Bringing more than 20 years’ experience, Ms Hodge will lead the 20-strong consulting team alongside partner Ewen Fleming, who leads the company’s London office and is head of financial services.

Ms Hodge started her career in management consultancy at Accenture, before moving to work at Standard Life as head of UK strategy. She joins Johnston Carmichael from abrdn, where she worked in the investment business, having previously undertaken leadership roles in integration, transformation, ESG and regulatory programmes.

In her new role, she will help to design and implement new change strategies for clients across the financial services, technology, property and construction, food and drink, and energy sectors, converting strategic goals into tangible actions and outcomes.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Hodge said: “Johnston Carmichael is a much-respected firm and I am really looking forward to building on the strong roots established by Ewen and the senior leadership team over recent years.

“My biggest driver is enabling positive change and that has been a fundamental element in previous leadership roles. Organisations across the board are struggling to navigate complex business challenges such as changing client demand and expectations, response to regulatory change, or the need to simplify and drive efficiency.

“I am sharply focused on steering clients through these times with insight, strategy and practical solutions.

“The values and ethos of Johnston Carmichael came across very strongly throughout the onboarding process, across all roles within the firm – from the HR team to fellow Partners. Joining the team at an exciting period of change and growth, I am excited to explore new opportunities to aid this.”

Lynne Walker, CEO at Johnston Carmichael, added: “Zoë’s energy and passion for executing change is exactly the positive force for good we encourage within Johnston Carmichael.

“Ewen and the wider consulting team have built a fantastic reputation for our consulting offering through their continued, high-quality delivery of services, and Zoë’s appointment will diversify the added value we bring to our clients.”