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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Ronnie Calligeros joins HLB Mann Judd Robina within the assurance & advisory team. Mr Calligeros joins from KPMG where he was based in Australia for 10 years and prior to that, Cayman Islands for four years. He brings with him more than 19 years of experience providing advisory, accounting, and assurance services, with experience spanning numerous ASX-listed companies and other public entities, large and small private companies, family businesses, start-ups, not-for-profit organisations, managed investment schemes, and government entities.

Lindzi Caputo has been promoted to partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney in the wealth management division. Ms Caputo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a graduate in superannuation services and became a director in 2022. She works with a wide range of private clients to build and protect their wealth, covering wealth accumulation, superannuation, retirement planning and investment advice. She is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia as well as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Also in Sydney, Marcus Polovineo has been promoted to partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Polovineo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2011 and is an experienced taxation practitioner, specialising in corporate tax compliance & consulting. In 2019, he was a winner of the Specialist Consultant award at the Accountant’s Daily ‘30 under 30’ awards. Mr Polovineo is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Simon Thorp has joined HLB Mann Judd in Sydney as senior partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Thorp joins from KPMG, where he worked since 2000 in the tax division before becoming partner in 2013. Mr Thorp’s expertise spans tax advisory, international tax, and M&A, and he also provides IPO advisory, assistance with capital management and comprehensive tax compliance services.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, said: “Appointing four new partners marks a significant milestone in the Association’s growth journey. The accounting profession has been evolving over the last few years, and we remain firmly focused on what matters most, our people and our clients.”

There are also six director appointments in HLB Mann Judd firms, strengthening the wealth management, assurance and advisory, tax advisory services, and corporate and audit services practices.

In Sydney, Emma Hicks, Katie Bruce and Lachlan Bell have been promoted to director.

Emma Hicks joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a financial adviser. She works with a wide range of private clients across investment advice and structuring, wealth creation, superannuation, and retirement planning. Ms Hicks has a Bachelor of Business, accounting and human resources management, and an advanced diploma of financial planning from Kaplan.

Katie Bruce is part of the assurance & advisory division. She has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2020 when she joined as an audit supervisor. Prior to that, Ms Bruce was based in the US. She has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the California State University, and a Master of Science in accounting,

Lachlan Bell is a member of the assurance & advisory division, specialising in freight forwarding, managed funds and property management. As an audit director he brings extensive experience and expertise in financial audits and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Mr Bell is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

In Perth, Dylan Sheard, Brendan Bate and Don Tyrie have been promoted to director.

Dylan Sheard is part of the corporate & audit services team based in Perth. Mr Sheard has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2009, working on government organisations, listed clients and large private companies, including Pilbara Ports Authority, Southern Ports Authority, Poseidon Nickel and Sadleirs Transport Company. He is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Brendan Bate is a member of the wealth management team in Perth, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the accounting and financial services industries. Mr Bate joined HLB Mann Judd in 2023 with varied background across technically challenging and dynamic roles in large organisations, to advising families at a boutique financial planning firm. He has a graduate diploma in financial planning and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Don Tyrie is a member of the tax advisory services team in Perth and has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2018. Mr Tyrie works in corporate and international taxation, specialising in taxation for mining and resources companies, including mining services. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser, and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Retiring this year is Kevin Franey, a partner in the assurance & advisory team in Robina. Mr Franey has been a partner at HLB Mann Judd for almost 40 years and has delivered valuable insights and audit expertise to clients across financial institutions, large corporates, higher education, cooperatives, health & community services and not for profit entities.

“After 35 remarkable years with HLB, Kevin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, integrity and dedication. He has been a genuine pleasure to work with and we will all miss him. His contribution has shaped not only our organisation, but also the careers and lives of so many colleagues and clients. We thank Kevin for his service and wish him the best in his retirement,” said Mr Fittler.

Mr Franey says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my professional career spanning over 35 years, working and interacting with so many wonderful clients and other people who have helped shape me professionally as a person. I would like to thank the great people at HLB Mann Judd who have provided great assistance and leadership. A very special mention goes to all of the amazing Partners and Staff in our team at HLB Mann Judd Gold Coast & Northern Rivers and TNR. They are dedicated, caring and highly professional people who are beside you through thick and thin.”

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Steve Grivas

Steve Grivas has been appointed managing partner of accountants and business advisers HLB Mann Judd Sydney, succeeding Tony Fittler who has stepped down after more than 20 years in the role.

Mr Grivas is an assurance and advisory partner, and joined the firm in 1998 after graduating with a bachelor of business (accounting and finance) from the University of Technology Sydney.

As managing partner, Mr Grivas will be responsible for driving the continued growth of the firm, setting the strategic direction, and managing the business operations.

Mr Fittler congratulated Mr Grivas on being appointed to the role.

“Steve is stepping into the leadership position at a time of major change and innovation in the accounting profession and I am looking forward to seeing the firm continue to grow and adapt under his guidance.

“Steve has a deep understanding of our business and our industry and will bring new ideas and approaches to how we do things, while at the same time maintaining our philosophy and culture of client service.”

Mr Fittler will continue to be chairman of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association as well as working as a senior tax partner in the Sydney firm.

Mr Grivas says there are a number of opportunities and challenges that he is looking forward to responding to.

“As a firm and as a profession, we need to keep innovating in a world that is continually changing. New developments, such as in technology and AI, present both opportunities and threats that we need to respond to in order to thrive, and there are a number of initiatives that we will be working on to build our capabilities.

“At the same time, our people remain central to our approach and we continue to focus on how to attract the right talent and enhance our expertise and knowledge, so that we can best serve our clients.

“I am stepping into big shoes – Tony has led this firm for more than 20 years, and I thank him for the significant role he has played in the ongoing success of HLB Mann Judd Sydney,” Mr Grivas says.

Mr Grivas will also continue working with a number of his assurance and advisory clients.  He specialises in financial services, funds management, freight forwarding and customs broking, real estate, and building and construction.  Mr Grivas is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors, as well as a registered company auditor and a CA business valuation specialist.

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It is the tenth year that HLB Mann Judd has won this category.  HLB Mann Judd was also a finalist in three other categories – Best Provider to Financial & Insurance Services (>$30m revenue); Most Innovative Accounting & Consulting Services Firm (>$30m revenue); Most Trusted Firm: Accounting & Consulting Services (>$30m revenue).

The Client Choice Awards, now in their 21^st year, recognise best practice in the professional services sector. They are based on client feedback for professional services firms in Australia and New Zealand. There are no panels, judges or self-nominations, only client ratings that are independently researched by Beaton.

Tony Fittler, HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, said HLB Mann Judd’s success in the awards is a testament to the ongoing focus on client service.

“It is an honour to be recognised as the best accounting and consulting firm in our category, and we are proud of the work of all our people that has helped us achieve this.

“In addition, it is particularly pleasing to be a finalist as one of the most trusted organisations and also one of the most innovative, based on feedback from our clients.

“We continue to see significant change in our profession and at HLB Mann Judd we aim to strike a balance between providing trusted, personal support and advice to our clients, while at the same time introducing innovative ways of doing things that take advantage of new technology and processes.

“We work closely with our clients and we are committed to their success, and winning the Client Choice Awards tells us that they recognise and genuinely appreciate this,” Mr Fittler says.

Dr George Beaton, executive chairman of Beaton, says: “Leading firms in the Client Choice Awards don’t just meet client expectations; they manage and exceed them. They listen, adapt and continuously improve. Congratulations to all winners and finalists for setting the benchmark in client experience and demonstrating what excellence in professional services truly looks like.”

HLB Mann Judd congratulates all the winners and finalists at this year’s awards.

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Tony Fittler

The HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association has expanded with the addition of two new offices, strengthening its audit and corporate advisory practice in Lismore in New South Wales and Robina in Queensland.

The new office locations reflect the rebrand and restructure of the former Audit & Assurance Division of Thomas Noble & Russell (TNR), and will be led by three experienced partners: Adam Bradfield, Richard Watkinson and Kevin Franey.

The new member firm brings the HLB Mann Judd network to 10 independent member firms located in major cities and regional business centres in Australia, New Zealand and Fiji, as well as 2 representative firms.

Tony Fittler, chair of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association, said: “The deep experience of Adam, Richard and Kevin in audit and corporate advisory offers a diversified skill set for clients in a number of areas, including the government, co-operative and not for profit sectors as well as large private companies including ASX listed groups and foreign-owned corporations.  This aligns perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional client service and technical excellence.

“All three partners display an excellent cultural fit and alignment of values with the HLB Mann Judd network. Their strong focus on delivering exceptional client service and their commitment to technical excellence will further enhance the Association’s reputation as a leading provider of audit and corporate advisory services in the Australasian region.

“They have been a part of the Association and key contributors to the network for over 15 years as an affiliated member and we welcome their addition as a full member specialist audit and corporate advisory practice,” said Mr Fittler.

Mr Bradfield added: “Strategically we’ve been considering our market presence for some time and it made sense to rebrand and restructure to a well-respected mid-tier practice where we were already part of the family.

“We believe the timing is right to expand within the Association so we can continue to invest in innovation and technology to support our clients’ needs and that of our 25 full-time specialist auditors.”

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In Perth, Norman Neill has been appointed managing partner, replacing Lucio Di Giallonardo who was in the role for four years, reflecting the firm’s policy of rotating the position within the partnership. Mr Neill was previously managing partner between 2014 and 2020. He joined HLB Mann Judd as a graduate in 1992 and became a partner in the corporate advisory and audit services division in 2003.

In Sydney, five directors have been promoted as partners, bringing the number of partners in the Sydney firm to twenty-one.

Georgina Ridhalgh joined HLB Mann Judd in 2003 after gaining her Bachelor of Commerce (accounting and finance) from the University of Sydney. She became a director in the business advisory division in 2021, specialising in family businesses and high net worth family groups. Ms Ridhalgh is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

James Friend has over 15 years’ audit and advisory experience. He has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2009 and became a director in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (accounting) from Macquarie University and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Vanessa Abboud joined HLB Mann Judd in 2008 as a senior auditor before becoming a director in 2009. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce (accounting) from Macquarie University and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Peter Bardos is a tax specialist who joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Business, majoring in accounting and finance, with the University of Technology Sydney and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand as well as a chartered tax adviser with The Tax Institute.

Matthew Levesque-Hocking has 15 years’ experience in business recovery and insolvency and is a Registered Liquidator. He joined HLB Mann Judd in 2005 and became a director in 2019. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce (accounting) from the University of Adelaide and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler said “The appointment of five partners in Sydney to support our growth is an important milestone. The accounting profession is experiencing a quickly changing environment with all practices becoming more complex.  At the same time, we are managing increased technological capability while remaining strong to our core focus of people and clients.”

In Brisbane, Dony Kurniadi has been appointed partner in the audit and assurance division. He has over 20 years’ experience, starting his career in Indonesia before moving to Australia in 2006 and joining HLB Mann Judd in 2015. He holds a Bachelor of Economics (accounting) from Tarumanagara University in Jakarta, a graduate diploma of chartered accounting from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a graduate certificate in internal auditing from the Institute of Internal Auditors Australia.

HLB Mann Judd has also had several director appointments. Earlier this year Jake van der Hoek was promoted to director in the Adelaide corporate advisory division and Christian Oey from Brisbane was promoted to compliance services director.

These promotions follow the recent appointment of Peter Gardiner in Sydney to the newly created role of corporate development executive.

Mr Gardiner has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services, accounting, and banking industries in Australia, Asia, and the UK.  He first joined HLB Mann Judd Sydney in late 2023 in a business development capacity which has now been formalised into the new role. His main area of focus is driving opportunities in the corporate advisory division as well as providing a framework for best of breed processes within the firm.

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Mr Gardiner has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services, accounting and banking industries in Australia, Asia and the UK.  He first joined HLB Mann Judd Sydney in late 2023 in a business development capacity which has now been formalised into the new role.  Peter Gardiner’s main area of focus will be driving opportunities in the corporate advisory division as well as providing a framework for best of breed processes within the firm.

He joined HLB Mann Judd from Saltire Capital Partners where he was partner and also spent four years with Findex where he was executive managing partner – specialist services. He has also worked at EY (formerly Ernst & Young) and ANZ Corporate Bank.

Mr Fittler says Mr Gardiner’s appointment has been a significant step in the firm’s ambitious growth plans.

“Our goal over the next two years is to have 26 partners, and $50 million in revenue, by 2026.  This is a major initiative for us and Peter’s appointment forms a significant stepping stone in achieving these ambitions.

“Peter brings a breadth and depth of experience in business strategy and revenue growth, corporate development and advisory, and M&A activity, and allows us to build on the strength and reputation of HLB Mann Judd, and its focus on client service,” Mr Fittler says.

Peter Gardiner says he is looking forward to being part of the next phase of growth at HLB Mann Judd.

“I have always enjoyed a challenge and look forward to assisting in driving the evolution of a major mid-tier accounting firm, at a time when there is significant change and disruption.

“HLB Mann Judd is a stable, high-performing firm with a significant footprint in the funds management industry.”

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This is the ninth year the HLB Mann Judd Association has won this award. It was also a finalist in the “Best CX Firm: Accounting & Consulting Services” category.

Now in their 20^th year, the Client Choice Awards recognise best practice in the professional services sector. They are based on client feedback for professional services firms in Australia and New Zealand, which rate firms’ brands and performance in delivering services on a range of criteria including need, innovation and superior client service. The client ratings are independently researched and benchmarked by Beaton Research + Consulting. There were 250 entries in the Awards this year.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, says it is an honour to win an award that is based on client feedback.

“Receiving the Client Choice Award shows that we are achieving our goal of providing the best service possible to our clients, and helping guide and advise them in their particular needs.

“The bar continues to rise as the professional services sector recognises the importance of prioritising clients’ experience. It is incredibly important to listen and learn where we need to provide value.

“We are committed to our clients and their success and we are proud that our clients have repeatedly voted us as one of the best accounting & consulting firms in Australia and New Zealand for service – it is the most important and valuable accolade we can receive,” he says.

Dr George Beaton, executive chair of Beaton, says: “Our data shows that competition in the professional services market continues to intensify. Firms who win are those who meet clients’ expectations of more-for-less, earn and maintain their clients’ trust and best differentiate their client experience.

“The number and calibre of entrants to the Client Choice Awards have improved again this year. For more than 20 years, Beaton, through Beaton Benchmarks, has watched the professional services industry drive up client service standards. It is striking to watch and absorbing to see the heights to which firms are going soar by listening to client feedback and drawing on benchmarks to produce excellent client service.”

HLB Mann Judd wishes to congratulate the winners and finalists at this year’s awards.

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Greg Quin

Accounting and advisory association, HLB Mann Judd, has appointed several new partners and directors, including a new managing partner for Insolvency WA, Greg Quin.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, said the number of new appointments – seven in total – across several firms within the network demonstrates its strong growth and depth of talent. In addition to Insolvency WA, the Perth, Sydney, Wollongong and Auckland firms have all made senior appointments.

“Amid trying market conditions, the number of appointments illustrates our commitment to nurturing our people by providing them with professional development opportunities at the most senior level.

“The next six to 12 months will be challenging for Australian businesses as our economy enters a phase of real uncertainty. For professional service firms like ours, having the right people in the right roles will ensure our clients are strategically and financially positioned to manage the current and future challenges,” he said.

Commenting on the appointment of Mr Quin in particular, Mr Fittler said he brings both established referral relationships and strong leadership skills into the role of managing partner.

“Given the economic outlook, insolvency will likely be an area to experience high demand and require specialist capabilities. Greg will be a steady hand and provide senior counsel and guidance to the Insolvency WA firm.

“Greg’s appointment demonstrates how important the insolvency division is to the continuing success of the firm, and I have the utmost faith in Greg’s ability to deliver results as he transitions from partner to managing partner,” he said.

Mr Quin has been a partner at HLB Mann Judd Insolvency WA since 2021 and has over 14 years of corporate and personal insolvency experience. He primarily specialises in voluntary administrations, creditors’ voluntary liquidations and bankruptcies.

He is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand and a Professional Member of the Australian Restructuring, Insolvency and Turnaround Association.

In addition to the appointment of Mr Quin, other partner and director appointments include:

• Gaurav Chitnis joins HLB Mann Judd Perth as partner for the tax consulting division. Mr Chitnis has over 17 years’ experience as a tax adviser in the small to medium size businesses sector. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University, with a major in accounting and finance, as well as a Juris Doctor from The University of Western Australia. He is also a Certified Practicing Accountant, Certified Tax Adviser, and a CPD Committee member of The Taxation Institute.
• David Healy has been promoted to partner within the Perth firm’s corporate and audit services division. Mr Healy began his career in Ireland before joining HLB Mann Judd in 2009. A Chartered Accountant, he is heavily involved in the audits of numerous WA listed companies and large private companies across a range of industries including resources, not-for-profit, manufacturing, building and construction, finance, and technology.
• David Prescott has been promoted to director within the Perth business advisory services division. Mr Prescott is a Chartered Accountant with over 15 years’ experience and exposure to a broad range of industries. He also has two years’ experience working as a management accountant in the United Kingdom.
• Dylan D’Costa has been promoted to partner within the Auckland firm. Mr D’Costa has over 12 years’ experience and has been at HLB Mann Judd since 2011. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Graduate Diploma in Commerce, Accounting and Commercial Law from the University of Auckland.
• Prue Cheeseman-Goodes has been promoted to director within the Sydney wealth management division. Ms Cheeseman-Goodes has more than 13 years’ financial planning experience and has been at HLB Mann Judd since 2010. She is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Master of Financial Planning from Kaplan Professional as well as a Bachelor of Business with distinctions from the University of Technology Sydney.
• Vince Cardamone has been promoted to associate for the Wollongong business advisory and tax consulting services division. Mr Cardamone has been at HLB Mann Judd since 2007, with over 15 years’ experience in business advisory, taxation, and structuring advice. He is a Chartered Accountant and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Wollongong.

The appointments are effective from 1 July 2023.

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Alexander King

Accounting and advisory association, HLB Mann Judd, has announced the appointment of Alexander King as partner within the Sydney firm’s tax consulting division.

Mr King specialises in tax consulting and compliance, and has extensive experience in corporate taxation, including advising funds management and private equity firms. He was previously a director of HLB Mann Judd, a position he has held since 2018, and undertook a secondment with a US-based HLB International member firm in 2015.

According to chair of the Australasian Association, Tony Fittler, who has worked with Mr King since he was a graduate of the firm, Mr King brings established client relationships to the partnership, including those within funds management.

“The past few years have highlighted the importance of client relationships and Alex is highly regarded as a taxation specialist. Funds management in particular has a complex and ever-changing regulatory landscape, and Alex plays a key role in advising a number of domestic and international asset managers.

“It is evident there remains a degree of uncertainty in the economic outlook, which only reinforces the need for strong and trusted client-adviser relationships.

“Tax consulting is also a key growth area for HLB Mann Judd, and the appointment of Alex to the partnership reflects the significance of this division.

“The firm extends a warm congratulations to Alex, and looks forward to his continued success with the firm,” he said.

Mr King holds a Bachelor of Commerce and a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering from the University of Sydney, and is a qualified Chartered Accountant. He is also a member of the Taxation Institute of Australia, and is treasurer and a member of the Executive Committee for the Property Funds Association of Australia.

The appointment was effective from 1 January.

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