HaysMac appoints social purpose and education team leads

HaysMac has announced that partner Steve Harper has been promoted to head of the social purpose team, while partner Jane Askew has taken over as leader of the education team. 

The fresh leadership change for the firm’s social purpose sector group took effect earlier this week. This team advises charities, educational organisations and professional institutes and membership bodies, and accounted for 30% of HaysMac’s turnover in 2024. 

Harper’s leadership has been credited with helping shape the firm’s strategy for international charities, and further and higher education institutions. With strong relationships across sector bodies, he ensures that not-for-profit organisations stay informed on technical and regulatory updates.

As part of the refreshed social purpose strategy, Tracey Young has handed the reins of the education team to Jane Askew after nearly 10 years at the helm. 

Under Young’s leadership, the education sector at HaysMac has seen “significant” expansion, thriving even through challenging periods including the introduction of VAT on school fees. 

Moving forward, Young will transition to a senior partner role within the education team, continuing to contribute to the sector’s ongoing development and success.

Askew, who joined HaysMac as a trainee in 2008 and became partner in 2023, is a trusted expert in the education sector. She leads HaysMac’s annual Schools Management Survey, a benchmarking tool which enables independent schools to benchmark against their peers. 

A focus on ‘for business, for people, for good’, HaysMac’s change in leadership underpins the firm’s ambitious plans to reach £100m in turnover by 2028.

In addition to HaysMac’s change in sector leadership, HaysMac has promoted Isabelle Shepherd and Tom Brain to partner, and Stephen Patey to VAT director. 

The promotions are the latest of nine director and partner promotions and appointments over the last 12 months, and further underscores the firm’s continuous investment in its people.

Natasha Frangos, managing partner of HaysMac, said: “I’m excited to support these milestones and well-deserved promotions, which reflect the exceptional talent and expertise within our team. Our senior leaders play a crucial role in driving the firm’s ambitious growth, delivering unmatched value to our clients, and shaping the future of HaysMac. 

“These leadership changes further demonstrate our commitment to excellence, innovation, and investing in our people across all departments.”