Alistair McAlinden

The firm, which employs more than 1,200 people in Scotland, has promoted a total of 77 people across its offices in Glasgow, Aberdeen and Edinburgh, including Alistair McAlinden who takes up the role of partner in its restructuring team.

Based in Glasgow, Mr McAlinden has played a key role in driving the success of the firm’s Restructuring division, which is now the largest in Scotland.

Elsewhere, Alan Flower and Geoff Jacobs have been appointed associate partners in deal advisory, based in the firm’s Glasgow office, joined by new associate partner in audit, Colin Williamson. In Edinburgh, Hannah Walsh becomes director in the audit team, alongside Glasgow-based audit directors, Bryan Shepka, David Roberts and Deborah Ramsay. James Healy has also become director in the firm’s tax team, also based in Glasgow.

This year’s promotions include seven new senior manager roles, 19 manager roles and 42 assistant manager posts.

Mr McAlinden said: “2020 has been a busy year for the Restructuring team, supporting hundreds of clients across a range of sectors. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit most industries hard and our team has been working tirelessly to ensure businesses are in the best possible shape to continue operating through a period of uncertainty and focus on long term, sustainable growth.

“I’ve spent almost two decades at KPMG, starting my career here as an Audit Trainee. It’s been an amazing journey developing myself personally and watching the firm grow its client base and presence throughout Scotland. I am delighted to step up to Partner and look forward to delivering the best possible outcomes for our clients, people and communities.”

Hannah Walsh, FS audit director, added: “In 2010 I had my first taste of life at KPMG when I took part in the firm’s internship programme. After enjoying it so much I returned in 2011 on the graduate scheme and I’m incredibly proud to have advanced to Director level. I put it down to the support and encouragement the business provides for its people to grow their careers and experience and want to take this opportunity to say thank you to KPMG.

“For our clients, particularly those in the Financial Services sector, the last few months have been dominated by uncertainty. Brexit and COVID-19 have created some real challenges and will no doubt continue to do so. I’m proud of how across all our various service lines we have maximised the talent and insight of our people to play our part in helping businesses navigate their way through the difficulties and I look forward to continuing to do so with entities I work with.”

Catherine Burnet, senior partner in Scotland, commented: “All of our team members at KPMG in Scotland have worked tirelessly over the last year, helping our clients through particularly challenging conditions with Brexit and COVID-19 placing immense pressure on them. Our focus on trust and growth, backed up by solid relationships, is being demonstrated every day through the work each individual carries out across Scotland.

“We pride ourselves on creating a robust, healthy environment to assist our clients as they look to achieve their ambitions – regardless of market conditions – and I’m delighted to recognise the hard work of our Scottish employees this year.”