KPMG UK appoints Vicki Heard as Head of Tax and Legal Services
KPMG in the UK has appointed Victoria (Vicki) Heard, a ‘home-grown’ talent, to lead its Tax and Legal practices. Vicki will formally take on the role from 1 October.
Vicki joined KPMG as a graduate in the firm’s Manchester office in 2001. She became a tax partner in 2014, and has been Head of the firm’s Financial Services Tax and Legal Practice in the UK since 2017.
During her career, Vicki has advised on a large variety of banking and finance transactions and has experience across all aspects of KPMG’s tax business. She works closely with KPMG teams around the world to provide international tax advice and support to her multi-national clients.
In her role as Head of Tax and Legal Services, Vicki will sit on the UK firm’s Executive Leadership Team and will be responsible for overseeing the successful running of KPMG’s Tax and Legal practices. Outside of work, Vicki spends much of her time focussing on her health and fitness with strength training and endurance events.
Bill Michael, UK Chairman and Senior Partner, comments: “People build long-lasting careers at KPMG to make a positive difference to both our clients and our communities, and Vicki is the absolute embodiment of that belief. Her appointment to this important part of our UK business is testament to the phenomenal talent we have rising up through our teams.
“As the UK strives to navigate its way through ongoing uncertainty, the debate around what represents a fair and responsible tax system is once again coming to the fore. At KPMG, we believe that creating a fair, effective and well-run tax system, suited to the commercial environment, is crucial to rebuilding our economy, for the better of society. Against this backdrop, we know that under Vicki’s leadership, our tax and legal teams will continue to bring their enormous expertise to bear, assisting our clients as they adapt to the changing environment.”
Scott Parker, KPMG UK’s Head of Clients and Markets, comments: “Vicki brings so much enthusiasm to this role at a time when businesses are facing some of their biggest challenges to date. Under her guidance, our Tax and Legal practices will be able to meet the ever-evolving needs of our clients as they adapt to their new reality.”
Vicki steps into the role previously held by Michelle Quest, who is handing over the role she was in for almost five years to enable her to spend more time with her husband at their home in the US. Michelle will remain with the UK firm as a tax partner, splitting her time between the UK and the US.
Michelle Quest, former Head of Tax and Legal Services, comments: “It was a really difficult decision to step down from a role I’ve enjoyed so much, but I’m pleased to be handing over years of hard work to someone I know will foster a successful environment for growth.”
Vicki adds: “It’s a huge honour to be appointed as head of the team I’ve been part of for the last 19 years.
“A key focus for me will be our ability to help clients reimagine and redesign their systems to adapt to the requirements of the changing global trade, finance and tax environment and using our technology capability to support our clients of all sizes.
“It’s also vital we continue to attract and retain the very best talent to our teams. I’m one of many people who have been able to have a long and successful career within the firm. The opportunities at KPMG are abundant, and I will continue Michelle’s focus on fostering an inclusive environment to ensure our most talented people progress.”
There are approximately 2,400 people within the firm’s Tax and Legal functions, including 112 partners.