Azets names former trainee as its new managing partner for Ashford office
Katie Hodson is the new managing partner at the Ashford office of UK top 10 accountancy and business advisory firm Azets – 20 years after starting her career there.
Katie began her working life at Azets in Ashford as an audit and accounts trainee in 2005 and completed her ACCA qualification in 2009, before becoming director of client services in 2020, and a partner in 2023.
She works with a range of SMEs, owner-managed businesses, sole traders and partnerships, and has particular expertise in the construction, property and viticulture sectors.
As office managing partner, Katie will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Azets’ 40-strong team in Ashford, as well as leading on business development and client service.
She takes over from Rick Schofield, who has been appointed head of risk and quality for the UK tax team – a role he will carry out alongside his existing client commitments – after five years as the office managing partner in Ashford.
Katie said: “I’m delighted to be taking over from Rick and to be building on the strong foundations he created within our close-knit team in Ashford.
“Kent is a fantastic place to do business. That’s evident from the fact the county is home to everything from farms and vineyards to manufacturers and digital innovators, and everything in between.
“Firms in the region are forward-thinking and incredibly ambitious and I’m really looking forward to playing a bigger role supporting them, our team, and the wider business community in the months and years ahead.”
Nick Parrett, southern regional managing director at Azets, said: “Katie’s an excellent technician, committed to first-rate client service and looking after and developing our team, and is well-known and well-respected across the local and regional business community.
“All of the team in Ashford and across the Azets southern region are looking forward to working with her in her new role – and wish her well as she takes the reins from Rick.”