KPMG appoints new senior partner for Leeds office

KPMG UK has appointed Phil Murden as its new office senior partner for the Leeds office.

Phil Murden will lead the professional service firm’s remit in the North East and takes over from Euan West, who after four years in the role will move to lead KPMG UK’s Private Enterprise business. As part of this new role, Phil will lead 1,100 colleagues in the firm’s Sovereign Square office.

A qualified accountant, Phil held roles at HM Treasury and Livingbridge before re-joining KPMG 10 years ago. More recently, Phil led KPMG’s Consulting practice in the North and he has a strong track-record of helping clients through transformation journeys involving technology and digital.

Phil’s appointment will become effective on 1 March 2024. He will maintain his role as a consulting partner while leading the growth of the firm's audit, consulting, deals, legal and tax practices in the region. Phil will also focus on enhancing KPMG's market presence and expanding the client base as well as championing diversity, inclusion and sustainability in the regional practice.

Commenting on his appointment, Phil Murden, incoming Leeds Office Senior Partner at KPMG UK said: “I’m delighted to be appointed as KPMG’s Leeds Office Senior Partner supporting more of our clients in the region and driving further growth for the firm. We have a hugely talented team on the ground in Yorkshire across audit, consulting, deals, legal and tax, as well as our strong presence in the North-East.

“It’s a huge privilege to be leading KPMG’s profile in the market alongside my colleagues. As a region we are fortunate to have a thriving business community and a collaborative and engaged public sector. We have a Combined Authority making a real difference and many stand-out infrastructure investments such as the railway station, City Square and exciting developments in healthcare, education and transport.  

"This creates an ideal environment and opportunities for private businesses and people who live across the region."

Euan West, KPMG UK’s Head of Private Enterprise business added: “It has been an honour to lead the Leeds office over the past four years, and I look forward to seeing how the region’s business landscape will evolve over the next few years.

“The role of Office Senior Partner in Leeds has been the highlight of my career to date, getting the chance to see the work of our incredibly talented teams and the exciting businesses that our region has to offer.

“I know Phil will do an amazing job supporting our people and helping the region’s businesses to continue to flourish.”