UK-headquartered full-service accountancy practice Gravita has named Lisa Mayhew as its new CEO, as it pursues further national expansion and widens client services.

Mayhew will take up the role in April.

Heather Swanston, who has been serving as interim CEO since June last year, will return to her position as chair of Gravita’s board once Mayhew joins.

Swanston said: “Lisa’s appointment is a massive signal that we are a business with ambitious plans for the future.

“I have spent the past few months getting to know Lisa, and I am more convinced than ever that she is the right person to lead Gravita into its next phase of evolution and ultimate success.”

Over the past decade, Mayhew has held senior leadership posts at global law firm BCLP, serving as firm-wide managing partner and later as global co-chair.

In those roles, she oversaw the firm’s operations across 32 offices in the US, UK, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. During her leadership, revenue increased from $350m (£256.31m) to $900m.

Earlier in her career, she worked as an employment lawyer and was among the small number of nationally ranked “eminent practitioners” at Chambers & Partners.

She is a Meyler Campbell‑qualified coach and currently serves as senior independent director on the Solicitors Regulation Authority board.

Mayhew said: “I am delighted to be joining Gravita to drive forward the next stage of its growth strategy. I was immediately drawn to the company’s culture, its impressive client portfolio and ambitious growth trajectory.

“The business has already built significant momentum through its recent expansion, establishing itself as a leader in the sector with exceptional talent across the firm.”

Tenzing Private Equity, Gravita’s private equity backer, also welcomed the appointment and highlighted its confidence in the company’s future.