growth services at the centre of its investment strategy.