Financial services firm KPMG has appointed a new chairman for its Midlands practice.
Karl Edge, who is currently senior partner for the firm's Milton Keynes and Watford offices, will take over from Mike Steventon at the turn of the year, bringing 25 years of experience with KPMG to the role.
Mr Steventon is moving to a new post to lead the firm's public sector and healthcare practice nationally.
The chairmanship sees Mr Edge return to the Birmingham office where he joined the firm in 1991, spending 22 years in the city before moving to take over the reins for Milton Keynes and Watford.
He is a chartered accountant with a business development background and, prior to his current role, he was head of markets for the firm's Midlands practice, leading relationships with various local clients.
He said: "To take over the helm of the Midlands practice is an exciting opportunity.
"Having been involved in the Midlands over many years, it is clear to me the region is changing and there is a great opportunity for us with the growth of our economy and the formation of the Midlands Engine.
"We have some exciting industry sectors based here and I am confident we will continue to bring value to our clients across all areas of our business, particularly as devolution starts to reshape our regional economies and as we start to see how Brexit plays out."
Along with the Birmingham office, KPMG's practices in Nottingham and Leicester employ more than 1,500 staff.
Mr Steventon added: "It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to work with so many talented people within our Midlands practice and I am confident the business will continue to flourish under Karl's leadership.
"I will now take on an exciting new challenge leading our public sector and healthcare practice across the UK.
"I am particularly fascinated by the opportunities and challenges of devolution which is starting to play out in the West Midlands.
"There are real challenges in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of public services and I know that KPMG can play a key role in helping unlock the opportunities that devolution can bring to our communities."
