Hurst joins KPMG’s UK board

JONATHAN Hurst, KPMG’s Northern chairman, has joined the firm’s UK board as a non-executive director.
 
The move follows the creation of a new executive board at KPMG, under the leadership of UK senior partner Simon Collins.

Mr Hurst is one of six new non-executive directors appointed, and is the only one to be based outside of London.

He said: “The UK Board forms an integral part of the new governance framework for KPMG in the UK, and the role of me and my fellow non-executive members will be crucial in supporting the executive team under the leadership of Simon Collins.

“The importance to the firm of having a strong regional network cannot be underestimated, so it’s absolutely vital that all of the regions around the UK – not just the North – are given a voice at the top table. As the only board member to be based outside of London, I very much intend to ensure the views of the partnership at large on the issues that matter are well represented.”

Mr Hurst, who will continue in his role as regional chairman in the north, has been an audit partner at KPMG in the North West for 17 years, leading the firm’s relationships with clients such as the Co-operative Group, JD Sports, Pets at Home and Booker.

Based in Bramhall, Cheshire, he joined KPMG’s Bristol office as a graduate in 1981. He later moved to the London office and worked as a finance director in his family’s firm before rejoining KPMG in Manchester.

He was appointed senior partner of the Manchester office in 2008, and become regional chairman in the North the following year.

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Meanwhile the firm is celebrating winning Warrington-based Stobart Group as an audit client. The listed haulage, warehousing and airport owner has moved the audit from Ernst & Young.

Other North West listed clients include James Fisher and JD Sports Fashion.