Johnston Carmichael hires first ever non-executive directors

Audit and advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its audit governance team with the recruitment of two independent non-executive directors. Les Clifford and Michael Timar are the firm’s first ever non-executives, and bring combined experience of more than 70 years to the company. 

Graham Marjoribanks, head of audit at Johnston Carmichael, said, “Les and Michael are hugely well respected within our profession, and we’re proud to add them both as our first ever independent non-executives. They have incredible experience and knowledge of audit and the wider accountancy sector and will add real value to our team.”

According to Marjoribanks, the hires come at an “extremely exciting time for Johnston Carmichael”, with the 90-year-old consultancy enjoying “real growth across the company” – as its audit team now works with more of the top 100 small to medium-sized private businesses in Scotland than any other accountancy firm. The two new additions will benefit Johnston Carmichael, as the firm works closely with both non-executives to reshape its governance structure, and enhance its existing high-quality services, creating new opportunities for its clients. 

Clifford is a former global client service partner at EY, and has more than 40 years’ accountancy experience. In addition to his client serving roles, he held various leadership positions such as office managing partner, including carrying out the role for EY’s practice in Switzerland, and he has also worked as a non-executive director with purpose led charities for more than 15 years. He now becomes chair of the firm’s newly constituted audit board. 

Commenting, Clifford noted, “It’s a real honour to be taking up this important role at Johnston Carmichael at such a time of growth for the business. It’s been a hugely positive experience so far, and I believe the experience Michael and I have across various sectors, and within the profession, can add real value for the firm going forward.”

Timar meanwhile retired from PwC in 2023 following a 33- year career as an auditor, 21 of those as a partner. He has previously held several audit risk and quality roles, gained international experience in Switzerland, Russia and the US, and is currently a Lay Member of Court and member of the Audit and Risk Committee at the University of Strathclyde. He will also sit on Johnston Carmichael’s new board.

Concluding, Timar added, “It’s been a real pleasure to become one of the first independent non-executives to be appointed to Johnston Carmichael. The firm is highly respected across the sector, and I look forward to working closely with Les and the various internal teams to strengthen the firm’s governance structure and support the ongoing success of the business and its clients.”