Deloitte US appoints first female CEO

DELOITTE’S US ARM has appointed its first female chief executive as Cathy Englebert takes the reins from interim Frank Friedman.

She will take up the post from 11 March when she will being a four-year term, having worked at the Big Four firm since 1986 which culminated in heading up its audit division.

Interim Friedman had held the role since August last year, following the departure of Joe Echverria.

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants hailed the appointment as a “momentous occasion for the profession”.

“Cathy has demonstrated great ability and tremendous leadership during her career with Deloitte,” institute CEO and chairman Barry C. Melancon said.

“Her partners have responded by making her the first female CEO of a Big Four firm in the profession’s history in the United States. Historically, ours is a profession that has promoted the blending of work and life for advancement along a variety of paths. Cathy will be a role model for future generations of female leaders in our profession.”

Englebert said she was “deeply honoured to lead Deloitte”.

“I look forward to collaborating with all our people to continue to lead our profession in quality and innovation. Together, we make an impact that matters every day for our clients, the capital markets, communities, and society.”

Alongside Englebert’s appointment, Deloitte announced Mike Fucci had been elected as chairman of the US branch’s board after more than 33 years with the firm.