Quest, who will lead the UK firm's people strategy and policy development, first joined KPMG in 1997.

She became a mergers and acquisitions tax partner in 2003. Commenting on her latest appointment, she said: "KPMG has established itself as a leading employer in recent years. I am determined to build on this and to continue to shape our people policies to enable staff to reach their full potential and deliver outstanding service to clients."

She added: "With signs that the worst of the recession may now be behind us, the outlook is a little brighter for professional services firms. At KPMG, we are positioning ourselves for selective growth, particularly in our advisory services practice."