Business

Top accountant Feargal to step down as head of firm he founded

Seamless leadership transition underpins AAB’s ambitious growth plans

One of Ireland's best-known and most respected accountancy practitioners is standing down from his day-to-day role heading up the award-winning practice he founded more than 30 years ago
Feargal McCormack with AAB chief executive Emma Lancaster (left) and Teresa Campbell, who becomes the firm's new head of Ireland (Kelvin Boyes)

One of Ireland’s best-known and most respected accountancy practitioners is standing down from his day-to-day role heading up the multi award-winning practice he founded in Newry more than 30 years ago.

Feargal McCormack will step down from his position as AAB Group head of Ireland from October 1, and will be replaced by Teresa Campbell.

He will transition into the role of senior partner and head of family business for AAB across Ireland and the UK.

Feargal founded FPM in 1991, which in 2022 then merged with AAB, and he has been pivotal in establishing its high profile, presence and expansion on the island of Ireland.

Currently employing around 1,000 staff across 12 offices globally, AAB is ranked among the top 20 accountancy firms by Accountancy Daily.

The announcement of its leadership transition marks the next step in AAB’s ambitious growth plans, which are driven by a commitment to empowering people and enabling clients.

Feargal McCormack
Feargal McCormack, who will step down from his position as AAB Group head of Ireland from October 1

Feargal’s tenure is marked by unparalleled client service, innovation, and impactful contributions to both the community and economy.

His profound expertise in the complex dynamics of family business and succession have established him as a recognised authority on the subject, and a pillar of support for many of Ireland’s top family enterprises.

This wealth of experience and deep understanding positions him ideally for this vital role at AAB.

He said: “I am incredibly proud of the legacy we’ve built, and grateful for the unwavering dedication of our team.

“Handing over the reins to Teresa, a leader of such calibre, assures me that our team and clients are in exceptional hands.”



One of Feargal’s core priorities when he founded FPM was to empower colleagues and clients to be future-ready.

“That hasn’t changed. Nothing is more important than our people, they are our most vital resource. I am responsible for leading, mobilising and energising our people and it’s something that I’m very passionate about. Seeing other people succeed gives me great satisfaction.”

Teresa Campbell, who joined the firm in 2002, has spent over two decades demonstrating key leadership in audit and assurance, business advisory, and people development.

As the new head of Ireland, she will co-ordinate closely with the heads of offices across AAB to enhance our ability to provide innovative, integrated solutions tailored to the distinct needs of the local market and clients.

She said: “I’m honoured to take up the mantle from Feargal, and guide the wonderful island of Ireland team into our next chapter, as we continue to work together to go above and beyond, offering clients a bespoke suite of services that cater to their evolving needs.”

AAB chief executive Emma Lancaster added: “This transition reflects AAB’s commitment to ensuring seamless leadership continuity.

“Feargal has been, and will continue to be, an immensely influential, highly respected and hugely knowledgeable presence at AAB, both across the island of Ireland, and England and Scotland.

“A visionary leader, he has been instrumental in fostering the seamless merger of FPM and AAB, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.

“I also extend a warm welcome to Teresa Campbell as she takes up her new role. During her 20-year career at AAB she has amply demonstrated the qualities of a fine leader who is ready to build on the tremendous reputation of AAB for driving business success, and realise our exciting ambitions for further growth.”