A MULTINATIONAL professional services network has admitted three new equity partners in Scotland, bringing the total number across the firm’s offices in three Scottish cities to 29.

In doing so, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) has increased the number of female partners to seven, representing 24% of the total Scottish partnership.

This is due to the appointment of Gillian Alexander, who has been with the firm since 2001. She will be responsible for the continued growth and development of PwC’s financial services audit practice, where she already manages a portfolio of major clients.

Edinburgh-based Tom Pulling will lead data and analytics in the risk assurance business, where he will have a key role leading wider technology engagements and will drive growth by helping clients exploit data and technology to solve business problems.

Finally, Craig French, based in Glasgow, becomes a partner in the Tax practice, where he will lead and grow the large corporate tax team. He will also work with international businesses with a presence in Scotland.

READ MORE: Standard Life's 1825 acquires Grant Thornton UK

PwC, which employs 900 staff across Scotland, has also promoted six new directors in Scotland – half of them female.

Matt Kaye and Lisa Sawyer work in the audit practice, Iain Kirkpatrick in risk assurance, Sharon Blain and Gemma Buxton both work in tax and Graeme Williams sits within the deals corporate finance team.

Lindsay Gardiner, chairman of PwC Scotland, said: “This year’s partner and director promotions once again illustrate the strength and depth of the talent we have working for PwC in Scotland across all parts of the firm.

“We are investing heavily in our audit business, an additional £30 million a year across the UK, and the admission of Gillian, Lisa and Matt to the partnership demonstrates our commitment to our audit clients here in Scotland.”

“With technology becoming such an integral part of helping us deliver for our clients, Tom’s experience in data and analytics will prove invaluable as we continue to grow in this vital area.

“Craig has considerable expertise in international and corporate tax which he will continue to bring to bear to our clients.”