Senior Tax Partners from KPMG join Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) Taxand UK, the independent tax advisory firm, has appointed Tom McFarlane and Stephen Machin as Managing Directors in London. Internationally, tax planning has become an increasingly strategic exercise for A&M Taxand U.K.’s multinational client base, especially with regards to supply chain management. At the same time, in the U.K., the Government is seeking to drive inward investment by simplifying the country’s tax system, thus rendering the U.K. a more attractive business location.

Mr. McFarlane will set up and lead A&M Taxand UK’s Tax Efficient Supply Chain Management team. He has implemented and project-managed some of the largest business reorganizations in Europe, working with clients across a range of industries, including consumer products, retail, mining, and oil and gas. Previously, Mr. McFarlane spent six years with KPMG and was a founder of its Tax Efficient Supply Chain Management practice in London, leading numerous high-profile tax efficient supply chain restructuring projects for multinationals.

Mr. Machin focuses on international corporate tax. He brings more than 30 years of professional experience, particularly in the power and utilities sector, mergers and acquisitions and corporate reorganizations – both domestic and international. Previously, Mr. Machin spent 12 years as a Partner at KPMG in London, including as Head of its Corporate Tax Practice and its Power and Utilities sector and later as a member of the KPMG U.K. Board.

Mr. Machin was also a partner for 12 years at city law firm Ashurst, including as Head of its tax department and as a member of its Management Committee. Mr. Machin has advised the Conservative Party on corporate tax matters, including in the run-up to the 2010 General Election.

David Pert, Head of Alvarez & Marsal Taxand UK, said:

“The appointments of Tom and Stephen further reinforce the strength of our senior team. Increasingly, large businesses are recognizing the need for hands-on support, meaning that A&M is becoming a destination choice for clients as our operational approach is what differentiates us in the market”.

Tom McFarlane said:

” As multinationals strive for globalization while governments seek to protect their revenue base, supply chain planning is high on the agenda in the boardroom and with tax authorities alike. I look forward to helping our clients maximize their shareholders’ return by integrating their commercial strategy with tax efficiency.”

Stephen Machin said:

“This is an exciting time to be working in tax in the U.K. in particular, as the government is taking major steps towards making the U.K. a more attractive business location. The changes to the U.K. tax system will affect a large number of businesses and A&M has an important role to play in advising and guiding companies through these changes”.