Chris Fry to run KPMG in Liverpool

Chris Fry has been appointed to head KPMG's Liverpool office.

Fry, a tax partner and head of property and construction in Manchester, will take over from Ian Goalen at the start of January.

Goalen, pictured below, will retire in March after 33 years with the accountancy firm. He has spent the past five years running the Liverpool office.

Fry joined KPMG in 1997 and has been a tax partner for more than 10 years specialising in corporate, property, mergers and acquisitions, and restructuring.

In Liverpool office, which has around 80 staff, he will focus on growing KPMG's tax, audit and advisory services.

He said: "While the UK's wider business environment remains uncertain, Liverpool has a highly entrepreneurial and vibrant business community, and, in my view, has significant growth potential, building on what has already been achieved in the city.

"The sheer scale and number of key economic developments in the city – including Liverpool One, investment in the biotech and energy sector, and the expansion of port facilities – all add to the mood that Liverpool is moving forward at pace.

"This environment creates big opportunities to grow KPMG's presence in the city, as firms seek high quality, innovative and user friendly business advisory services. I look forward to continuing to meet and work with ambitious businesses in Liverpool."

Jonathan Hurst, head of KPMG in the North, said: "Chris has played a central role in expanding our North West tax practice and developing our property and construction sector team in the region. He has excellent pedigree as an advisor and a leader, and is well placed to build on Ian's outstanding track record in growing our Liverpool office.

"Ian has shown outstanding commitment and skill throughout his career with the firm. I'd like to thank him on behalf of everyone at KPMG for 33 years of exemplary service, and wish him a long and happy retirement."