Professional services firm KPMG has appointed Catherine Burnet to lead its business in Scotland.
She replaces Craig Anderson who will be retiring at the end of September following a 37-year career with the firm.
Catherine Burnet, who has been a partner since 2009, takes on the role at a time of growth for KPMG, whose employee numbers in Scotland are at a record high.
A graduate of St Andrews University, she is 45 and lives in Edinburgh with her husband and two sons.
Head of KPMG’s financial services team in Scotland, her career with the firm spans more than 20 years.
She joined in Edinburgh, before moving to London in 1997 and then completed a two-year secondment to the United States.
Returning to Edinburgh in 2011, she has led teams for many well-known financial services institutions. She is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS) council and a member of the Scottish Government’s Financial Services’ Authority Board.
She will become regional chair in October and is believed to be the first female senior partner of a Big Four accountancy firm in Scotland.
Simon Collins, UK chairman of KPMG, said: “Catherine has an enviable reputation in the financial services industry, having worked with investment managers, traditional major banks and the new breed of challenger banks.
“Financial services is under-going substantial transformation at rapid pace and our Scottish practice will benefit from the experience, leadership and agility that Catherine has built up in her client work.
Catherine Burnet said: “It is an exciting time to take over the leadership of such a talented team, against the backdrop of significant changes in the Scottish economy and society.
“We are continually investing in our business to ensure the level of expertise and service meets the needs of our colleagues and our clients. As a firm we are fortunate to support some of Scotland’s most influential and fastest-growing companies, as well as important civic bodies.
“Despite continued change, Scotland has become quick to respond to challenges and exploit opportunities domestically and internationally. I am looking forward to working with our clients as they seize the opportunities and navigate the challenges posed by change.”
