PwC embraces diversity with new appointment

PwC has appointed director Clare Maio as its head of diversity in the Midlands. In her new role she will help to spearhead the firm’s progressive employer programme in the region.

Increasing diversity at all levels is a key priority for the firm, which runs a broad range of initiatives to encourage open-mindedness across its workforce, as well as supporting local employment opportunities.

Ms Maio is a director in the assurance team at PwC in the Midlands, providing specialist technology assurance and advice to a range of clients.

On her appointment to head of diversity, she said: “At PwC, we have set ourselves ambitious diversity targets and introduced a number of initiatives to foster greater inclusion, which have produced tangible benefits for our business, as well as the clients, customers and communities we serve. Diversity is critical to PwC’s business and sustaining its leading market position depends on unlocking the innovation and potential of all employees.”   

South African duo swap Port Elizabeth for Birmingham

THE Birmingham office of Mazars is building on its international staffing reach, establishing an on-going link with South Africa.
 
Mariska Bouwer has joined as an audit senior after a successful six months secondment, while Chantell Ajam, also an audit senior, moves on a permanent transfer.
 
Their arrival is part of the firm’s established global programme that allows team members to undertake secondments to help them develop their skills and experience.
 
Mariska (pictured left) said: “I really enjoyed the city living while I was on secondment and looked forward to having that type of lifestyle again.”
 
Chantell (pictured right) added: “Birmingham is a great city, there is always something happening and I absolutely love how easy it is to get around.”
 
Birmingham audit partner Ian Holder said: “Mazars is very keen to develop its staff, allowing them to gain experience in different environments.
 
“We believe this international mobility develops rounded individuals with greater knowledge and perspective of what we are trying to accomplish.
 
“Mariska and Chantell have embraced this philosophy concerning international mobility and are proving a real asset to the Birmingham office.”
 

New consulting partner for RSM

 
RSM has appointed Mark Wootton as a consulting partner in its Birmingham office.

Wootton, who was previously managing director of consulting firm KM&T UK, will head up the firm’s Operational Improvement service line and be responsible for delivering business performance improvement and change management projects in the UK and internationally.

Simon Hart, RSM’s regional managing partner for the Central region said: “We have seen rapid growth in our consulting practice this year in response to client demand, and we are delighted that Mark has agreed to join us to further strengthen our team. He has impressive credentials, strong industry links and will be able to use his significant experience to assist our clients with their change programmes.”