Advisory
Accounting Firm Baker Tilly Gets New CEO
Shortly after Whitman assumes the CEO role, Baker Tilly will hold a firmwide Stewardship Day on July 14, 2016 to acknowledge Whitman’s election and to celebrate its people. Employees will dedicate the entire workday to community service, giving and ...
Jun. 01, 2016
The U.S.-based, global accounting, advisory and professional services firm Baker Tilly Virchow Krause, LLP (Baker Tilly) has a new CEO: Alan Whitman has become chairman and chief executive officer after serving for a period as CEO-Elect.
Whitman formally assumes overall management and strategic direction of the firm, as well as overseeing and managing the client service program, leading the development of leadership and management platforms, and directing recruiting and retention efforts. Charged with growing the firm’s national presence and accelerating its success, Whitman will utilize a strategic leadership platform to guide Baker Tilly that consists of three pillars: Collaboration, Celebrating Our People, and Revered Brand.
“After being a part of Baker Tilly for more than a decade, I am thrilled to be leading our nationally recognized firm with leading capabilities and professionals who are among the most influential in the accounting and advisory profession,” Whitman said. “I am looking forward to advancing our vision of becoming America’s Finest Professional Services firm, continuing strategic growth and leveraging our game-changing collaboration to provide tailored and responsive professional services.”
“Baker Tilly is guided by our core values of integrity, passion and stewardship – principles that guide our behaviors and choices and help us strive for excellence in everything we do,” adds Whitman. “As part of these core values, we’ll continue to strengthen our culture of collaboration to further elevate how we deliver for our clients as Valued Business Advisors.
Outgoing CEO and Chairman Tim Christen will continue his responsibilities as chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and with various Baker Tilly and Baker Tilly International committees.
“Alan has been an invaluable member of Baker Tilly’s executive leadership and has the vision and passion to drive the firm to new levels of success,” Christen said. “He will continue the company’s momentum, particularly in developing an exceptional culture in which all team members can participate in an innovative and collaborative workplace. His global vision and strong business acumen make him the right leader at the right time to lead Baker Tilly forward.”
Shortly after Whitman assumes the CEO role, Baker Tilly will hold a firmwide Stewardship Day on July 14, 2016 to acknowledge Whitman’s election and to celebrate its people. Employees will dedicate the entire workday to community service, giving and education in support of hunger relief. The event reinforces Whitman’s commitment to company culture internally and within the profession.
Prior to serving as CEO, Whitman was the managing partner for Baker Tilly’s Detroit office. He also led the international services practice for the firm. Prior to joining Baker Tilly, he served as a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Indiana University.