Azets UK appoints new head of audit

Azets has announced the promotion of regional head of audit for Yorkshire, the north east and north west, Chris Butt, as its new UK head of audit, succeeding Lindsey Tyler in the role. 

Based in Leeds, Butt joined the firm through acquisition in December 2021. He was partner and head of audit for Azets’ Yorkshire region before being promoted to regional head of audit.

A highly-experienced professional, Butt has had a 15-year career at KPMG where he progressed from trainee to director, before joining Garbutt and Elliott where he was made partner and played a role in the firm’s growth and success. 

Prior to his appointment, Butt was credited with growing the headcount of the Yorkshire audit team from 25 to 85 people, where Azets has three offices in Leeds, Bradford and York.

In his new national role, Butt will lead more than 1,000 people in the audit service line across more than 40 offices in Azets’ five regions. He will also focus on continued investment in graduate and school leaver programmes alongside experienced high level recruitment. 

Butt said: “I am thrilled to be appointed UK Head of Audit. Lindsey has been an inspirational leader and I am excited to have the opportunity to build on her significant achievements and growth of the audit service line.

“I look forward to working closely with Azets’ recently acquired audit businesses in Europe as well as fellow UK service line heads and regional managing directors to ensure our strategies complement each other and can be implemented effectively with our people and clients at the core of all key decisions.”

Peter Gallanagh, chief executive of Azets UK, added: “Chris brings a wealth of experience and an in-depth understanding of Azets. We are thrilled to welcome him to this leadership role and are confident that his extensive expertise and strategic vision will help us continue delivering exceptional audit services. We look forward to the continued success of the audit team under his leadership.”