Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Abbie West-Kelsey, Kingsley Napley
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Abbie West-Kelsey, Tax Manager at Kingsley Napley. Her work spans UK personal tax, tax compliance and long‑term wealth planning. She built her career at leading accountancy firms Blick Rothenberg and BDO, advising individuals and trusts on a wide range of tax issues.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
I am a Tax Manager at Kingsley Napley, where I advise individuals, families and trustees on complex tax and succession planning matters, often with an international dimension. My role involves helping clients structure their affairs efficiently while navigating HMRC scrutiny.
What does a typical day look like for you?
No two days are the same. My work can range from business development and networking, liaising with HMRC, supporting clients through sensitive matters such as separation, advising on succession planning or international moves, and writing articles to share insights.
Tell us about some recent, interesting client instructions/requests you have received.
One of our more memorable recent instructions involved a client who unexpectedly inherited approximately USD 1.3 billion. We are currently advising on the structuring of the estate and long term succession planning, including cross border considerations and governance. It’s a rare mix of excitement and responsibility, helping turn a life changing windfall into a well structured, future proof legacy.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
Clients are increasingly facing complex, evolving tax rules, often compounded by differences across jurisdictions. I help by simplifying that complexity and taking a coordinated approach to ensure solutions are clear, practical and aligned across borders.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
Taking the leap from an accountancy practice into a law firm was a big step, but one that has really broadened my perspective and allows me to approach complex matters from a different angle.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Creating an environment where people feel supported and have the platform to thrive and grow in confidence. The best leaders don’t just direct – they enable others to do their best work.
Who do you most admire and why?
I have been incredibly fortunate to work with many talented and inspiring people, both colleagues and clients. I admire those who lead with quiet confidence and consistency – people who don’t need to be the loudest voice in the room but consistently deliver and support others.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
My most recent trip was to Jersey, to support my colleagues in our Family team who were discussing a recent case on a sham trust and divorce.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
Probably something like investigative work – I enjoy piecing things together and solving problems, which isn’t too far removed from what I do now.
How do you relax after a long day?
I like to switch off with something easy, like watching a good series.
Kingsley Napley’s Citywealth Leaders List profile
Key Takeaways
- Abbie West-Kelsey is a Tax Manager at Kingsley Napley, advising on complex tax issues and succession planning.
- She deals with varied tasks daily, including networking, liaising with HMRC, and writing articles.
- Currently, she assists a client who inherited USD 1.3 billion, focusing on estate structuring and governance.
- Abbie simplifies complex tax rules for clients facing challenges across jurisdictions.
- Her proudest achievement is transitioning from accountancy to law, broadening her perspective in her field.
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