PROFESSIONAL services group KPMG has made three promotions in its Newcastle office.

CHRIS SCOTT, who joined KPMG in 2001, has been promoted to transaction services director. He has worked on some high-profile transactions, including the takeover of Safeway by Morrisons, the disposal of the Co-op's dairy business and the sale of Swiss Air's ground handling division in Zurich.

SARA CAPLAN, from Whitley Bay, North Tyneside, is now a director in KPMG's public sector team, where she focuses on the education and skills sector in the region and supports the planning of national government skills and UK competitiveness initiatives. She joined KPMG in Newcastle in 2001 after ten years in teaching and management roles at Newcastle College.

DAVID REDHEAD'S promotion to director within KPMG's Newcastle audit team sees him support a variety of businesses across the UK and beyond from owner managed companies through to listed and international organisations. Mr Redhead lives in Middlesbrough and has worked for KPMG in the North-East for 17 years.

Richard Bottomley, office senior partner at KPMG Newcastle, said: "This trio of promotions is a pleasure to announce because Chris, Sara and David have each maximised their skills to the benefit of their clients and KPMG, becoming key members of the firm's management team in Newcastle."