Baker Tilly International, the world’s eighth largest accounting and advisory network, on June 9, 2015 announced that the International Board of Directors has unanimously voted Ted Verkade as chief executive officer and president. Ted will succeed Geoff Barnes who will retire from that role in June 2016.
Ted brings more than 30 years of relevant industry experience to the role, having been a partner in the network’s Dutch member, Collins Barrow Berk, for 20 years. Following a long career in the audit practice, with a focus on growing the firm’s international client base, he has held several leadership positions within the firm. For the last six years he has been a managing director of the firm and he currently is the chairman of the firm’s Board of Directors.
He has been Baker Tilly International’s regional chairman for Europe, Middle East and Africa for 10 years, a period in which coverage in the region was expanded from 49 to 80 countries. During the last five years Ted has taken a leading role in setting the strategic direction of the network and the alignment of member firms globally.
“I’m excited and honoured to be leading the network at a time when there is much change in the accounting profession worldwide, said Ted. “Over the next 12 months, Geoff and I will be working closely together on a transition program to ensure we deliver the network’s strategic objectives.”
“Under Geoff’s leadership, Baker Tilly International has become a robust global network with high-calibre member firms and many talented individuals. I look forward to working with the Global Office team and our member firms to continue the network’s track record of success.”
Geoff, who will remain a member of the board following his retirement, said of his successor, “I’m thrilled the board has voted unanimously in selecting Ted. I’m enthusiastic about welcoming him as the network’s new leader and to ensure there is a smooth transition for the benefit of our member firms, clients and employees.”
Collins Barrow National Chair Doug Kroetsch, on news of this changing of the guard, said: “As an independent member of Baker Tilly International, we’re excited to welcome Ted as the network’s new CEO and president. His focus on driving international business growth and ability to think strategically will play a pivotal role in continuing to move the global network forward.
For more information:
Doug Kroetsch, Partner
Collins Barrow Edmonton LLP
dkroetsch@collinsbarrow.com
780.428.1522
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Abigail Gamble, Media Relations
Akcessia | Mayk Ideas
abigailg@akcessia.com
647.727.3584
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About Collins Barrow
Recognized as Canada’s mid-market leader for audit, tax and advisory solutions, our association of 26 independent member firms comprises the eighth largest public accounting group nationally by revenue. Through our strong network infrastructure, shared expertise, resources and offices from coast to coast, we provide clients ranging in size from large, publicly traded companies to owner-managed and emerging businesses with a full complement of professional services across every major industry sector.