Navigating Leadership Changes in Australia’s Professional Services Sector
January 30, 2025, 4:06 pm
The winds of change are blowing through Australia’s professional services landscape. Two firms, Protiviti and William Buck, are making headlines with significant leadership shifts. These changes are not just about new titles; they reflect broader trends in the industry.
Protiviti recently announced the promotion of three new directors: Jacob Bosden, William Hunt, and Layla Shakkour. This move is part of the firm’s annual ritual of promotions, a time when fresh leadership is celebrated. Bosden and Hunt hail from the internal audit practice, while Shakkour steps into the risk and compliance team. Their ascension follows last year’s elevation of four directors, showcasing Protiviti’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Bosden’s journey is a testament to dedication. He joined Protiviti a decade ago, fresh from university. His experience in Brisbane has shaped him into a leader. Hunt, too, has a rich background. He transitioned from a consulting analyst role at JLL to Protiviti in 2016. Both men express gratitude for their colleagues and mentors, emphasizing the supportive culture at Protiviti.
Shakkour’s story is particularly compelling. She began her career in KPMG’s regulatory risk team in the UK. After moving to Sydney just before the pandemic, she quickly climbed the ranks. From manager to director in five years, her journey exemplifies hard work and resilience. Protiviti recognizes her commitment to excellence and client relationships, marking her as a standout in the firm.
In addition to these promotions, several Sydney-based professionals have been elevated to associate director roles. This includes individuals from technology consulting and financial services risk. The firm is clearly investing in its future, building a robust leadership team to navigate the complexities of the market.
Meanwhile, William Buck is undergoing its own transformation. The firm has appointed Greg Travers as the new chair for Australia and New Zealand. He takes over from Jamie McKeough, who has led the firm through a period of impressive growth. Under McKeough’s leadership, William Buck saw its annual revenues soar by 50%, reaching over $170 million. This growth places the firm just outside the top ten largest accounting and consulting organizations in Australia.
Travers brings over 25 years of experience to his new role. He has been with William Buck since 1999, starting as a tax services director. His expertise in tax matters is well-regarded, making him a valuable asset as the firm continues to expand. He aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the firm, ensuring that the collective expertise of the team is leveraged for superior client outcomes.
The leadership transitions at both firms reflect a broader trend in the professional services sector. As the industry evolves, firms are recognizing the importance of nurturing internal talent. The promotions at Protiviti and the appointment of Travers at William Buck signal a shift towards a more dynamic and responsive leadership model.
In a landscape where client needs are constantly changing, having leaders who understand the intricacies of the business is crucial. Both Protiviti and William Buck are positioning themselves to meet these challenges head-on. They are not just filling roles; they are shaping the future of their organizations.
The emphasis on internal promotions also highlights a commitment to employee development. Firms are investing in their people, recognizing that a strong internal culture leads to better client service. This approach fosters loyalty and engagement, creating a workforce that is motivated to excel.
As these firms navigate their respective journeys, they will face challenges. The professional services sector is competitive and ever-changing. However, with strong leadership in place, both Protiviti and William Buck are well-equipped to adapt and thrive.
In conclusion, the recent leadership changes at Protiviti and William Buck are more than just newsworthy events. They represent a strategic approach to growth and development in the professional services sector. By promoting from within and appointing experienced leaders, these firms are setting the stage for continued success. The future looks bright for both organizations as they embrace transformation and innovation. The journey ahead will be one of collaboration, resilience, and excellence.
Protiviti recently announced the promotion of three new directors: Jacob Bosden, William Hunt, and Layla Shakkour. This move is part of the firm’s annual ritual of promotions, a time when fresh leadership is celebrated. Bosden and Hunt hail from the internal audit practice, while Shakkour steps into the risk and compliance team. Their ascension follows last year’s elevation of four directors, showcasing Protiviti’s commitment to nurturing talent.
Bosden’s journey is a testament to dedication. He joined Protiviti a decade ago, fresh from university. His experience in Brisbane has shaped him into a leader. Hunt, too, has a rich background. He transitioned from a consulting analyst role at JLL to Protiviti in 2016. Both men express gratitude for their colleagues and mentors, emphasizing the supportive culture at Protiviti.
Shakkour’s story is particularly compelling. She began her career in KPMG’s regulatory risk team in the UK. After moving to Sydney just before the pandemic, she quickly climbed the ranks. From manager to director in five years, her journey exemplifies hard work and resilience. Protiviti recognizes her commitment to excellence and client relationships, marking her as a standout in the firm.
In addition to these promotions, several Sydney-based professionals have been elevated to associate director roles. This includes individuals from technology consulting and financial services risk. The firm is clearly investing in its future, building a robust leadership team to navigate the complexities of the market.
Meanwhile, William Buck is undergoing its own transformation. The firm has appointed Greg Travers as the new chair for Australia and New Zealand. He takes over from Jamie McKeough, who has led the firm through a period of impressive growth. Under McKeough’s leadership, William Buck saw its annual revenues soar by 50%, reaching over $170 million. This growth places the firm just outside the top ten largest accounting and consulting organizations in Australia.
Travers brings over 25 years of experience to his new role. He has been with William Buck since 1999, starting as a tax services director. His expertise in tax matters is well-regarded, making him a valuable asset as the firm continues to expand. He aims to foster collaboration and innovation within the firm, ensuring that the collective expertise of the team is leveraged for superior client outcomes.
The leadership transitions at both firms reflect a broader trend in the professional services sector. As the industry evolves, firms are recognizing the importance of nurturing internal talent. The promotions at Protiviti and the appointment of Travers at William Buck signal a shift towards a more dynamic and responsive leadership model.
In a landscape where client needs are constantly changing, having leaders who understand the intricacies of the business is crucial. Both Protiviti and William Buck are positioning themselves to meet these challenges head-on. They are not just filling roles; they are shaping the future of their organizations.
The emphasis on internal promotions also highlights a commitment to employee development. Firms are investing in their people, recognizing that a strong internal culture leads to better client service. This approach fosters loyalty and engagement, creating a workforce that is motivated to excel.
As these firms navigate their respective journeys, they will face challenges. The professional services sector is competitive and ever-changing. However, with strong leadership in place, both Protiviti and William Buck are well-equipped to adapt and thrive.
In conclusion, the recent leadership changes at Protiviti and William Buck are more than just newsworthy events. They represent a strategic approach to growth and development in the professional services sector. By promoting from within and appointing experienced leaders, these firms are setting the stage for continued success. The future looks bright for both organizations as they embrace transformation and innovation. The journey ahead will be one of collaboration, resilience, and excellence.