Martin Smith joins HW Fisher’s forensic team from AstraZeneca
HW Fisher, the top 25 UK chartered accountancy firm has bolstered its specialist Forensic Accounting team with the appointment of Martin Smith as Consultant who joins from pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca.
Martin has over 30 years’ accountancy experience with 20 years spent in the pharma industry and 10 years in the chemicals industry. His professional experience includes roles as CFO and board member for AstraZeneca in Italy, during a time of multiple product launches and organisational re-alignment.
In his most recent role at AstraZeneca Martin devised, developed and led a programme to identify cost saving opportunities across the organization. He was able to identify a successful data-led approach, utilising innovative analytical techniques to help uncover new opportunities for the company. This resulted in a substantial level of savings for the firm, including a Commercial Assurance programme of audits across supplier contracts and royalty agreement audits.
At HW Fisher, Martin’s presence will to turbo-charge the team’s operation, using his industry-proven expertise and experience to ensure large businesses maximize royalty revenue and reduce their supplier costs.
Rafi Saville, partner, HW Fisher Forensic comments: “Our strategy is to attract and invest in talent. Bringing someone of Martin’s calibre and incredible experience from AstraZeneca is perhaps the boldest statement we could make to back up our stated aim. We are excited to introduce him to current and prospective clients, because having stood in their shoes, he speaks their language and understands their concerns and will be able to drive straight to what is required to help them with their business operations and challenges.”
Martin Smith, consultant, HW Fisher Forensic adds: “I’m delighted to be joining HW Fisher during such an important time for the pharma industry. I look forward to adding my pharma and transformation experience globally across Europe, Asia and the US to HW Fisher’s track record in forensic accounting to help further develop its already significant royalty auditing business, as well as further expanding its commercial assurance and contract audit offering.”
