KPMG UK/Swiss Group appoints Vicki Heard as new Group Managing Partner

KPMG UK/Swiss Group has appointed Vicki Heard as its first female Group Managing Partner, overseeing the UK/Swiss Group’s operational and performance strategy. She takes over from Chris Hearld, current Group Managing Partner, who will be retiring after 34 years at the firm. Alan Turner, current Chief Operating Officer of Tax and Legal services, will become the new Group Head of Tax and Legal services, taking over from Vicki Heard.

Joining KPMG UK in 2001, with over 25 years of corporate tax experience, Vicki has been the Head of Tax and Legal Services fox six years and was previously the head of KPMG’s Financial Services tax business. Between 2022 and 2025, she also served as EMA Region Head of Tax and Legal Services, leading the practice across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. She is a member of the firm’s Group Executive Committee and Group Investment Committee and sits on KPMG’s Global Tax and Legal Steering Group, helping to shape the direction of the practice internationally. Vicki will remain on the Group’s Executive Committee in her new role.

Alan brings deep experience from over 25 years of advising clients on a wide range of tax matters. For the past two and a half years, he has served as Tax and Legal’s Chief Operating Officer, sitting on the Group’s Management Committee, while continuing to lead major client relationships. He has held several senior leadership roles across the firm, including Regional Head of Tax in Scotland, Head of the Tax & Legal Services practice for KPMG’s Corporates business in the UK and UK-US Corridor Lead, spending three years in New York. He will join the Group’s Executive Committee in his new role.

Vicki will be Group Managing Partner Designate from 1 October, going fully into role from 1 January 2027. Alan will be Group Head of Tax and Legal from 1 October.

Jon Holt, Chief Executive of UK/Swiss Group and UK Senior Partner KPMG, said: 

“It’s a really exciting time for our firm as we head into our third year as a UK/Swiss Group. Chris has helped shape the business we are today and played a major role in our success, I want to say a huge thank you to him for his incredible contribution – he leaves a legacy of innovation and rigour.

“Under Vicki’s leadership our Tax and Legal business has grown at a market-leading rate, and her knowledge and experience mean she is well-placed to help drive forward the next phase of our Group strategy.

“Alan has played a significant part in Tax and Legal Services’ growth journey alongside Vicki, and he understands how to bring the best of KPMG to serve ourclients in today’s complex and ever-changing landscape. I know Vicki and Alan will bring strong and visible leadership to their new roles.”

Vicki Heard, Group Head of Tax and Legal Services, said:

“I’m really looking forward to helping shape the future direction and growth of our Group by leading our operational and performance strategy. I have loved every minute of leading and growing our Tax and Legal business for the past six years – working with our people to support our fantastic clients’ growth ambitions. I know the business will be in good and experienced hands with Alan.”

Alan Turner, Group Chief Operating Officer Tax and Legal Services, said:

“Vicki has been an outstanding leader and taken our Tax and Legal business from strength to strength. It will be a privilege to build on Vicki’s legacy and lead the business from October, supporting our clients as they work through a myriad of complexities every day, from AI transformation to geopolitics.”

Chris Hearld, Group Managing Partner, said:

“From starting out in Leeds over 30 years ago and working in Audit, Financial Services and as Head of Regions, to my role as Group Managing Partner, my KPMG journey has been diverse and incredibly rewarding. I’ve been lucky enough to work with a huge range of clients and many amazing people over the years. Vicki’s breadth of experience puts her in a great position to succeed me and I’m looking forward to seeing how she continues to help shape the Group in its next chapter of growth.”