01 Jul 2025

We're celebrating a record number of director promotions

We’ve promoted a record 13 new directors across our tax, audit, business advisory, corporate finance, marketing and people teams, highlighting PKF Francis Clark’s commitment to developing talent.

The newly promoted directors span our offices in Exeter, Torquay, Truro, Salisbury and Poole.

PKF Francis Clark’s newly promoted directors (clockwise, from top left): Alex Davies, Charles Richards, Jessica Tubbs, Chris Madeley, Claire Hill, David Williams, Kate Culley, Tom Hicks, Ruth Warren, Russell Phillips, Rachel Addiss and Michelle Ford

Three new directors have been promoted within the tax team:

  • Charles Richards (Torquay), who joined the firm in 2015 and advises individuals and families on inheritance tax planning, trusts and estates
  • Kate Culley (Torquay), a share plans and incentives specialist
  • Rachel Addiss (Poole), who advises owner-managed businesses on corporate reorganisations and shareholder taxation

Another three work in the audit and assurance and corporate finance teams in Exeter:

  • Alex Davies, who provides training and support on audit, accounting and ethical standards to the audit and assurance department
  • Tom Hicks, who joined the firm in 2012, advises on business sales, acquisitions, fundraising and management buyouts

Five new directors – including three agricultural and rural specialists – have been promoted in the business advisory team:

  • Jessica Tubbs (Poole), who supports small and growing businesses with all aspects of their financial affairs
  • Michelle Ford (Salisbury), who joined the firm in 2008 and now leads the local business advisory team, supporting family businesses with tax planning, cloud accounting systems and compliance
  • Chris Madeley (Truro), who started his career in 2010 and manages a portfolio of rural businesses, focusing on succession and inheritance tax planning
  • David Williams (Torquay), who heads the office’s rural team, providing tax advice to clients including farmers, landowners and leisure attractions
  • Russell Phillips (Truro), who has progressed through the firm since joining in 2016 and provides tax compliance and advisory services to agricultural businesses and landed estates

Two leaders in our central services teams have also been promoted:

  • Claire Hill (Torquay), who heads people operations and recruitment, overseeing early careers, experienced hires, benefits and wellbeing initiatives
  • Ruth Warren (Exeter), who leads a team of eight marketing specialists, managing strategic projects and supporting teams including audit and professional practices

CEO Paul Crocker said: “It’s always a proud moment to see colleagues progress to director level, especially when so many have built their careers with us over many years. These promotions reflect their technical expertise, leadership skills and dedication to our clients, as well as our focus on developing high-performing teams. We look forward to supporting the continued development of our new directors as they take this next step in their PKF Francis Clark careers.”

PKF Francis Clark’s commitment to professional growth has been recognised nationally, with the firm recently ranked among the UK’s Best Workplaces for Development. This accolade reflects our investment in training, mentoring and career progression at all levels.

With more than 950 colleagues across nine offices, PKF Francis Clark continues to grow by nurturing talent and delivering expert advice to clients.

Find out more about careers at PKF Francis Clark.

Interested in joining our team?

Contact us to find out more

Latest news

A group of six people in a modern office setting having a meeting around a glass conference table. One person is standing and speaking, while the others are seated and listening attentively.

Foreign branch exemption to become mandatory from 2027

1 June 2026

Read
A group of people sitting around a conference table engaged in a discussion. One person is standing, while three others are seated with laptops, notebooks, and coffee cups in front of them.

Succession planning: why consider an employee ownership trust?

28 May 2026

Read
A large group of office workers seated in a boardroom all turn to face a female colleague who is smiling and gesturing animatedly as she talks.

The Fair Work Agency: Key updates and employer guidance for a year of transition

27 May 2026

Read

Challenges and opportunities for Independent Schools

26 May 2026

Read

How B Corp™ certification actually works

26 May 2026

Read
An ambulance outside a building

Administrators secure sale of Bristol ambulance company BAEMS Ltd, safeguarding services and jobs

22 May 2026

Read
A group of volunteers sorting donated clothes and items in a well-lit room.

What the Colchester VAT ruling means for charities

22 May 2026

Read
A large group of students sit on low leather seating while they study in a library.

What the Colchester VAT ruling means for further education institutions

22 May 2026

Read

Retirement planning as a law firm member

19 May 2026

Read

What leading our B Corp™ certification taught me

19 May 2026

Read
Two workmen in hardhats work together to feed copper wire through a hole at a construction site.

CIS fraud & HMRC’s supply‑chain clampdown

18 May 2026

Read
Business team discussing plan in the office

Could your business be owed money? Recovering unclaimed employment allowance

15 May 2026

Read