James Cowper Kreston appoints Alex Peal as sole managing partner

James Cowper Kreston has announced the appointment of Alex Peal as sole managing partner effective 1 April 2026, following a six-year period as joint managing partner.

Peal succeeds Sue Staunton, who is stepping down from the joint leadership role to focus on the firm’s technology and life sciences sectors. 

Staunton will remain a senior leader within the business, overseeing advisory services and several strategic projects. 

During their joint tenure, the pair managed the firm’s expansion across regional and international markets, providing audit, tax, and advisory services to private individuals and commercial entities.

The transition is part of a planned long-term strategy to focus leadership resources on specific high-growth industries. 

Staunton’s new remit involves the development of specialised client portfolios in the Thames Valley and wider UK technology hubs. Peal will take over full responsibility for the firm’s operational trajectory, focusing on internal skill development and the scaling of its multi-disciplinary service lines.

The firm has positioned this move as a shift toward deeper sector specialisation. As sole managing partner, Peal is tasked with maintaining the firm’s growth momentum while Staunton integrates advisory services with the firm’s expanding life sciences division. 

Both partners will continue to collaborate on the firm’s national and international Kreston Global network partnerships.

Staunton said: “It has been a privilege to serve as joint managing partner over the past six years. I have worked alongside Alex and our teams during a period of growth and change for the firm. I am proud of what we have achieved and am moving to devote more of my time to growing our technology and life sciences client portfolio, developing our advisory services and continuing to develop our people.”

Peal added: “I thank Sue for her leadership and partnership over the last six years. It has been a pleasure to work alongside her and to jointly lead the firm through this period. As I take on the role of sole managing partner, my focus will be on continuing the firm’s growth trajectory, further developing our skills and ensuring we deliver services to our clients. Sue will continue to play a role in shaping the future of James Cowper Kreston.”