International advisory firm opens ‘technology & digital centre of excellence’ in Newcastle

Mazars, the international tax, audit, and advisory firm, has reinforced its commitment to Newcastle with the creation of a Technology & Digital Centre of Excellence in the city.

The practice has additionally taken on over 25 graduates nationally in the past two years to underpin its long-term growth and already has a partner, associate director, and director based in Newcastle.

Two new senior hires also join from FTSE100 software and solutions company Sage PLC, underpinning the firm’s ongoing commitment to growing its presence in Newcastle.

Simon Withington joins Mazars as one of the leaders in the firm’s IT audit and risk offering, with a focus on cloud technology. He has over 13 years of experience in delivering assurance and advisory work in Big 4 consultancy and in the industry.

Ahmed Hany, also bringing experience of Big 4 consultancy, as well as Microsoft, has joined to lead the firm’s audit data analytics services, as well as supporting delivery of cloud advisory.

Asam Malik, partner and head of technology & digital at Mazars, said: “We have ambitious plans in Newcastle, and we are actively building a thriving practice which makes the most of the wealth of talent and energy in the North East.

“We believe that having a strong local presence and remaining as close to our clients as possible will help to support a thriving tech sector in the city.

“With these two senior appointments, and the establishment of a centre of excellence, we are committing to our long-term aspiration to be the leading technology professional services firm in the region and beyond”.