David Thomson given new role at Robinson Low Francis

PROPERTY and construction consultancy firm Robinson Low Francis has named the head of its Scottish practice as its next managing partner.

David Thomson will succeed Steven Barker, who will become the firm's new chairman on 1 June.

Thomson is charged with opening offices overseas and growing the firm's UK business, which he joined in 2004 as a partner.

Thomson says: "It is a great privilege to be asked to lead the firm, which, even in the current challenging economic climate, is at an exciting stage in its development."

Accountancy firm Johnston Carmichael also says it's positioning itself for growth after hiring a trio of "senior dealmakers" for its corporate finance team.

Andrew Ewing has joined the firm's Edinburgh office as a partner, while James Thompson has been named as assistant director. Both join from Springfords.

Jamie Ritchie has also joined as corporate finance director in the Aberdeen office from Clydesdale Bank.

Chief executive Sandy Manson says: "Attracting first class talent to join Johnston Carmichael is vital for our future growth and we're delighted to announce a significant strengthening of our corporate finance capability with these exciting appointments."

Rival accountancy practice Henderson Loggie has also unveiled a raft of promotions, naming our new partners and three new directors.

In the corporate recovery and insolvency department, Claire Middlebrook and George Dale are both promoted to partner after joining only a year ago. At the Dundee office, corporate tax specialist Dougy Agnew and Stephen Bain are also elevated to the partnership.

Karen Clark (Dundee), Karen McGeough (Edinburgh) and Fiona Morgan (Glasgow) all become directors.

Dunfermline-based accountancy firm Thomson Cooper has also been making some staff changes, with audit manager Ross Oliphant being promoted to associate.

Oliphant joined the firm as a trainee in 2002 and passed his Association of Chartered Certified Accountants exams in 2006.