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Johnston Carmichael has reshaped its leadership team with the appointment of a new senior partner and chief executive officer.
Mark Houston, chair, has become senior partner while Lynne Walker, formerly the firm’s vice chair and head of business advisory, has been elected as new CEO.
The firm has also announced that Graham Marjoribanks, partner and head of audit, has become vice chair, and Shaun Millican, partner and head of technology and life sciences, is now head of business advisory.
Walker, who is based in Elgin, where the firm was founded almost 90 years ago, succeeds Andrew Walker, who has made the decision to step down after five years as CEO.
Under his tenure, the firm opened a Newcastle office, grew its London team and increased its headcount from 800 people to more than 900 across the UK, including the firm’s first chief information officer and chief people officer.
Joining the firm as a newly-qualified chartered accountant 19 years ago, Lynne Walker became audit director in 2014 and was promoted to oversee business advisory services, becoming head of business advisory in 2017 and a partner in 2019. She joined the firm’s board in 2021 and became vice chair in 2022.
Regarding her appointment, Walker said: “It’s a great honour, alongside Mark, to be leading Johnston Carmichael at such an exciting time for the business. As a firm, we continue to navigate complex societal change that not only presents opportunities for our business but our clients too.
“I began my career in our firm as a newly-qualified chartered accountant nearly two decades ago and I’m so proud we’re bringing more students and trainees into the business than ever before, many of whom are following in my footsteps into leadership positions.”
She continued: “We are committed to building on this strong foundation as we introduce our vision for the future, ensuring Johnston Carmichael continues to deliver for our clients, our people and the communities we serve.”
Houston, who joined the firm in 2006, became partner in 2008 and was selected to lead the Glasgow office in 2011, before being appointed to the board in 2013. He became vice chair in 2019 before being appointed chair in 2022. He is also on the European board of Moore Global and drives the firm’s involvement within this network.
Houston said: “Lynne and I have worked together for years and with the support of the Board and our excellent executive team we believe that a joined up and collaborative approach to leadership is what will help us deliver our refreshed strategy and continue our growth across the UK.
“Our business has grown considerably in recent years despite the tough economic backdrop and the challenges brought by a global pandemic. We have nearly 1,000 people in our offices across the UK, and Lynne and I look forward to leading the firm, as we look to grow our service offering further.”
He added: “Andrew has played a significant part in our success story, and I would like to thank him for his contribution on behalf of the firm.”
