Mr Gallanagh will step into his new role effective 1 July 2023, signalling a shift for Azets UK from a regional to a national organisational structure.

Paul Clifford, who is currently regional CEO for the Midlands and North Wales, has been appointed as UK client services director, with responsibility for UK service lines.

Roger Eigenheer, Azets Group chief operating officer, said: “We are delighted to welcome Peter into the new role of UK CEO. His appointment will ensure that we can continue to meet the needs of our expanding business.

“Now is the right time for Azets UK to be led by one Chief Executive, to leverage the skills and best practices from around the regions and realise the potential of our national size and scale.

“I want to congratulate Paul on his appointment as our first UK Client Services Director. This will be a pivotal role and draws on Paul’s leadership experience, while creating the right environment and culture for our service lines to keep growing and developing in support of our clients.

Mr Gallanagh said: “It is with great honour and excitement that I assume the role of Azets UK CEO. I am eager to leverage my experience to unlock the vast potential and opportunities that lie ahead, together with the Azets leadership team and our 3,800 colleagues across the UK.

“The remarkable growth we have achieved fills me with enthusiasm as I take on the responsibility of leading Azets UK as a national business. We have ambitious plans for the future and we are dedicated to providing our clients with a comprehensive range of capabilities from across our various service lines.

“Working closely with Paul as UK Client Services Director, we will deliver even greater client value and help our SME clients navigate long-term economic challenges.”

In the reshuffle, William Payne, regional CEO for Southern England, will maintain his position in the UK senior leadership team, while David Owens, regional CEO for South West England and Wales, will retire after a two-decade tenure with Azets UK and its antecedent firms.