Crowe Horwath International Announces Leadership Changes

NEW YORK, April 11, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

Crowe Horwath International, ranked among the top 10 global accounting networks, announced today that Frank Arford will be retiring after having served as the network's CEO since 2007. Crowe Horwath International's board of directors has selected Kevin McGrath to succeed him, effective July 1, 2012.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120411/NY85624-a)
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120411/NY85624-b)

During his tenure, Frank Arford has significantly advanced the Crowe Horwath single global brand and reputation among international networks. Under his leadership, Crowe Horwath International saw its global presence extended from 88 to 109 countries and its revenues grow consistently in spite of the challenging economic context. Arford is retiring with more than 40 years in the accounting industry. 

"Frank has done a wonderful job building Crowe Horwath International's brand and preparing our network to compete for upmarket international business," said Mark Hildebrand, chairman of the board of directors of Crowe Horwath International.

"It has been a great experience working for Crowe Horwath International at a turning point of its development, and I am very grateful for the support that the network's teams and firms have provided me over the years," Frank Arford commented. "I will leave confident that our future plans are in good hands with Kevin."

McGrath is currently the chief operating officer of Crowe Horwath LLP, the lead U.S. firm of Crowe Horwath International. In this role, he has successfully overseen the firm's brand awareness strategy coinciding with its national expansion. He also leads the firm's specialized industry services, new product development and market facing activities. On an international level, McGrath has participated in the development of the current strategy for Crowe Horwath International and recently has been active in the pursuit of new member firms.

In his 35 years with Crowe Horwath LLP, McGrath provided accounting, auditing and consulting advice to hundreds of clients, predominately within the financial services industry. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and has participated at the national level on several profession-related committees.

"Kevin's strong background, experience and leadership skills make him an excellent choice to assume the leadership role from Frank. We are delighted to have him lead the execution of our strategy, going forward," added Hildebrand.

McGrath added, "I am honored and excited to take this new position. Under Frank's leadership, Crowe Horwath International has achieved a single global brand with a defined strategy. I look forward to furthering his efforts to distinguish Crowe Horwath International among the global networks."

About Crowe Horwath International

Crowe Horwath International is ranked among the top 10 global accounting networks with more than 150 independent accounting and advisory services firms in over 100 countries around the world. Crowe Horwath International's member firms are committed to impeccable quality service, highly integrated service delivery processes and a common set of core values that guide decisions daily. Each firm is well-established as a leader in its national business community and is staffed by nationals, thereby providing a knowledge of local laws and customs which is important to clients undertaking new ventures or expanding into other countries. Crowe Horwath International member firms are known for their personal service to privately and publicly held businesses in all sectors and have built an international reputation in the areas of audit, tax and advisory services.