Stuart Wallace has been appointed as non-executive director at Exeter-based professional services firm Prydis.

The 53-year-old, who retired from his role as senior partner at PwC LLP in December, will start his new role immediately.

Wallace was managing partner and COO for the PwC Midlands Tax business, and also led the PwC UK Tax Compliance business through a technology-enabled transformation programme toward digital delivery.

He has been a strategic advisor clients on the Fortune 500, FTSE 100 and FTSE 350 businesses as well as large private and family owned businesses.

In his new role at Prydis – which offers legal, audit and accountancy, corporate finance and wealth management services – Wallace will advise the board on how to develop the group’s strategy, with a particular focus on client service, systems and people development.

Joe Priday, managing director of Prydis Group said: “Stuart was my boss and mentor when I was at PWC, and he really is a master in professional services.

“Following the announcement of his retirement, he was flooded with offers, so we were delighted when he decided to come on board. He will be a huge asset to the company.

“Our management team will benefit enormously from the skills, knowledge and expertise he brings, and this will disseminate out to our clients.”

Wallace, who is also a non-executive director at Heart of Midlothian FC and chairman of the club’s supporters’ movement, the Foundation of Hearts, said he wasn’t ready to completely retire, which is why he was keen to join Prydis.

 “The position of non-executive director at Prydis really appealed to me because it gives me the chance to apply the best bits of corporate professional services practice to a relatively small, new wave joined up professional services firm,” he said.

He continued: “Having worked with Joe for over three years at PwC, I have confidence in his vision for further growth and expansion, and am really looking forward to helping the management teama chieve it.”