Johnston Carmichael names new senior partner and CEO
Johnston Carmichael has introduced a new structure to its senior leadership team. Chair Mark Houston has become the firm’s senior partner, while former vice chair Lynne Walker has been named as CEO.
A member of Moore Global, Johnston Carmichael is an accountancy and business advisory firm based in the UK. Hosting more than 900 professionals across Scotland, the North of England and London, the business delivers specialist sector insight and expertise to its clients across the country.
As the firm looks to embark on a new era of growth, Johnston Carmichael has reshaped its leadership team. The move comes in the wake of Andrew Walker’s decision to step down as CEO, after five years in the role.
Looking ahead, Lynne Walker – who was previously vice chair and head of advisory – will step into the CEO role. Walker first joined Johnston Carmichael 19 years ago, and became audit director in 2014. She was then promoted to oversee business advisory services in 2017 and a partner in 2019. She became vice chair in 2022.
Speaking on the news, Walker commented, “I began my career in our firm as a newly-qualified chartered accountant nearly two decades ago and I’m so proud we’re bringing more students and trainees into the business than ever before, many of whom are following in my footsteps into leadership positions. We are committed to building on this strong foundation as we introduce our vision for the future, ensuring Johnston Carmichael continues to deliver for our clients, our people and the communities we serve.”
Walker added that Johnston Carmichael was navigating “complex societal change” which present opportunities for its business and its clients too. This includes breakthroughs in technology, a space in which the firm has adapted “at pace and scale”, investing in new, highly skilled people, to support clients with high quality advisory services.
As she looks to push on with this, she will be supported by Mark Houston, who becomes the firm’s senior partner. The chair of the company since 2022, Houston initially joined the firm in 2006, became partner in 2008 and was selected to lead the Glasgow office in 2011, before being appointed to the board in 2013.
Houston said, “Lynne and I have worked together for years and with the support of the Board and our excellent executive team we believe that a joined up and collaborative approach to leadership is what will help us deliver our refreshed strategy and continue our growth across the UK. Our business has grown considerably in recent years despite the tough economic backdrop and the challenges brought by a global pandemic. We have nearly 1,000 people in our offices across the UK, and Lynne and I look forward to leading the firm, as we look to grow our service offering further.”
He was keen to thank outgoing Andrew Walker to that end, and note his contribution to the firm’s recent expansion. Under his tenure, the firm opened a Newcastle office, grew its London team and increased its headcount from 800 people to more than 900 across the UK, including the firm’s first chief information officer and chief people officer. Turnover has also grown from £51.4 million in 2020 to £67.9 million in 2023.
Looking ahead, Walker and Houston will be supported by two other hires. Graham Marjoribanks, partner and head of audit, becomes vice chair at the firm, while Shaun Millican, partner and head of technology and life sciences, also becomes head of business advisory.
