Audit Commission Chairman welcomes his successor
The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government has today confirmed the appointment of Jeremy Newman as Chairman of the Audit Commission from next month.
Current Chairman Michael O’Higgins says:
‘I warmly welcome Jeremy Newman to the Chairmanship. The Audit Commission is extremely fortunate to have such a renowned accountancy high flier leading it into its new phase. Jeremy will, I am sure, maintain the organisation’s strong authoritative voice as it focuses on the regulation of public audit.’
‘He will find a Commission that is in good shape and good heart, working well with government on the future of public audit, and with a strong team in place to carry on this vital public role. Taking up his post within a few weeks of new Controller of Audit, Marcine Waterman, I have no doubt they will make an excellent team, tackling the challenges ahead with great energy.’
Jeremy Newman is the former Chief Executive (2008-2011) of BDO International, the world’s fifth largest accountancy firm.
Before that was managing partner (2001-2008) of BDO’s UK firm. Earlier this year he acted as an interim consultant to RSM Tenon PLC. He is a chartered accountant by profession.
Jeremy Newman says:
‘I am delighted to be given this opportunity. Although the Commission’s remaining time is limited, the importance of cost-effective and robust public audit has never been greater, and there is important work still to be done. The Commission is an iconic ‘brand’ in the world of regulation, and it will be a professional pleasure to meet some of the people who have helped build its reputation. I look forward to joining the Board next month.’
Jeremy Newman will take up the Chairmanship of the Audit Commission with effect from 1 October 2012.
Notes to editors
- The Audit Commission is a public corporation set up in 1983 to protect the public purse.
- The Commission appoints auditors to councils, NHS bodies (excluding NHS foundation trusts), local police bodies and other local public services in England, and oversees their work. The auditors we currently appoint are either Audit Commission employees (our in-house Audit Practice) or one of the private audit firms.
- We also help public bodies manage the financial challenges they face by providing authoritative, unbiased, evidence-based analysis and advice.
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