Ex-chancellor Philip Hammond announced as new chair of RCK Partners
RCK Partners has welcomed former statesman Philip Hammond to its board of directors. Now sitting in the House of Lords, Hammond takes on the role of chair, having already served as a senior advisor and non-executive director.
RCK Partners CEO James Gibson commented, “We are delighted that Lord Hammond is continuing his journey with RCK Partners. His insight and experience have already been invaluable to us during the time we’ve been working together, and we look forward to his leadership further strengthening our mission as we continue to evolve and grow RCK geographically.”
Before entering the world of politics, Hammond already enjoyed a sustained career in business and advisory work. From 1984, he served as a company director at healthcare and nursing organisation Castlemead, and from 1995 to 1997, he acted as an advisor to the government of Malawi before his election to Parliament.
As a Conservative MP, Hammond would later go on to serve in cabinet posts under prime ministers David Cameron and Theresa May – most recently as chancellor of the exchequer. After the collapse of May’s government, in 2019 he confirmed he would not stand for re-election – and two months after exiting front-bench politics, he formed Matrix Partners two months later – offering “advisory services” to clients from the private sector, and also a host of foreign governments.
In 2024, Hammond joined RCK Partners, alongside fellow life-peer Iain McNicol, a previous general secretary of the Labour Party – both taking up positions on the tax consultancy’s board. Following a fruitful relationship, where Hammond has served both as a senior advisor and non-executive director, he now takes on the role of chair.
RCK Partners is a consultancy specialising in R&D tax credits, and Hammond takes on his new position as the company looks to support businesses across the UK to avail themselves of the system. He will continue to provide strategic counsel to the leadership team, “drawing on his extensive experience to help guide the firm’s growth and mission” according to a release from the firm.
Speaking on the news, Hammond added, “Having worked with the leadership team closely over the last few years, I am honoured to become chair of the board at RCK Partners. Innovation is at the heart of what makes business great, and I have seen the significant impact RCK is making in helping UK companies thrive while upholding the highest standards of compliance. I look forward to continuing to support the firm as it continues to strengthen its position as a trusted partner to British business.”
