Jonathan Kennedy
Partner
After completing an engineering degree at Edinburgh University, I knew I wanted a business-focused career. Unsure what exactly, I moved to London to work at a large accounting firm, qualified as a chartered accountant three years later and moved into their consulting practice – attracted by the variety of cutting edge work. Working for a large organisation gave me the opportunity to travel and work abroad. I spent three years working in the USA, most of which was as a project manager on a major enterprise resource planning programme for an engineering and construction company.
After ten years, I felt pigeonholed by repetitive assignments and was tired of constantly being away from home. Berkeley offered a greater variety of work, plus the chance to spend more of my time in and around London.
I joined Berkeley in 2004, and was made a partner in 2009. Since joining, I’ve spent a fair amount of my time working in the energy sector, taking on delivery responsibility for some major programmes, as well as some short stints in retail and fund management. It’s all been very different, but also very rewarding.
I’m a big rugby fan. I used to play quite seriously at university, and for a number of club sides. I still follow the game closely, and support my hometown club, Ulster. I travel back to Belfast occasionally to see them play. I also play golf enthusiastically – but badly.