Login
iscover
Nine more elevated to the highest leadership level in bumper year for appointments as long-serving founders move aside from MD roles.
Newsletter
William Buck promotes record number of directors, changes board
11 July 2023
•
10 minute read
William Buck has announced a record nine internal promotions to director as part of its July promotions round, taking the number to 26 for the year and the overall total to 128.
You’re out of free articles for this month
To continue reading the rest of this article, please log in.
Create free account to get unlimited news articles and more!
The promotions span the business advisory, tax, audit and assurance, and superannuation divisions.
Chair of William Buck Australia and New Zealand Jamie McKeough said to become a director, the firm’s highest level of leadership, is a testament to an individual’s exceptional ability in his or her field, outstanding leadership skills and genuine relationship-driven approach.
“Our staff are our greatest asset. As such, we encourage and reward professional and personal development, evidenced by our commitment to promote from within where possible,” he said.
“Several of our newly promoted leaders began their careers at William Buck as graduates. Sarah Blake, 33, is a chartered accountant and financial adviser with an impressive knowledge base. An exemplary leader, Sarah is trusted by her peers and has always gone above and beyond – something that’s been recognised with a firm-wide service award and accelerated career progression.
“Lloyd Crawford, 33, joined us in 2014 from the UK and has since been a valued member of our audit and assurance team. Like Sarah, Lloyd has been instrumental in developing younger team members, with whom he’s trusted and considered a ‘go to’ for guidance and support.”
Of the 26 new directors appointed in the last 12 months, six were lateral hires while 20 were promotions.
Director promotions effective 1 July:
- Alex Zinzopoulos – tax services (R&D)
- Andrew Toole – business advisory
- Christina Puzio – business advisory
- Danielle Constantine – tax services
- Dempsey Smythe – business advisory
- James Fox – business advisory
- James King – tax services
- Lloyd Crawford – audit and assurance
- Sarah Blake – business advisory and superannuation
At the same time, William Buck has welcomed two new board members in Greg Travers and Conley Manifis, who assume the roles of managing director in NSW and WA respectively, replacing Nick Hatzistergos and Mark Collins who continue as executive chairs of their local firms.
William Buck said its board consisted of each member firm’s managing directors and both appointments were long-term staff members.
Mr Travers had been with William Buck for 24 years, most recently as head of tax.
Mr Hatzistergos said: “Our growth aspirations in NSW are centred on developing our people and providing them with opportunities. Greg is the right person to steward the firm into its next stage of growth and support continual evolution.”
Mr Conley’s career spanned 28 years, with 11 years in executive leadership positions at William Buck WA, including as head of audit and assurance.
Mr Collins said: “Conley has consistently demonstrated an unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional results and driving positive change.
“I am confident that Conley will continue to drive the momentum built by previous leadership and leverage his strengths to provide direction that will ensure William Buck WA continues to provide outstanding client services.”
Mr Hatzistergos and Mr Collins were founding members of the William Buck group and “played momentous roles” in building the group.
William Buck now has 900-plus staff across Australia and New Zealand.
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!
