Azets appoints regional managing director for Yorkshire

Azets has appointed Claire Needham as regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East.

Needham was promoted from her role as managing partner of the York office and head of the UK technical accounting team. She will take over from Russell Turner, who is retiring at the end of July after 25 years with Azets and its predecessor firms.

She will assume her new role on 1 July, leading more than 500 staff across six offices in the region.

Needham has a 23-year career in accountancy, including 19 years at a big four firm where she was a director. She joined Azets in January 2021 after a spell as a partner at Garbutt and Elliott.

Peter Gallanagh, Azets UK chief executive officer, said: “Congratulations go to Claire on her appointment. She has a wealth of experience, demonstrates strong leadership skills and, of course, knows Yorkshire and the North East region very well.

“Claire will bring great energy, a new perspective and the utmost commitment in the service of our many valued clients in the region. Russell has led with commitment, vision and a genuine passion for our people and business. We are incredibly grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Needham added: “I am thrilled to become Yorkshire and North East regional managing director. It is an incredible opportunity to contribute to both the success of the region and the wider Azets UK business.

“I will work hard to continue to build on Russell’s legacy and I look forward to working with Azets’ other regional managing directors as well as service line heads to support the many brilliant businesses we have in the region.”

Azets’ offices in the region are located in Bradford, Leeds, York, Durham, Newcastle and Wynyard.