PwC appoints new head of human resources

PwC in the Midlands has appointed a new head of its human resource services (HRS) division. Jeremy May, who has been with the firm since 1997, takes on the role with immediate effect from Robbie Wigley-Jones, who has moved on to a national position with the firm. Mr May, who will be responsible for the firm’s comprehensive HR services offering across the Midlands, has a wealth of experience in the field, notably in pensions. He will be based at the firm’s Cornwall Court offices in Birmingham. Commenting on the appointment, Mark Smith, regional chairman at PwC in the Midlands, said: “There is a significant opportunity for growth in our HR services division in 2011 as regional businesses continue to get to grips with the many people challenges of the post-recession era.” Mr May’s appointment follows a further recent addition to the firm’s HRS team in the region, which saw Mike Saunders, also based from Birmingham, appointed at director level.

HSBC appoints new corporate portfolio manager

HSBC has appointed Sylvia Stefanowicz as a Corporate Portfolio Manager in the bank’s Midlands Corporate Banking Centre in Birmingham. Since joining HSBC in 2002, Ms Stefanowicz has held a number of posts in both retail and commercial banking and established the bank’s Polish Business Unit in London in 2007. Her most recent role has been with the Commercial Underwriting Team based in Birmingham, which she joined in 2009 to provide lending decisions for business transactions. Ian Stitt, Deputy Head of HSBC’s Midlands Corporate Banking Centre said: “I am delighted that Sylvia has chosen to join the bank’s corporate banking team in the Midlands. Having worked for HSBC for the last nine years, Sylvia brings a wealth of banking experience to her new role together with a real understanding of HSBC’s commitment to providing a high level service.”

Birmingham man appointed Mazars’ head of tax

MAZARS has appointed Tim Davies, currently a partner in the firm’s Birmingham office, as its new national head of tax. He takes over from senior partner David Evans and will run the national tax team from Mazars’ offices in London and Birmingham. Mr Davies has been a tax partner with the firm for more than four years, advising a range of clients including fully listed and large multi-national businesses as well as entrepreneurs and family owned businesses. Before joining Mazars, he had roles with PwC, Ernst & Young and HMRC. Midlands regional managing partner David Chapman said: “We are very proud that one of our Birmingham partners has been chosen to lead the national tax team. Tim’s appointment comes after an extensive selection process which included a number of high calibre external candidates. Businesses and individuals are demanding greater levels of pro-active tax advice and in response Mazars sees tax as a leading service to drive our future growth.”