Jeremy Asher (39) has taken over as chief executive of PA Consulting Group from Jon Moynihan, who sheds his chief executive and chairman title to become executive chairman. The aim of the new appointment is to support the internal strategic changes implemented at PA Consulting over the last seven months.

Asher, a former consultant at Strategic Planning Associates (now Mercer Management Consultancy), who went on to buy the former Mobil refinery in Wilhelmshaven, Germany, will be responsible for the running the firm and will have control of the management committee. As executive chairman, Moynihan will be responsible for developing the firm's strategy and manage governance issues as well as looking out for new client opportunities.

"PA Consulting has been revitalising itself over the last few years and that is a process I want to take to the next level; I would like the firm to be seen as a management leader," said Asher. "It is already well-known for its work in performance management, IT and human resources and I would like to see that range of services more integrated into corporate strategy."

Moynihan began to reorganise PA's structure seven months ago after conflicts over the matter between himself and the then majority share holder the Butten Trust were resolved.

Under his wing PA has reorganised its global operations into integrated market-facing industry and service lines and modernised its governance structure.