Leading UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its leadership team with the promotion of four Partners and a Director. 

In total, Johnston Carmichael has promoted 65 people across the business this month. The latest round of promotions adds to 97 people already promoted this calendar year, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the firm.

The four Partner promotions are:

• Lesley Hopwood, who also moves from Chief Financial Officer into the role of Chief Operating Officer. Lesley began her career as a graduate at the firm in 2011, specialising in audit before transitioning to the firm’s finance team.
• Martin Osler, Chief People Officer, who joined the firm in 2021 and is responsible for Johnston Carmichael’s people and culture strategy.
• Max Chassels (Private Client Tax), who has been at Johnston Carmichael since 2019. Based in Aberdeen, he works with clients across the UK, leading the delivery of private client transaction work including advising sellers and buyers on the tax implications of MBOs, MBIs, and trade sales, as well as the design and implementation of management incentive plans.
• Jenny Junnier (Audit), also based in Aberdeen, has been at the firm since 2021. A trusted adviser and experienced auditor, she specialises in Private Finance Initiative entities and North East corporates operating within the energy transition sector.

Claire Forrest, who is based in Glasgow, where she manages almost 170 clients, becomes Business Advisory Director. Claire joined the business in 2022.

Lynne Walker, CEO, Johnston Carmichael, said: “It is hugely exciting to be promoting so much talent across the firm and we are especially proud to welcome four new Partners and a Director to our leadership team.

“At Johnston Carmichael we encourage our people to be leaders of their own learning and careers. Lesley, Martin, Max, Jenny and Claire are great examples of this approach as experts in their respective disciplines, but what makes them stand out is the abundance of energy and innovation they bring to the business and the impact they have. Each plays a vital role in enabling us to provide the high-quality client services for which we are renowned in the marketplace and ensuring our ongoing success.

“As we build on our legacy across the UK, our newly promoted people will help us to continue to create enduring impact for our clients, communities and colleagues.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate everyone who achieved a promotion within Johnston Carmichael this year and I wish them well as they progress their careers.”

Mark Houston, Senior Partner and Chair of Johnston Carmichael, said: “At Johnston Carmichael, we take great pride in fostering the next generation of business leaders, recognising that their development is essential to our ongoing success. By cultivating a supportive learning environment, we are shaping a positive workplace culture that lays the foundation for the future of the firm.

“The promotions of Lesley, Martin, Max, Jenny and Claire are a testament to their skills, dedication, and collaborative efforts in driving our refreshed strategy and supporting our continued growth across the UK. I look forward to watching them continue to progress their careers at Johnston Carmichael."