Crowe Horwath International Announces Leadership Changes

NEW YORK, Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Crowe Horwath International, ranked among the top 10 global accounting networks, announced today that Mark Hildebrand will be retiring after having served on its board since 1999 and as its Chairman since 2007. Crowe Horwath International's member firms have elected Andrew Pianca to succeed him, effective January 1, 2013.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121220/NY32865-a )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121220/NY32865-b )

Hildebrand also served as Chairman of Crowe Horwath International's strategic planning committee for 9 years and is widely credited with designing and guiding the strategic plan that moved the network from a loose confederation of firms to a globally competitive integrated network. Under his Chairmanship, Crowe Horwath International saw its global presence extended from 70 to 109 countries and its revenues grow consistently in spite of recent challenges in the globally economy.

Hildebrand is retiring with nearly 40 years in the accounting industry, including 8 years as CEO of Crowe Horwath LLP, the largest member firm of the international organization. "Mark has done a wonderful job building Crowe Horwath International's reputation worldwide and preparing our network to compete for upmarket international business," said Andrew Pianca, incoming Chairman of the board of directors of Crowe Horwath International.

"It has been a great experience working with Crowe Horwath International at a key turning point in its development, and I am very grateful for the support that the network's management and member firms have provided me over the years," Mark commented. "I am leaving confident that the network is in good hands under the Chairmanship of Andrew Pianca and its new CEO Kevin McGrath.

Andrew Pianca is Chief Executive of Crowe Clark Whitehill and a senior audit partner specializing in the Not for Profit sector. He has written two books on charity management and reporting and is a frequent lecturer on charities and on governance and management issues.

Andrew has been a board member of Crowe Horwath International for the past 6 years and is currently serving as Chairman of the board's strategic planning task force. His firm, Crowe Clark Whitehill, has been a member of the network since 1994.

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.