Firm Appoints First Chief Technology Officer and New Audit Partner, Signalling Investment in Digital Future and Enhanced Client Service Across UK
Johnston Carmichael, Scotland’s largest independent firm of Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers, has announced four significant senior appointments, including its inaugural Chief Technology Officer and a new Audit Partner. These strategic hires underscore the firm’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its capabilities across the UK and adapting to the dynamic demands of the professional services sector.
The appointments align with Johnston Carmichael’s strategy to expand its UK client base and its continued investment in its people, technology, and specialist services. The firm, which is celebrating its 90th anniversary this year, operates from 12 offices across Scotland, alongside presences in Newcastle and London, serving over 16,000 clients across 14 sectors.
Driving Digital Transformation with First Chief Technology Officer
Tamsyn Weston joins as Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in Edinburgh, a newly created role that highlights the increasing importance of technology in the accountancy profession. She will spearhead the firm’s strategy across IT, cyber security, digital development, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation. With over two decades of experience in technology, transformation, and cyber security within regulated environments, Weston’s role will particularly focus on the responsible deployment of emerging technologies to support the firm’s growth objectives. The appointment of a CTO is a critical move for professional services firms, as the role is essential for managing technical operations, overseeing research and development, and ensuring technology initiatives align with broader business strategy, driving innovation and growth.
Enhancing Audit Expertise in a Shifting Regulatory Environment
Deborah Ramsay has been appointed Audit Partner in Glasgow, bringing over 20 years of audit experience, including a background with a “Big Four” firm. A Chartered Accountant and a Responsible Individual (RI) since 2020, Ramsay possesses extensive expertise in International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (GAAP) across diverse sectors such as energy, retail, and manufacturing.
Her appointment comes at a crucial time for the UK audit market, which has faced significant regulatory scrutiny and calls for reform following high-profile corporate failures. While the UK Government recently decided not to proceed with a comprehensive Audit Reform and Corporate Governance Bill, the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) continues to implement incremental changes to strengthen oversight and improve audit quality. The demand for high-quality, reliable audit services remains paramount, with audit fee income for non-Big Four firms showing strong growth. Johnston Carmichael currently audits 21 of Scotland’s top 100 companies, a testament to the trust placed in its audit capabilities.
Specialist Directors Bolster Key Service Lines
Further strengthening the leadership team are two new Directors: Katie Lange and Leani Passano.
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- Katie Lange joins as a Director in Aberdeen, bringing nearly two decades of global payroll experience from sectors including oil and gas, financial services, and technology. Her focus will be on process improvement and enhancing client service, reflecting the growing complexity of international payroll management.
- Leani Passano has been appointed Director within the Audit Quality, Risk & Technical team. She brings significant experience from leading international and UK accountancy firms, with a particular emphasis on sustainability reporting and assurance. This specialism addresses the increasing regulatory focus on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria and the demand for robust sustainability data assurance. The role of a Director of Audit Quality, Risk & Technical is vital for maintaining compliance with evolving standards, managing potential risks, and leading internal audits to ensure adherence to regulatory requirements.
Lynne Walker, CEO of Johnston Carmichael, commented on the appointments: “Tamsyn, Deborah, Katie and Leani bring deep experience and new perspectives to Johnston Carmichael. Their appointments strengthen the technology behind our business, the audit expertise we offer clients and the specialist support available across our UK offices. They demonstrate the calibre of people we continue to attract, and I look forward to seeing the contribution they make.”
Mark Houston, Chair and Senior Partner, emphasised the strategic timing of these hires: “These appointments come at an important time for Johnston Carmichael as we continue to grow our services and our footprint across the UK. Investing in technology is central to making sure we are future-fit. Digitisation can free our advisers to do what they do best: build relationships with clients and provide trusted advice.” He added: “Audit is a hugely important service for us too. The team has grown to more than 200 people. Today we audit more of Scotland’s top 100 companies than any other firm, a real measure of the trust our clients place in us.”
The UK accountancy market is currently undergoing a significant transformation, with technology – particularly AI and automation – becoming an essential operational backbone for firms. Accountants are increasingly shifting from traditional “number-crunching” to providing strategic business advisory services, a trend supported by the efficiencies gained through digital tools. Johnston Carmichael’s commitment to these areas positions it to navigate the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities within this evolving landscape, reinforcing its position as a leading independent firm in the UK.
