Mr Rowe first joined the firm in January 2018 as Chief Financial Officer.

The appointment is part of a broader strategy to transform the firm from a traditional accounting practice to a fully integrated professional services provider.

HLB Mann Judd Adelaide managing partner James Hooper said Mr Rowe is an accomplished financial and change management executive whose skill set is an ideal fit for the role.

“Mike’s experience and vision will help us identify new opportunities, particularly around the use of technology so that we can build a platform that will enable the partners to dedicate more time to delivering client service excellence,” he said.

Mr Rowe said that HLB has an exceptionally talented and engaged team that has consistently delivered award-winning client service.

“In the role of CEO, I really want to unlock future growth opportunities. The challenge I am most looking forward to is building on the existing track record of exceptional service to meet the changing needs of our clients.”

Prior to his time at HLB Mann Judd Adelaide, Mr Rowe had worked in Big 4 consulting roles and spent 20 years in various senior leadership roles both in Australia and abroad in the technology, e-commerce and professional services sectors.

His promotion follows the appointment last October of Alan Green as chairman of HLB Mann Judd Adelaide. The newly-formed role was part of the firm’s strategy to transform how it engaged with its clients.

“We are a proud South-Australian owned and operated business. I believe we are taking the right steps to move the firm forward so that we can help our clients grow and prosper,” concluded Mr Hooper.

HLB Mann Judd is an Australasian association of independent accounting firms and business and financial advisers, with firms in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji.