BDO appoints three new independent non-executives

BDO LLP has announced the appointment of Eamonn McGrath, Jane Guyett and David Matthews as the firm’s new independent non-executives (INEs) as the firm continues to focus on “quality, trust” and audit firm governance.

McGrath has spent more than 30 years as an audit partner at EY, most recently on the firm’s board and in senior policy and regulatory roles. He holds non-executive positions at property consulting firm Henry Riley LLP and Cranmer Court Tenants.

Additionally, Guyett joins BDO with experience in “highly-regulated” sectors such as financial services and investment banking, including as CEO for Bank of America Securities. She also has a portfolio of non-executive roles, including at Royal London Group, UK Government Investments and at London Stock Exchange Group companies.

Meanwhile, Matthews was the president and chair of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) in 2020/21. Prior, he spent almost 40 years at KPMG, including as an audit partner responsible for some of the KPMG’s largest global audited entities and latterly as a member of its UK executive committee and board.

The announcement comes as Simon Figgis steps down from his INE role at BDO following more than eight years in position. The new appointments also precede the departure of non-executive Jeff Randall in the summer following five years with the firm, although Russell King remains as an INE at BDO. 

BDO will now have four permanent INEs in position who will reportedly maintain “full visibility” of the business through their involvement in BDO governance bodies, and the Public Interest committee (PIC) will now be chaired by Eamonn.

Matthew White, senior partner at BDO, said: “The quality of candidates during the recruitment process has been phenomenal; our profession should be proud of the talent we are attracting. Combined, our INEs bring exceptional experience in audit, regulatory matters and operational excellence.

“While we welcome Jane, Eamonn and David, my thanks also go to our departing INEs Simon and Jeff. Their outstanding contribution and valuable perspectives have had a huge impact on our business.”