CATHERINE Burnet, the head of KPMG’s financial services team in Scotland, is to succeed Craig Anderson as the accountancy firm’s senior partner in Scotland.

The University of St Andrews graduate – who has been with KPMG for 22 years – is believed to be the first female senior partner of a Big Four accountancy firm in Scotland.

“It is an exciting time to take over the leadership of such a talented team, against the backdrop of significant changes in the Scottish economy and society,” said Ms Burnet, 45.

“Despite continued change, Scotland has become quick to respond to challenges and exploit opportunities domestically and internationally. I am looking forward to working with our clients as they seize the opportunities and navigate the challenges posed by change.”

Ms Burnet, whose clients include HSBC, National Australia Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland and Tesco Personal Finance, will take over from Mr Anderson, 57, when he retires at the end of September following a 37-year career with the firm.

Mr Anderson joined KPMG forerunner Peat Marwick in 1979 after graduating from the University of Glasgow and was made a partner in 1990 at the age of 31. He has been senior partner in Scotland since 2004, with clients including Aberdeen Asset Management, SSE and Weir Group.

“I have been privileged throughout my career to work with some inspirational colleagues and clients, as the firm has grown and our services have developed,” Mr Anderson said. “A particular highlight has been the location of KPMG’s UK tax centre of excellence and small business accounting teams in Glasgow, which contributes to the number of people employed by the firm in Scotland, recently rising to more than 850 – the highest ever.

“Catherine is a fantastic appointment. She is an outstanding professional with significant international experience. She is truly client focused with a terrific track record in fostering talent.”

Mr Anderson said he would be looking to pursue non-executive directorships when he retired.

Ms Burnet joined KPMG in Edinburgh in 1994, before moving to London in 1997 and completing a two-year secondment to the United States. In 2011, she returned to Edinburgh, where she lives with her husband and two sons. Ms Burnet is also a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland’s Council, which oversees the management and direction of the professional body’s affairs, and a member of the Scottish Government’s Financial Services Advisory Board, which advises on policy and strategy for the industry.

Ms Burnet has been a KPMG partner since 2009 and will become regional chair in October.

“Catherine has an enviable reputation in the financial services industry, having worked with investment managers, traditional major banks and the new breed of challenger banks,” said Simon Collins, KPMG’s UK chairman.

“Financial services is under-going substantial transformation at rapid pace and our Scottish practice will benefit from the experience, leadership and agility that Catherine has built up in her client work.

“I would also like to thank Craig Anderson for his strong leadership and great market presence. He has steered our Scottish practice through both benign and volatile market conditions and will be greatly missed.”