How many times can we reuse this stupid Deloitte billboard picture?
Deloitte US announced this morning that Jason Girzadas has been selected as chief executive officer and Lara Abrash has been selected as the chair of the board, beginning June 4, 2023, subject to a partner ratification vote. Jason succeeds outgoing CEO Joe Ucuzoglu who was chosen as Deloitte Global CEO last year, Lara will be replacing Chair Janey Foutty.
There is of course the obligatory fluffing in the press release:
“Jason’s business leadership and commitment to serving our clients and alliance partners has delivered tremendous impact for Deloitte, our clients, and the overall professional services profession. His experience and ability to drive an innovation culture and technology-driven transformation positions him to lead our firm through the complexities and opportunities of the future. Lara’s distinguished career, including her deep regulatory and governance experience and passion for the partnership, has prepared her to lead our board forward with distinction,” said Foutty. “Jason and Lara are visionary leaders with proven track records who bring complementary experiences representing the breadth of our firm, which will make for a strong partnership to skillfully lead our firm over the next four years.”
“I have had the pleasure of working closely with Jason and Lara over many years, most recently as members of the US Executive Committee,” said Ucuzoglu, who was recently elected Deloitte Global CEO. “I am thrilled by their selection, and I am confident that our clients, people, communities and capital markets will benefit from their joint leadership over the next four years.”
Ucuzoglu added, “Further, I speak on behalf of our entire organization in expressing our utmost appreciation for Janet’s leadership as the chair of the board during this period of unprecedented success, and personally, I can’t thank her enough for her collaboration. While she decided not to seek a second term, Janet’s extraordinary impact and her commitment to our clients, our people, and innovation have positioned us strongly as we move into the future.”
Going Concern was provided with a copy of the email that went out to Deloitters announcing the selections, we’ve included it in its entirety below for your reading pleasure.
Colleagues,
As you know, our elected leader succession process, which takes place every four years, began in the fall. I am pleased to share that the US Board has selected Jason Girzadas as our nominee for US CEO and Lara Abrash as our nominee for US Chair. Each of these exceptional leaders have, throughout their careers, demonstrated a deep caring for our partnership, our clients, and our teams. I am immensely grateful for their commitment to serve.
Jason is currently the managing principal of Businesses, Global, and Strategic Services (BGS), where he is responsible for driving integration and strategic advancement across Deloitte’s four businesses. He also is a member of the US Executive Committee. Jason previously served as the Deloitte Global managing principal of Consulting. He also served as a member of Deloitte’s Global Board of Directors.
Lara is currently the chair and chief executive officer of Deloitte & Touche LLP, where she leads the US Audit & Assurance practice. She has served in a variety of leadership roles during her Deloitte career, including as a global lead client service partner on large multinational clients and as a member of Deloitte’s US Board. Lara is a member of the US Executive Committee.
Please join me in congratulating Jason and Lara, who will assume their new roles on June 4, 2023, pending ratification by our US Partners and Principals. As is our customary process, the Board will work with Jason and Lara on any key leadership decisions (including their successors) stemming from their selection, and we will update you as soon as that succession process is completed.
With Joe Ucuzoglu taking on the Global CEO role effective December 31, 2022, the Board asked Pete Shimer to serve as Interim US CEO on that date. Pete will continue to lead us forward in the months ahead. I too will continue to serve as US Chair until our new leaders assume their roles.
As some of you may know, I decided this past summer to not seek a second term or any other elected leader role in the partnership. I have absolutely loved chairing our wonderful Board, and the decision was not an easy one. I will keep you posted on my next chapter, but for the time being, my absolute focus in the months ahead will be on governing our amazing firm, supporting our leaders in the market, and being with our people.
This is a special time for our firm as we prepare to welcome new elected leaders—colleagues who love this organization deeply and are committed to our shared purpose and success. Together, I have no doubt we will continue to do truly amazing things.
Warmly,
Janet
Deloitte US Selects Jason Girzadas CEO; Lara Abrash Chair of the Board [PR Newswire]
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