PwC partner David Morris has been appointed as regional leader for the Midlands region, overseeing the Birmingham, East Midlands and Milton Keynes practices.
David succeeds Matthew Hammond, who is taking on new roles after a decade as a regional leader.
Matthew initially led PwC’s West region for two years and has spent the last eight years leading PwC across the Midlands, whilst also being Senior Partner for the Firm’s Birmingham office.
During that time, PwC’s Midlands practice has almost doubled in size, with investment in over 1,000 new roles and 44 new Partners over the last eight years. In addition Matt has successfully led PwC’s Midlands firm through the opportunities and challenges presented by Brexit and the pandemic, while achieving rapid growth.
Matthew will continue to be based in Birmingham. He will add to his extensive multi-sectoral client portfolio, continue to lead PwC’s Strategic International Markets group, and has been appointed to Chair PwC’s Financial Crime business. Matthew has a number of external roles and he will continue to Chair the West Midlands Growth Company.
Matthew Hammond said: “It’s been an honour to lead the Midlands firm for the last eight years, during which we have delivered record growth through investments in our people and Partners, to serve the whole of the Midlands market.
“Congratulations to David on this appointment. This is a critical period for the region’s economy, and we have the strongest pipeline to deliver against as our clients seek increasing collaboration to meet their growth aspirations.
“I am confident that the breadth of industries across the region and the cross-sector insights and experiences this creates will enable Midlands businesses to capitalise on new and emerging technologies to feed the next stage of growth.
“I am very proud of what our people and Partners have achieved over the last eight years. Amongst them the ongoing work on Inclusion & Diversity, equipping the next generations with digital skills to create their opportunities, supporting our colleagues through the unprecedented times of the pandemic, creating the best workplace at One Chamberlain Square, and our work with the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games are just some of them.
“I will continue to be based in Birmingham leading a portfolio of International clients and our Strategic International Markets business, and taking a role in our Financial Crime business also which I am looking forward to. Importantly my local work as Chair of the West Midlands Growth Company and as co-founder of Birmingham Digital Futures will continue.”
With over 20 years with the firm, David brings a wealth of experience, most recently having led the Health Services Sector for more than four years, including through the Covid-19 pandemic.
During his time with PwC, David has led the support for some of the most high-profile change programmes in the public sector, advising boards, regulators and central Government as well as being on the board of a number of large teaching hospitals.
Speaking about his new role, David Morris, said: “It’s a privilege to take on the role as Midlands leader. Having been born and raised in the Midlands, with a career journey that has taken me around the globe, it’s a full circle moment to be stepping into this role to help shape the future of the Midlands firm.
“The region has so much to offer, from being quite literally a place of 1000 trades to the incredible talent and quality educational institutions we have on our doorstep. Having joined the firm in 2004 as a senior associate, I’ve seen first hand the career journey that PwC can offer and it’s a priority of mine to champion, nurture and develop the next generation.
“I take on this role during a time where some businesses are facing economic challenges as we head towards the end of 2023. That said, there are some real game-changing opportunities too, particularly around productivity, technology and ESG, and I’m keen to see how we can help businesses continue to promote this region as the place to be.
“Finally, I’d like to pay tribute to Matt and the fantastic work he has done over the last decade as our regional market leader; his efforts means he hands over a firm ready to take advantage of the opportunities presented.”
Welcoming the appointment, Carl Sizer, PwC’s Head of Regions, said: “I’m delighted that David will be our new regional market leader for the Midlands. His expertise and experience in the firm will provide a unique perspective to the role, with a keen focus on supporting talent as well as our clients.
“I’d also like to thank Matt Hammond for his dedication to the Midlands for the last eight years. His time in the role has led the region from strength to strength and I’m excited to see what heights the Midlands can reach next.”
