These are specialist non-accounting appointments, unusual in accountancy firms, and bring the number of women partners in the 18-strong leadership team at Henderson Loggie to eight.

Ms Watson is a professional services marketing specialist and successful leadership coach. She has been head of marketing at the firm for 11 years, playing a central role in positioning Henderson Loggie as the go-to brand for owner-managed businesses in Scotland. She has helped develop the leadership consulting arm of the business.

Ms Doctor is an HR specialist and has been head of people at the firm since 2008. She has developed the HL Academy training model to support employees to achieve their full potential and has collaborated closely with the marketing team to build Henderson Loggie’s employer brand, a key pillar of the firm’s growth strategy. The staff count at Henderson Loggie has grown by 20% in the last 24 months.

Henderson Loggie managing partner David Smith said: “Jacqueline and Fiona are strong role models of what good leadership looks like in our business and I’m delighted to welcome them as partners.

“Both played a pivotal role in the integration of staff during lockdown and reintegration post-pandemic, a period of really strong performance for our business. This collaboration continues and the combined efforts of our specialist teams is attracting some serious talent to the firm which will fuel our ambitious growth plans.’

“We are absolutely committed to putting our staff at the forefront of what we do. Appointing a marketing partner and a people partner represents another step change from the traditional structure of an accountancy partnership to that of a high performing owner managed business, mirroring our client base.’

“Women now represent 44% of Henderson Loggie’s leadership team with influence to help strategically plan our firm’s further development, closely reflecting the balance that exists at entry level and throughout the rest of the organisation.”

Ms Watson said: “Great marketing, like great people management, drives businesses forward and requires specialist skills.

“This appointment recognises the strategic role marketing will play in the future of the firm and demonstrates the progressive and innovative culture at Henderson Loggie.

“It also brings greater diversity in decision making and I am excited for this next chapter in my career.”

Ms Doctor said: “Businesses are facing unprecedented people challenges and, as a firm, we need to continue to be agile and adaptable to meet these challenges.

“People partner is a new role which elevates the importance of our people agenda and puts our staff at the forefront of what we do.

“It also supports our vision of being a first-choice employer across Scotland and our purpose to help each of our staff achieve their potential and be the person they want to be.”