Azets to Appoint New Managing Director by Year End
The firm announces a planned leadership transition for its UK and Ireland division as the chief executive prepares to step down.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in People
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Peter Gallanagh will step down as the UK&I chief executive of Azets by the end of 2026. He will be succeeded by the current UK&I chief financial officer, David Aikman, who is set to become the division's managing director.
Why it matters
The changeover reflects a strategic succession process for the firm. Gallanagh stated that it is the right time for him to withdraw from daily leadership responsibilities.
This transition involves two key leadership roles currently overseeing operations across the United Kingdom and Ireland. The firm plans to finalize the move by the end of the year.
The players
Peter Gallanagh
He is the current UK&I chief executive of Azets who is moving into an advisory role.
David Aikman
He currently serves as the UK&I chief financial officer at Azets and will become the new managing director.
Azets
It is an accounting and business advisory firm operating across the United Kingdom and Ireland.
The details
Peter Gallanagh will transition into an advisory role at the firm following his departure from the chief executive position. His successor, David Aikman, will leave his current post as the UK&I chief financial officer to step into the managing director position.
Timeline
The leadership transition will be finalized by the end of 2026.
Market Landscape
This leadership transition follows the industry-standard practice of utilizing a planned succession process to ensure stability during executive changes. Such structured handovers are common as professional services firms look to maintain operational continuity within the competitive UK and Ireland market.
Clients of the firm should expect consistency as the planned succession moves through its final stages over the coming weeks. The leadership change focuses on internal administrative roles rather than shifts in service delivery or retail pricing.
The takeaway
Planned succession processes allow companies to retain institutional knowledge while introducing fresh leadership perspectives. Stakeholders should note that the incumbent executive will remain with the firm in an advisory capacity to assist during the changeover.
Further reading
Learn more about organizational leadership changes in the People section.
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