Oxford: Peter O’Connell appointed Shaw Gibbs MD

In a series of management changes, Oxford-based accountancy firm Shaw Gibbs has appointed Peter O’Connell as managing director. Graham Henley, who has led the firm since 2009 takes on the role of chairman. The changes take effect on April 1, 2015.

O’Connell said: “This is a very exciting time to be taking on the role of managing director. We are well poised to help all our clients - individuals and businesses - to benefit from the growing confidence returning to the economy. Shaw Gibbs is a close-knit, highly-skilled team and this is a great opportunity to build our service offerings as we enter a new period of development and growth."

Henley said: “The past six years have been incredible for me as I have led the firm through the biggest period of change in its history.  Accountancy is very much a ‘people’ business and as a firm we have always taken a personal approach. With this in mind, I am looking forward to being able to help and mentor our clients even more and to be an ambassador for Shaw Gibbs as we continue to grow.”

O’Connell also leads the firm's corporate finance team. He has a strong reputation for his work with owner-managed businesses, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, business disposals and financial restructuring. A skilled negotiator and strategist, he is highly regarded as a team player who brings Shaw Gibbs' specialist services together to provide clients with a truly comprehensive offering. He joined the firm as a trainee and progressed rapidly to become partner in 2005.

Henley has been a partner since 1986 and managing partner for the past six years. Highly regarded as a mentor for firms, especially in times of change, he will continue to develop Shaw Gibbs’ strong relationships with clients and to build its profile as a full-service, highly-skilled regional firm.