Moore Kingston Smith welcomes three new partners to growing firm
Moore Kingston Smith today announces the appointment of Mike Orton in the Corporate Finance team, while Jonathan Ford and Jonathan Russell join the firm’s Corporate Client Services team.
Mike Orton is a corporate finance expert specialising in the delivery of due diligence services for private company acquisitions and disposals, management buyouts, initial public offerings, debt raises, and investments from private equity and venture capitalists.
Mike Orton said: “With an excellent reputation in the market and the depth of specialism here, I’m delighted to join Moore Kingston Smith’s Corporate Finance team. I look forward to bringing my own entrepreneurial experience of growing a business to serve our clients beyond their expectations, as well as drawing on the high level of collaboration among the vastly experienced people across the firm and the Moore network.”
Jonathan Ford is a Corporate Client Services partner, specialising in auditing fast-growing private and PE-backed businesses. With expertise particularly honed within the fields of media and technology and over 25 years of Big Four experience, his clients have ranged from local start-ups to the UK operations of international businesses.
Jonathan Ford said: “I am thrilled to join Moore Kingston Smith at this time when it’s investing further in technology, people and its quality solutions for clients. There is a world of opportunity at our fingertips. Coming from a larger firm, I look forward to bringing this experience and channelling my focus into the dynamic businesses and sectors I have such enthusiasm for, particularly technology and media.”
Jonathan Russell is a Corporate Client Services partner, delivering external audits with 22 years of Big Four experience to start ups, mid-market, corporates and listed businesses, catering to organisations at all stages of their life cycles. His international, multi-sector knowledge spans consumer goods, hospitality and travel, automotive, logistics, and sports, as well as cross-border experience with clients in the US, Germany and Japan.
Jonathan Russell said: “It’s fantastic to be part of this growing firm – clearly everyone is very excited by the prospect of what’s ahead. I highly value the client-centric approach the firm champions, and I’m looking forward to pairing my experience from a larger practice with Moore Kingston Smith’s commitment to providing a personal and authentic experience for our clients.”
These latest appointments follow recent news of Moore Kingston Smith’s investment from European PE house Waterland, which completed on 30 June 2023. The structure of the deal represents an innovative break from the traditional requirement to move to a limited company operating model as part of a PE transaction.
Maureen Penfold, Managing Partner said: “I am so pleased to welcome our new partners as we reach a key milestone in our 100-year history, becoming the first major UK accountancy firm to take on private equity funding while retaining limited liability partnership status. The expertise our latest appointments bring will be integral in shaping the quality solutions we continue to develop, supporting our clients’ evolving needs in a rapidly changing and challenging landscape.”
Additionally, the firm acquired leading Irish accountancy firm Moore in July, strengthening its ability to provide comprehensive support to its growing client base with international interests. The acquisition opens the door to further expansion in Ireland as part of the firm’s ongoing growth and thought leadership strategy.