New Leadership Team for KPMG in the Channel Islands

Friday 02 October 2015

After 31 years of service, Mark Thompson has retired from his position as Chairman for KPMG in the Channel Islands (CI).

The firm has appointed a new Chairman and Managing Director; Jason Laity in Jersey takes over as CI Chairman with Neale Jehan in Guernsey becoming CI Managing Director.

Mark Thompson, who has served the company in London, Hong Kong and the Channel Islands over his tenure says: "The firm is facing an exciting future with a strong leadership team and an ambitious group of young directors to take the business forward. I have had a great career with KPMG, working in three different countries with hundreds of different people from all over the world and I feel very privileged to have been part of such a dynamic and successful organisation. I have every confidence that the firm will continue to grow as market conditions continue to improve."

As CI Chairman, Mr Laity will focus on stewardship of the business and liaison with the global KPMG network, whilst Mr Jehan, as CI Managing Director, will drive the business strategy in both islands. KPMG has ambitious growth plans as confidence returns to core markets and new niches are developing. The firm is committed to continuing to serve its core client sectors with director-led teams on both islands.

Jason Laity (45) is well known as a tax adviser, the most recent past incumbent as IOD chairman and as one of the leaders of the firms digital initiatives in Jersey. He says: "Mark leaves the firm with a leadership team ready to meet the needs of new and existing clients; the feedback from clients is that they really value director involvement in engagements and our local autonomy allows us to make sure we have sufficient director resource to provide that. We have ambitious plans to take the business forward, and with the continued efforts of our staff I am sure we will do so."

Neale Jehan (42) who will also continue to head the CI Audit practice, works with clients across all sectors but is known for his work on the threats facing the fund sector, particularly AIFMD where he was integral to the Guernsey response. Mr Jehan will retain a number of key private equity and London listed clients but spend the rest of his time driving business strategy and exploring new opportunities for the firm.  He adds: "After moving into a modern new offices in both islands and seeing a real upturn in new business in the last year, I am confident that the economies in both islands are recovering to levels where we can be very positive about the future. We move forward with a strong and ambitious team representing investment in both islands."