Accountancy and business advisory firm BDO has announced a new regional managing partner for the Midlands.
Audit partner Kyla Bellingall takes over the role from 1 July 2022 and will oversee the 450-strong audit, tax and advisory team across the region.
Joining the firm six years ago, Kyla initially focussed on building a portfolio of large complex charity, university, and housing clients. In 2020 she took over the leadership of BDO’s Midlands audit practice and has driven transformation of the group as well as double digit growth in revenue and headcount. The now 150 strong team of audit professionals lead the AIM market in the Midlands and focus heavily on the entrepreneurial mid-market and listed businesses.
BDO, which has offices in Birmingham and Nottingham, has experienced strong growth in the Midlands, increasing headcount in the region by 20% over the past 12 months. A key part of this expansion has been developing specialist teams within the region with the skills, attributes and experience to help clients succeed.
In her new role, Kyla will be responsible for spearheading the future strategy and vision for the region with support from 28 partners based in the Midlands, as well as BDO’s wider business.
The firm is continuing its investment in people locally, having welcomed 35 new trainees in 2021. Another 50 trainees are set to join in September and over 140 employees have been promoted in the last 12 months, including 40 at the start of this month. Kyla succeeds Richard Rose, who will continue in his role as a Midlands tax partner.
Commenting on the news, Kyla said: “As a firm we’ve experienced strong growth against in a period of significant change over the past two years. I’m proud to be leading a team of multi-discipline specialists who have the agility and breadth of skills to truly meet our client’s needs from the Midlands.
“What sets BDO apart is our people and culture. As well as our own talented teams, this extends to the brilliant ambitious and entrepreneurially minded clients that we advise. I look forward to working with our people to achieve their own ambitions while helping clients navigate the ever-changing backdrop and reach their goals.”
Richard Rose added: “We have a fantastic team in the region and Kyla is the perfect appointment to continue to develop this further – I wish her every success in her new role.”
BDO has also appointed two partners to its national leadership team. Anna Draper, head of BDO in the South East and Kaley Crossthwaite, head of forensic and valuation services, will replace Wendy Walton and Jon Randall who both retire from their roles at the firm.
