Johnston Carmichael appoints senior leadership team

Chairman Mark Houston becomes senior partner, while vice chairman and head of business advisory Lynne Walker is promoted to chief executive officer.

Walker, who is based in Elgin where the company was founded almost 90 years ago, replaces Andrew Walker, who has decided to step down after five years in the top job.

Under his leadership, the business opened an office in Newcastle, expanded its London team and grew its UK headcount from 800 to over 900, including its first CIO and HR Director. Turnover also grew from £51.4m for the year ended 31 May 2020 to £67.9m for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Houston, who joined the firm in 2006, became a partner in 2008 and was elected a director of the Glasgow office in 2011 before being appointed a board member in 2013. He became deputy chairman in 2019 and was appointed chairman in 2022.

He said: “Lynne and I have worked together for many years and, with the support of the Board and our outstanding management team, we believe that an integrated and collaborative leadership approach will help us implement our refreshed strategy and continue our growth in the UK.