Deloitte reshuffle sees Bell succeed Loftus as senior partner
RICHARD Bell is to succeed Pat Loftus at the helm of accountants Deloitte in the region.
The 47-year-old corporate finance partner, who has been with the firm for 26 years, will take over the coveted position of North West senior partner from January 1.
Mr Loftus, who has held the role for a decade, and who is one of the region’s best networked and popular business figures, is remaining with the firm and will take on a national role in the audit business.
Mr Bell, said he was “absolutely delighted” to take on the role. Deloitte has around 700 people across its Liverpool and Manchester offices.
A Manchester City supporter, he joined Spicer and Pegler after graduating. The firm then merged with Touche Ross and then became Deloitte.
He said: “I will be putting together a new management team with the express intention of ensuring we can continue to have a real impact on our markets, whilst maintaining our strong client relationships with many dynamic PLCs and large privately owned businesses.”
David Sproul, the firm’s UK chief executive, said: “The North West is a key strategic region for our UK business, I’m delighted with Richard’s appointment to this role and believe he will have a positive impact on our people, our clients and the wider business community.”
Manchester-based Sharon Thorne, managing partner of UK regional markets, said Mr Bell was the “natural choice” for the regional senior partner role.
She said: “Richard will lead the North West partner group in strengthening our client relationships whilst driving the firm’s strategy of investing in the future growth of the region.
“Pat’s new role as Head of Growth & Markets for Audit in the UK will enable him to continue looking after some of our key NW clients and be available to support new business opportunities.”
Mr Loftus said: “I have thoroughly enjoyed leading the business over the last 10 years, the North West has many dynamic PLCs and large privately owned businesses and we are lucky to work with a large number of the key influencers driving growth in our region.
“The North West practice has attracted, developed and retained fantastic people throughout the business and I’m proud of what we have achieved to date. I am delighted that the partners chose Richard as my successor and will be supporting him in his leadership role as we continue to support our clients and our people in the North West.”
Deloitte’s reshuffle means all of the big four firms, apart from EY, have changed their senior leadership in recent months.
