…Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA. Surprising, our bets were on Kimberly Ellison-Taylor.
Announced by the AICPA yesterday, the current president and CEO of Allinial Global — described in the press release as “an association of independent accounting and advisory firms with $6 billion in collective revenue and 268 member firms worldwide” — will be taking over for Barry Melancon in January. Allinial firms include BPM, Cherry Bekaert, Eisner Advisory Group, Weaver, and Wipfli.
Simon Bittlestone, FCMA, CGMA, CIMA president and chair of the Association, said: “We are delighted to announce Mark as our new CEO for the Association. The appointment follows an open and extensive global search that attracted a strong pool of candidates from around the world. Mark is a dynamic, values-led leader with extensive experience and knowledge of our profession. The board looks forward to working with him in leading our members, candidates, and the profession into the 2030s and beyond.” Simon also took the opportunity to thank Barry Melancon “for his leadership of AICPA & CIMA and lifelong commitment to advancing the accounting and finance profession – a remarkable 30 years of dedication.”
Mark Koziel said: “I am excited and honored to be appointed CEO of the world’s largest accounting membership body. I look forward to playing a key role in leading the organization and the profession to new heights. The profession is well positioned to expand and continue to evolve the value it brings serving the public interest and addressing the challenges faced by economies, business, and society.
Literally the same as the last guy.
“I cannot wait to start working closely with members, candidates, volunteers, and staff to do just that and drive our great profession forward,” added Koziel.
Retiring CEO Barry Melancon said: “Serving the profession over the last 30 years has been a great honor, and I have been fortunate to have played a part in its transformation. I am thrilled to see Mark appointed to the role, knowing his passion and vision for the profession and AICPA & CIMA. Mark will do a fantastic job.”
We’ll do a deeper dive on this dude shortly.
Mark ran PCPS at the AICPA before he went to Allinial. A lot of people thought he was the “head coach in waiting” at AICPA but Barry didn’t quite yet want to walk away. PCPS was outstanding under Mark’s leadership, and the, ahem, “association” needs desperately to get back to focusing on firms.
The AICPA has lost it’s way the last few years, hopefully Mark can bring it back.
Melancon was a disaster. How does one guy from Louisiana end up monopolizing the AICPA for decades? I knew he was useless when the AICPA stood by and did nothing to save Arthur Andersen. Not a peep! Can you imagine the ABA letting Sullivan and Cromwell be dismantled? He did nothing for the profession except puffery and feel good PR.