In Sydney, Donna Arnold and Warrick Oakes have been promoted to partner, while David Prescott steps into the role in Perth. In addition, Troy Smith has been promoted to director in Adelaide. All four new appointees are Chartered Accountants, reflecting the Association’s commitment to technical excellence and professional standards.

These appointments follow a series of promotions in November, which saw the addition of three partners and six directors, underscoring the depth of talent within the Association.

Mark Muller, chair of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association, said the promotions reflect the strength of the firms and the calibre of their people.

“Our profession is evolving rapidly with increasing complexity across all practices. Demand for sophisticated tax advice, transaction support and innovation incentives is accelerating, making deep technical capability more critical than ever for our clients. These promotions highlight the areas where we see the greatest need – complex corporate and international tax, M&A and valuation expertise, business advisory and R&D-focused growth strategies.

“At the same time, we continue to embrace technological advancements while staying true to our core focus: people and clients.”

Donna Arnold brings over 15 years’ experience in tax advisory, including senior leadership roles at the Australian Taxation Office. She specialises in corporate and international tax. Donna holds a master’s in professional accounting and a bachelor of economics from the University of New South Wales.

Warrick Oakes has been with the Sydney firm’s corporate advisory division since 2016 and is a specialist in mergers and acquisitions. He works with Australian and international firms with a range of services including transaction due diligence, valuation services and strategic growth opportunities. He is an accredited advisor with Family Business Association.

David Prescott first joined HLB Mann Judd as a cadet in 2007 and spent nine years with the firm before moving to the UK. He returned to Perth in 2018 to re-join the firm’s business advisory services division. David has a particular focus on taxation advice and compliance, and holds a bachelor of commerce (accounting) from Curtin University.

Troy Smith is a research and development (R&D) tax specialist, supporting clients in strategic advisory, the R&D Tax Incentive, Early-Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) scheme, and other growth-focused initiatives. He joined the Adelaide firm in 2019 and is a member of R&D Tax Advisers Association . He holds a bachelor of commerce (accounting & management) from the University of Adelaide.

The promotions cap off a significant year for the Association, which expanded its network with a Newcastle-based audit and assurance business joining and the acquisition of a Perth advisory firm.

The HLB Mann Judd network now comprises 12 independent member firms located in major cities and regional business centres in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as one representative firm.

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With more than three decades of experience in audit and corporate advisory, Mark brings deep technical expertise and commercial insight to the role. For over 15 years he has led HLB Mann Judd Sydney’s Assurance and Advisory division, guiding clients through complex challenges and helping them seize opportunities for growth.

Mark has played a pivotal role in shaping the Association’s capabilities, steering the network’s technical capabilities and audit approach for over 10 years. He has led audits across significant infrastructure Public Private Partnerships and proponents, major construction subcontractors, a substantial Australian precious metal refiner, and numerous well-known charities, applying a purposeful and tailored audit approach. He championed innovation in the Sydney firm, expanding digital assurance and advisory offerings to meet the evolving needs of businesses.

“I am privileged to step into the role of chair and work alongside our member firms to strengthen the Association and lead it into its next phase of growth,” he said.

“Our profession is changing rapidly, and the challenges facing businesses are increasingly complex. My priority is to champion initiatives that drive innovation, raise the bar on quality, and create tangible value for our people and the clients who trust us to help them succeed.”

Mark succeeds current chair, Tony Fittler, who will continue as senior tax partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney.

Tony Fittler has been a cornerstone of the firm since 1984, becoming partner in 1989, managing partner in 2006, and chair of the Association in 2010. Reflecting on his tenure, Tony said:

“It has been a privilege to serve as chair and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team across our network. Seeing the Association grow has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m confident that under Mark’s leadership, we will continue to thrive, innovate, and deliver value to our people and clients”.

The HLB Mann Judd network comprises 12 independent member firms across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as one representative firm. Together we combine local knowledge with global reach to help our clients make their next best move.

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