McKeith to step down as PwC sees turnover increase
DAVID McKeith is stepping down as North West senior partner at accountancy firm PricewaterhouseCoopers and will be replaced by Nick Boden, who leads its regional assurance practice.
Mr McKeith, 56, is retiring after seven years in the post and 19 years with the firm.
The move was announced as PwC today announced an 8% increase in turnover in the North West to more than £115m last year. Growth was particularly strong in corporate finance (38%) and performance improvement consulting (35%).
The firm’s practice in the region has 70 partners and directors and more than 850 staff, based in offices in Manchester and Liverpool.
It said deal activity had remained “reasonably strong” and it had advised on transactions including the £255m sale of Ainscough Crane Hire, the £75m acquisition of Sanctuary Spa Holdings, the sale of Verna Group, £46m MBI of Pontin’s and £32m sale of Brunning & Price.
Mr McKeith, said: “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of our staff, we have achieved another year of significant growth despite a challenging economic climate. Although uncertain economic conditions look set to continue for at least the short to medium term, in tough conditions we have the experience to support our clients and navigate our own business through the challenges of a difficult market. We see particular opportunity in providing advisory services to the public sector, UK corporate, mid tier and entrepreneurial private companies.”
Nationally PwC saw a 7% growth in turnover for to £2.24bn.
Mr Boden, who lives in Combs, in the Peak District, will take over from Mr McKeith on January 1.
He has been with PwC for more than 20 years and qualified in 1989. He became a partner in 1997 and moved to Manchester from London in 2003.
During his career with the firm, he has had spells on secondment in the Italian cities of Milan and Padua.
Mr McKeith joined Price Waterhouse in 1989 and rose to become head of its Manchester tax practice. In 2001, he succeeded David Miller as regional senior partner.
He will continue his involvement with the business community in the region after his retirement, remain as president of Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce and on the board of Manchester’s Royal Exchange Theatre.
He said: “The last seven years as senior partner have been a real highlight of my time with PwC. It has been a period of unprecedented success for our north west offices. These achievements are something to be proud of and are a tribute to the hard work of all our people.”
Mr Boden said: “We hope to continue the growth of the office and strengthen our presence further within the vibrant north west economy.
“In particular, we aim to support local businesses, making their success our success, and driving further growth.”
