Accountancy firm appoints former trainee as managing partner

An accounting and audit specialist who began his career as a trainee at Leicester-based Rowleys has been made managing partner at the firm.

Tom Copson makes the step up after re-joining the accountancy practice as a partner two years ago, 14 years after his initial departure.

Copson spent five years with the company as a trainee before joining Grant Thornton as an auditor.

He will officially step into the hot seat on 1 October, taking the reins from Robert Radford, who has been managing partner at the firm for 15 years.

Meanwhile, Craig Shevas, the longest standing partner at Rowleys, will step up to senior partner.

Copson said: “I’m delighted and proud to be appointed as manager partner and to lead the firm through the next phase of its growth.

“Rowleys played a significant role in my early career and I have many fond memories of those first few years. A number of people I worked with back then are still here today, which is testament to the great culture we have. I want to ensure that we continue to build and develop our team of people, be pro-active as our industry continues to evolve and maintain the friendly and personable culture that we are known for.”

Radford said: “Since joining the firm in early 2020 Tom has brought energy, enthusiasm and a true passion to deliver a great experience for our clients and our people. Tom, working with the other partners and Rowleys’ strong management team, will take the firm to the next phase in its succession.”

Shevas added: “With Robert retiring in 2023, myself and the other partners decided that Tom is the ideal person to step up as managing partner. He is extremely dedicated to developing the firm and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Rowleys and our clients.”