BDO appoints new head of manufacturing

BDO has appointed audit partner Chris Cole as its new head of manufacturing in the Midlands.

Cole, who joined the accountancy and business advisory firm in December 2023, takes over the role from Jon Lanes. Lanes was named head of risk advisory services at BDO earlier this year.

In his new position, Cole will lead the firm’s Midlands manufacturing team while continuing as audit partner in the region. The team supports more than 300 manufacturers in the Midlands and 1,250 nationally.

Cole has over 20 years’ experience in the industry and specialises in auditing US-listed companies under the standards of the United States Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). 

His expertise includes Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) controls, which are designed to identify and prevent financial reporting errors.

He has worked across the US, UK and Australia and has experience in sectors including automotive, international manufacturing and mining. 

At BDO, he leads the region’s US reporting work and collaborates with the London Audit Group’s US team.

Cole said: “Manufacturing forms part of the rich fabric of the Midlands and contributes significantly to the region’s economy, accounting for hundreds of thousands of jobs.

“Our latest quarterly Manufacturing Outlook, in partnership with Make UK, reflects the sector’s importance – both domestically and internationally. As such, we have developed strength and depth in our manufacturing capabilities and I’m absolutely delighted to be taking over the role of head of manufacturing in the Midlands.”

Kyla Bellingall, regional managing partner at BDO in the Midlands, added: “Chris is a fantastic asset to our team in the Midlands, combining technical expertise with deep sector understanding. He is perfectly placed to help our manufacturing clients navigate the uncertain economic terrain and tackle those sector-specific challenges that are real barriers to growth.”