Mere hours ago, Baker Tilly announced via news release that Alan Whitman has resigned from his role as CEO and chairman of the board effective immediately. This is a surprise to say the least, Baker Tilly has been making a lot of big moves in the past year or so, honestly we expected an explosive merger or another celebrity endorsement coming down the pipe, not the abrupt exit of a leader who we rarely hear anything negative being said about.
Leading advisory CPA firm Baker Tilly US, LLP (“Baker Tilly”) today announced that after 20 years of dedicated service, Alan Whitman has resigned from his role as chief executive officer and chairman of the board with immediate effect. Jeff Ferro, regional managing partner, has been appointed interim chief executive officer and Jeffrey DeYoung, managing partner, has been appointed chairman of the board of partners (the “Board”).
“In just five years, we at Baker Tilly have doubled our workforce, expanded our footprint nationally and internationally with 19 successful combinations, and secured our position as a Top 10 advisory CPA firm with a distinct global brand,” said Managing Partner Jeffrey DeYoung. “Alan Whitman was instrumental in leading Baker Tilly to become one of the fastest-growing advisory CPA firms in the U.S.”
DeYoung continued, “In the midst of this significant period of growth, Jeff Ferro brings experienced leadership and a strong track record of operational excellence. Jeff, along with our entire Baker Tilly team, are focused on our mission to enhance and protect our clients’ value. Together, we are excited for our future as we advance our long-term strategy.”
Jeff Ferro is a 35-year veteran of the profession. He currently leads Baker Tilly’s eastern and central regions and is known for his business acumen and skill in developing next-generation talent. Previously, Ferro served as president of ParenteBeard and led its merger and integration in 2014 with Baker Tilly. Since that time, Ferro has guided several successful acquisitions by Baker Tilly.
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead Baker Tilly during this time of transition and thank the Board and my Partners for their confidence,” said Ferro. “Baker Tilly is an exceptional organization with exceptional people and exceptional clients. I look forward to collaborating across our firm as we create the advisory CPA firm of the future, today.”
DeYoung continued, “Alan’s impact on our organization and our lives is undeniable. We are grateful for his significant leadership and wish him the best in his next endeavors.”
“As my two-decades career with Baker Tilly comes to an end, it has been an absolute privilege and honor to serve as CEO for the past seven years,” said Alan Whitman. “I am proud of our organization’s resolve to reimagine the workplace and uphold our purpose to unleash and amplify talent. I am confident in the leadership of Jeff Ferro and Jeffrey DeYoung and know that along with the abundant talent at Baker Tilly, the firm’s future is bright.”
We have received text of the email that went out to Baker Tilly staff earlier today and are including it below for your reading pleasure.
If you have more information or would like to share your feelings on this sudden news, get in touch.
Happy trails, Alan! Wherever you may go from here.
I quit this month too. Glad I’m not the only one.