BDO names new head of consulting in UK

Core Insights - BDO has appointed Mark Sykes as the new permanent Head of Consulting in the UK, having previously overseen the consulting practice on an interim basis since mid-2025 [1][2] - Sykes brings a wealth of experience from his tenure as an audit partner and his work in public sector IT outsourcing, focusing on business modelling and commercial negotiations [2][4] - Sykes aims to leverage the relatively new consulting team at BDO to provide high-quality expertise in areas such as digital, cyber, AI, ESG, procurement, business process optimisation, risk consulting, and people advisory [3][5] Company Overview - BDO LLP operates a network of 18 offices across the UK and employs around 8,000 staff, offering services that include tax, audit and assurance, and various advisory services [5] - The firm is part of the global BDO network and has emphasized the importance of not accepting external equity investments for its member firms [6] Leadership Vision - Mark Sykes expressed enthusiasm about his new role, highlighting the opportunity to help mid-market clients improve their performance without the constraints faced by more established competitors [2][3] - Leigh Treacy, head of BDO's Consulting, Risk and Outsourcing practice, noted Sykes' passion for helping clients scale and embrace technology, positioning him well to drive growth in the consulting business [5] Professional Background - Since joining BDO in 2013, Sykes has been instrumental in modernizing finance processes and establishing a Financial Planning and Analysis service line [4] - He has also led the Entrepreneurial Business division, assisting companies in overcoming growth barriers and transitioning to private equity or public offerings [4]