Crowe CEO Mark Baer announces leadership team

New and continuing leaders expand their roles at the firm

4/1/2021

CHICAGO (April 1, 2021) – Effective today, Mark Baer assumes the role of CEO at Crowe, a public accounting, consulting and technology firm in the U.S. with offices around the world. Baer succeeds Jim Powers, who completed two terms as Crowe CEO, the maximum in accordance with the firm’s partnership agreement. As part of this transition, Baer has appointed Brenda Torres as the new Crowe chief operating officer. Torres previously served as the firm lead for audit quality and operations in audit & assurance services. 

“I feel privileged and proud to serve as CEO and build upon our firm’s remarkable 80-year history,” said Baer. “The leadership team and I are focused on growing and thriving through these extraordinary times. We’re eager to continue shaping a better tomorrow for our people, our clients, our communities and our firm.”

In her new role, Torres will be responsible for overseeing several firmwide administrative groups, including talent solutions; diversity, equity and inclusion; partner affairs; global services; and geographic office leaders. 

"I'm excited to stand with Mark and this leadership team, and to give back to the firm and the people that have given me so much throughout my career,” said Torres. “I’m passionate about creating new and exciting opportunities for our people to enable the future generations at Crowe to flourish.”

Baer notes that this team of leaders will define the next chapter at Crowe and propel the firm into the future. In addition to Torres, the Crowe executive team includes:

  • Simon Riley, chief strategy and transformation officer
  • Julie Wood, chief people officer
  • Steve Strammello, chief risk officer
  • Ray Calvey, chief financial officer
  • Chris Mitchell, chief diversity officer
  • Ann Lathrop, marketing and sales leader
  • Rex Voorheis, chief information security officer
  • Steve Keeley, general counsel
  • Justin Bass, chief data science officer

Crowe will also be led by the following:

  • Nicole Bencik, managing partner, tax
  • Wendy Cama, managing partner, audit & assurance
  • Josh Cole, managing principal, consulting
  • Chad Kellar, managing partner, advisory
  • Tony Klaich, managing partner, markets & industries

View the full Crowe leadership team

About Crowe
Crowe LLP is a public accounting, consulting and technology firm with offices around the world. Crowe uses its deep industry expertise to provide audit services to public and private entities. The firm and its subsidiaries also help clients make smart decisions that lead to lasting value with its tax, advisory and consulting services. Crowe is recognized by many organizations as one of the best places to work in the U.S. As an independent member of Crowe Global, one of the largest global accounting networks in the world, Crowe serves clients worldwide. The network consists of more than 200 independent accounting and advisory services firms in more than 130 countries around the world.

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Amanda Reich
Amanda Reich