A major accountancy and business advisory firm has bolstered its top team as part of a raft of firmwide promotions.

The historic Scottish firm has strengthened its leadership with the appointment of four partners and a director from within the company while promoting 65 people across the business.

The Johnston Carmichael promotions this month add to 97 people already promoted this calendar year, accounting for almost 20 per cent of the firm.

The four partner promotions include Lesley Hopwood, who also moves from chief financial officer into the role of chief operating officer. Ms Hopwood began her career as a graduate at the firm in 2011, specialising in audit before transitioning to the firm’s finance team.

Also among the new partners is Martin Osler, chief people officer, who joined the firm in 2021 and is responsible for Johnston Carmichael’s people and culture strategy.


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Max Chassels, in private client tax, Jenny Junnier in audit, both of whom are based Aberdeen and are also new partners, and Claire Forrest, who is based in Glasgow, where she manages almost 170 clients, becomes business advisory director.

Lynne Walker, Johnston Carmichael chief executive, 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.”

The accountancy firm was founded in Moray in 1936 and now has bases across Scotland as well south of the Border including in London and Newcastle.