Ged Cosgrove FCA, Managing Director

After joining Champion in 1985, Ged was appointed Partner after just one year. Since then he has directed the transformation of the practice into a provider of wide-ranging business advice and is responsible for overseeing year-on-year growth and the development of new satellite offices under the Champion brand. Ged is a member of the Audit and Remuneration committees.

Karen Baird FCCA, Group Finance Director

Prior to taking up the role of Group Finance Director in 2003, Karen handled a diverse portfolio of clients providing accountancy and business advice to many owner managed businesses. She is responsible for the Management Accounts department and provides financial focus, direction and future planning for Champion and its clients. Karen is a member of the Audit and Remuneration committees.

Rachel Ward Lilley, Group Operations Director

Rachel’s focus is on the smooth running of the business. After 15 years experience working for and with large and small businesses, she joined Champion in 2001, with responsibilities including ongoing systemisation of the business, internal communications, human resources, team development and the integration of new practices into the Group.

Geoff Dallimore ACA ATII, Director

Geoff joined Champion from Arthur Andersen’s in 1999 as our Tax Partner. A qualified accountant and tax practitioner, Geoff specializes in advising high net worth individuals and owner-managers on all aspects of personal, corporate, capital gains and inheritance tax issues.

Kevin Philbin Non-Executive Director

Kevin was appointed in February 2006 – he is a founder partner of Atticus Legal LLP, Manchester based corporate Solicitors and has been practising as a Corporate Lawyer since 1984.

He is and/or has been a director of a number of listed and private companies including Range Cooker Company plc, Crystalband plc, All Points North PLC, Supreme Plastics Limited, Premiere Group Plc, Community Television Network Limited, DRL Holdings Limited, RTS Holdings Limited and Gold Medal Travel Group plc. Kevin chairs the Audit and Remuneration Committees.

Remuneration Committee

The committee is responsible for determining the group’s policy for executive remuneration and approving the terms and conditions of employment of the Executive Directors. The committee determines appropriate performance conditions for bonuses.

Audit Committee

The committee’s written terms of reference include any matters relating to the appointment, resignation or dismissal of the external auditors and their fees. They monitor the effectiveness and independence of the external auditors. The board is satisfied that the external auditor, PKF (UK) LLP, has adequate policies and safeguards in place to ensure that auditor objectivity and independence is maintained. The committee meets three times a year. When requested by the Committee Chairman, the Group Finance Director attends these meetings and produces any reports which are requested.