TED VERKADE is to succeed Geoff Barnes as CEO of the world’s eighth-largest accountancy network Baker Tilly International.
Barnes is due to retire in June 2016, when Verkade will assume the role.
Verkade was a partner at the network’s Dutch member firm, Baker Tilly Berk, for 20 years. Following a long career in its audit practice, he has held several leadership positions within the firm. For the last six years he was a managing director of the firm and he currently is the chairman of the firm’s board of directors.
He has been Baker Tilly International’s regional chairman for Europe, Middle East & Africa for ten years, a period in which coverage in the region was expanded from 49 to 80 countries.
The network recently lost its eponymous UK member firm to rival network RSM, replacing it with MHA MacIntyre Hudson.
Verkade said: “I’m excited and honoured to be leading the network at a time where there is much change in the accounting profession worldwide. Over the next 12 months, Geoff and I will be working closely together on a transition programme to ensure we deliver the network’s strategic objectives.
“Under Geoff’s leadership, Baker Tilly International has become a robust global network with high calibre member firms and many talented individuals. I look forward to working with the Global Office team and our member firms to continue the network’s track record of success”.
Barnes will remain on the network’s board following his retirement.