Johnston Carmichael invests in Elgin leadership team with five director promotions

Leading independent UK accountancy and business advisory firm Johnston Carmichael has strengthened its Elgin office with five Director promotions in the last six months, underlining the strategic importance of the Highlands, Moray and North-East region to the firm's future growth. 

The five promotions are Stephanie Shand (Audit), and Chris Dick, Natalie Robertson, Suzanne Harrold and Michael Larg, who are in the firm’s Business Advisory team. Chris, Natalie, Suzanne and Michael’s promotions are effective 1 June, with Stephanie having stepped up in December.  

All five Directors are based in Elgin, where Johnston Carmichael was founded 90 years ago. Collectively, they bring more than 70 years of experience across rural advisory, landed estates, family office services and business development. 

Stephanie, a Chartered Accountant (CA), has extensive experience in statutory audit across a range of sectors, with particular strength in managing complex group audits. Since joining the firm in 2013, Stephanie has helped to maintain and enhance audit quality, working with listed and large private entities and supporting innovation within the audit and assurance team.  

Chris Dick has been with Johnston Carmichael for more than 14 years and works across the Highlands, Moray and North-East regions, focusing on the rural sector. He has built a strong and growing client portfolio and is a well-respected leader within the Elgin office, having coached and helped to develop several colleagues.  

Natalie Robertson, CA and ATT qualified, has been with the firm for 19 years, having joined as a graduate. She leads Johnston Carmichael’s Family Office team, advising families on the protection, management and transition of wealth across generations, with a particular focus on personal and family matters. She also continues to manage a small portfolio of owner managed business clients, providing advice on their business interests. 

Suzanne Harrold, CA and ATT qualified, joined the firm in 2009 as a graduate and now supports a portfolio of clients with a focus on innovation and the food and drink sector. She leads Business Development, Digital Advisory and Outsourced Finance regionally, and helps develop our future talent.

Michael Larg joined the firm in 2015 and holds CA and ATT qualifications. Michael uses his deep technical knowledge to advise businesses across the Rural sector, with a primary focus on major landed estates. 

All newly promoted directors have either completed, or are currently enrolled in, the firm’s industry‑leading in‑house leadership programme, accredited at master’s level. 

Lynne Walker, CEO, Johnston Carmichael said: “As we celebrate our 90th anniversary, it is extremely rewarding to announce five director promotions in Elgin, the birthplace of our firm and my own local office. They reflect the exceptional quality of our people in Elgin and our commitment to building a strong and sustainable future for the firm across the Highlands and Moray.  

“Stephanie, Chris, Michael, Natalie and Suzanne have each demonstrated outstanding leadership, expertise and dedication to their clients and colleagues. We are proud to recognise their contribution in this way and look forward to seeing them continue to thrive in their new roles."