HLB Mann Judd has made six director appointments across its Adelaide and Sydney offices, including the signing of former EY director Peter Wirtz as tax director of the South Australian firm.
HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair Tony Fittler said the appointments reflect increased client demand and the strength of the firm’s personnel.
“Peter Wirtz comes to HLB Mann Judd Adelaide with considerable experience and is widely considered a leading specialist in R&D tax credits and incentives. South Australian clients will benefit from his advice and experience in the field,” he said.
Mr Wirtz has 20 years’ experience in professional services throughout Australia, South Africa, Brazil, China and Japan and was previously director of R&D incentives at EY. His remit will be the provision of tax consulting services to Australian-based companies, ranging from start-up to multinational in size.
In Sydney, the firm has announced several promotions within its tax consulting and business advisory divisions, effective from 1 January 2021.
Lauren Whelan has been appointed director – tax consulting. Having joined as a graduate in 2012, Ms Whelan practices in tax compliance and consulting for corporates and specialises in transfer pricing and other international taxation matters.
Peter Bardos has been appointed director – tax consulting. Mr Bardos is a tax compliance and consulting director, having joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009. He advises on complex tax matters, combining his knowledge of tax legislation with an understanding of commercial and industry-specific issues.
Andrew Ash has been appointed director – business advisory. Mr Ash joined the firm in 2017 from BDJ and specialises in assisting business owners and their families with achieving strategic objectives. He has strong expertise across a range of industries including construction, hire and rental, IT, retail, manufacturing, cleaning services, design, hospitality and marketing.
Georgina Ridhalgh has been appointed director – business advisory. Part of the firm since 2003, Ms Ridhalgh works primarily with family businesses and large, high-net-worth family groups.
Tom Roberts has been appointed director – business advisory. Mr Roberts commenced his career with HLB Mann Judd’s corporate tax division in 2008, and spent the early part of his career advising large corporate entities including ASX-listed and multinational businesses.
“It’s undoubtedly been a challenging year for businesses, but this also presents an opportunity for future leaders to step up and take on added responsibility,” Mr Fittler said on the appointments.
“Most of the new directors in Sydney have been with HLB Mann Judd for a number of years and have continued to excel in their areas of expertise by guiding clients through this time of uncertainty.
“These appointments are a reflection of the strong growth across the member firms in the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association. They join 90 partners and directors and 550 staff members in providing advice and services to a wide range of business organisations and private clients.”
The new appointments in Adelaide and Sydney follow the appointment of three new partners and three new directors in the Adelaide, Perth and Wollongong offices in the past year.
Tony Zhang
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