International business advisory group Azets has named Claire Needham to the role of regional managing director for Yorkshire and the North East.

In this capacity, she will manage more than 500 staff across six offices within the area.

Azets UK CEO Peter Gallanagh said: “Claire has a wealth of experience, demonstrates strong leadership skills and, of course, knows Yorkshire and the North East region very well. She will bring great energy, a new perspective and the utmost commitment in the service of our many valued clients in the region.

“Russell has led with commitment, vision and a genuine passion for our people and business. We are incredibly grateful for his contribution over the years and wish him all the very best for the future.”

Needham, who currently holds the position of managing partner at Azets’ York office, will begin her new duties on 1 July 2025.

She will take over from Russell Turner, who is retiring at the end of July after a 25-year career with Azets and its predecessor organisations.

The Yorkshire and North East area is crucial for Azets, featuring offices in Bradford, Durham, Leeds, Newcastle, York, and Wynyard.

This broad presence highlights the firm’s status as one of the top ten accountancy and advisory firms in the UK.

With more than 20 years of experience, Needham possesses a “robust” background in the sector.

She spent 19 years at a Big Four firm, where she served as a director before moving to Garbutt + Elliott as a partner and later joining Azets in 2021.

Needham said: “I am thrilled to become Yorkshire and North East regional managing director. It is an incredible opportunity to contribute to both the success of the region and the wider Azets UK business.

“I will work hard to continue to build on Russell’s legacy and I look forward to working with Azets’ other regional managing directors as well as service line heads to support the many brilliant businesses we have in the region.”