Clive Owen appoints new joint managing partners

Northern accountancy firm, Clive Owen LLP, has announced the appointment of longstanding partners Simon Hook and Kevin Shotton as its new joint managing partners. 

The news comes as Gary Ellis, who has overseen a “hugely successful” period at the firm over the last four years, is stepping down from the role. Elis will, however, remain on the firm’s management committee. 

Having joined Clive Owen in January 1996, Ellis established the firm’s Durham office a year later and was credited for its success.

During his tenure as managing partner, the firm’s headcount has grown from 100 colleagues to almost 150, during which time it launched two new offices in Middlesbrough and Newcastle.

Hook, who has been at Clive Owen for more than 20 years, started out as a trainee and qualified with the firm in 2004. A finance partner since 2013, he is “heavily” involved in the running of the business. 

Meanwhile, Shotton was also a trainee and qualified with the firm in 2005. He then spent some time at a Big Four firm, returning to Clive Owen in 2012 as a director. Shotton was made a partner in 2015 and has been responsible for the firm’s audit compliance. 

Ellis said: “Being part of this amazing firm and its evolution over the last 29 years has been a massive honour, and it has been an immeasurable privilege to lead our incredible team these past four years. Clive Owen LLP is a strong, independent practice which is recognised as one of the leading firms of chartered accountants and business advisors in the north, and I am immensely proud of everything that we have collectively achieved. 

“The firm is in excellent hands with such a fantastic, vibrant partner group, who I am confident will continue to thrive under the stewardship of Simon and Kevin, both of whom possess considerable experience and leadership qualities.”

Hook and Shotton added: “It is a great privilege and honour to have been appointed as joint managing partners of the firm, and we will strive to build on Gary’s legacy, who has led the firm through a hugely successful period.

“Joint managing partners are becoming increasingly common in professional services, reflecting a shift toward collaborative leadership in the modern workplace. Our people-first culture and values-led approach will stand us in good stead in this next chapter for Clive Owen LLP, and we are both excited by what the future holds for the firm.”