FORMER Kent student Neil Chapman has been promoted to senior partner in KPMG's South East Counties practice serving the county. He succeeds Philip Hardaker who becomes regional executive partner for the Middle East and South East Asia practice.

Neil, 46, married with five children, joined KPMG after graduating from the University of Kent in 1976 and has been a partner since 1990. He was formerly head of audit for the Gatwick office, working with an extensive portfolio of businesses throughout the county.

He said: "The exciting new role is a real challenge and I am looking forward to helping with the firm's continued success in the local business community."