BDO UK elects new senior partner
Iain Henderson has today been named as BDO’s next senior partner following a vote by the firm’s equity partners.
Iain will take office on 1 October 2026. He succeeds Matthew White, who will have completed his maximum of two four-year terms as BDO’s senior partner.
The role of senior partner is central to BDO’s governance, with responsibility for ensuring effective oversight, independent challenge and a strong partnership culture, as well as representing the firm externally with clients, regulators, its global network and the communities it serves.
Iain is a long-standing BDO partner with more than 30 years ‘ experience auditing public and private multinational businesses, and a strong understanding of the regulatory and public interest environment in which the firm operates.
As sector lead for BDO’s US audit team and UK country co-ordinating partner for the US member firm, he has built and led cross-border teams, and plays an active role in firm governance through positions on the Audit Stream Executive, International Board and Oversight Board.
In his new role, he will be chair of the Oversight Board, the most senior governance body for the firm, and be responsible for compliance with the Audit Firm Governance Code (AFGC). He will also work closely with BDO’s four independent non-executives (INEs).
The appointment comes at a time of continued evolution in the professional services market, with increasing expectations around quality, transparency, risk and public trust. The senior partner plays a key role in ensuring decision making is robust, appropriately challenged and aligned to the public interest.
Iain Henderson said: “I am honoured to have been elected as BDO’s next senior partner.
“This is a role with a clear purpose – to drive strong governance, ensure robust challenge and oversight, and help maintain a culture where people with the public interest at heart can succeed.
“BDO is a firm with a long-established focus on ideas, people and trust; strong governance is critical to that. I look forward to working with Matt over the coming months and with our partners, governance bodies, INEs and leadership as I prepare to take up the role on 1 October.”
White leaves a strong legacy on which to build. The outgoing senior partner has strengthened BDO’s governance structure significantly. He has expanded the contribution of the firm’s independent non-executives, has responded to a growing focus on ESG, quality and ethics, and represented the UK firm across its international network.
Matthew White, outgoing senior partner at BDO, added: “The coming years will bring continued change in our market, with evolving regulation, advancements in technology and growing expectations around quality and trust.
“It has been a privilege to serve as BDO’s senior partner for the last eight years. I have every confidence that under Iain’s oversight, the firm, our people and our clients will continue to grow and succeed.”
Matthew White remains in position as BDO’s senior partner until 1 October 2026 and will work closely with Iain to ensure a smooth transition.