Forvis Mazars Group, an international audit, tax and advisory services partnership, has announced the appointment of Chris Ridley as tax partner and UK head of its Innovation Incentives tax team.

Ridley, based at the firm’s Poole office in the UK, will be working with a wide range of clients to support their research and development (R&D) and patent box claims.

His role involves collaboration with startups, SMEs, and large international organisations across various sectors.

Forvis Mazars UK head of tax Liz Ritchie said: “We are thrilled to be appointing Chris as a partner. His expert knowledge of innovation incentives tax reliefs is an asset to the firm, and allows us to provide comprehensive advice and strategic tax solutions to clients both locally and globally.

“Chris is also passionate about developing and mentoring our people and building technological solutions that can help teams deliver client engagements more efficiently.”

As Group Head of the Forvis Mazars’ Global Innovation Incentives Board, Ridley works on developing intellectual property strategies that align with clients’ commercial goals and maintain tax efficiency.

Ridley said: “It’s an exciting time to join the partnership, following the formation of our global network, and the announcement of our new UK leadership.”

In December 2024, Forvis Mazars implemented an “evolved” governance model, which introduced a new leadership structure.

Hervé Hélias was appointed as chairman, while Pascal Jauffret took on the role of CEO.

The new governance model includes a Group Governing Board and a Group Executive Committee, with Hélias and Jauffret leading the respective entities.

Hélias guides the Group Governing Board in governance, strategy setting, and oversight while Jauffret is responsible for managing the Group Executive Committee, focusing on leadership, executing decisions, and delivering day-to-day strategy.