PwC to elect a new UK chairman; lines up candidates
PwC has begun the process of electing a new UK chairman and senior partner to succeed Ian Powell, who steps down at the end of June, with four candidates from the firm’s executive board putting their names forward for consideration
PwC’s executive board of 12 members includes three women – Gaenor Bagley, head of people, community and sustainability, Stephanie Hyde, head of regions, Margaret Cole, who is the firm’s general counsel – but there is no female candidate running for the top role.
Heading the list alphabetically is James Chalmer, head of assurance, who joined the firm in 1985, becoming a partner in 1997. Before joining the executive board in 2008 as head of strategy and talent, he was a member of the assurance leadership team where he worked with multinational clients and held long-term secondments to clients in the banking and healthcare sectors.
Next up is Kevin Ellis, PwC’s managing partner, joined the firm in 1984 and became a partner in 1996. Ellis headed up the business recovery services practice before joining the executive board in 2008.
PwC’s chief financial officer and head of operations, South African-born Warwick Hunt, has also put his hat into ring. He joined the PwC network in April 1995. Prior to joining the executive board in 2013, Hunt completed a four-year term as PwC middle east senior partner, and was previously a partner in PwC New Zealand, where he led the firm as territory senior partner and chief executive officer from 2003 to 2009.
The final candidate is Richard Oldfield, PwC’s head of strategy, who joined the firm in 1992, becoming a partner in 2003. Before joining the executive board in 2011, Oldfield led PwC’s banking and capital markets business within assurance. He has worked in London, Zurich, Paris, New York and most recently Sydney on both audit and non-audit clients.
Hustings will take place in London, Birmingham and Dubai in April, followed by a partner vote, which is overseen by the Electoral Services Society.
A new chairman and senior partner will be announced on 28 April.
Ian Powell steps down on 30 June 2016 after serving the maximum two four-year terms as chairman and senior partner.
Source: CCH Daily
