After 40 years in the profession and 34 years with the firm, John Cowan has retired from chartered accountants Crowe Isle of Man.

’It’s been the same firm, but had several name changes over the years and many might recognise the one in longest use, Clark Whitehill’, said Mr Cowan.

Joining in 1986, he became a partner in 1989 and was managing partner for 10 years before handing over to Phaedra Bird in 2018.

He continued: ’I’ve been planning to leave for a couple of years and started to reduce my office hours to get me into the right frame of mind. The last three months have been a bit of a challenge but I kept to the plan and hopefully have cleared my desk.

’Inevitably retirement is a time for reflection and looking back I can say I think I’ve been lucky in my career. I’ve worked alongside some very talented people who’ve helped me enormously over the years.

’I’ve dealt with some brilliant fellow professionals in lots of business sectors and, most importantly, I’ve had the opportunity to advise and support a huge range of clients, which made my job extremely satisfying.

’Without those clients, I would have had no career, so I want to give them a massive thank you.

’I have never doubted I was leaving a very strong firm here in excellent hands and I’m proud of what I have helped to build over the years, but I’m a great believer in change and I’m convinced that the Crowe team we have now will make it even better.

’Post retirement, I am fortunate to have a few non-executive director appointments to keep my hand in and no plans to emigrate, even if it were possible! Holidays seem to be off the agenda for a while, but we’ll get back to more normal before too long and as a proud Manxman I think the spirit that’s been shown in the last few months has been fantastic.

’So, thank you to my colleagues, clients and contacts for all we’ve done together. I will miss it and you, but will never forget the good fortune you brought me and the firm I have been so very proud to have led.’

Crowe Isle of Man chief executive officer Phaedra Bird said: ’It’s thanks to John’s leadership, vision and abiding passion for the industry that the firm has grown and developed the trusted Crowe brand, respected by our expanding local and international client base.’