PKF International has appointed James Hickey as the new CEO of the global network of independent accounting firms, effective March 19.
Hickey is succeeding John Sim, who has been leading the network for six years.
“As part of PKF International’s ongoing succession planning, the board took the hard decision last year to look for a new CEO,” the organization said in announcing the transition Friday. “It’s incredibly difficult to think about PKF without thinking about John Sim as he has shown incredible commitment and energy throughout his six years as CEO. We are delighted to announce that John will be succeeded by James Hickey. James is an inspirational leader with a wealth of expertise in achieving high growth within mid-tier accounting and law firms around the world. With nearly 20 years of experience, James has a range of skills encompassing sales, marketing, finance, talent management and multi-jurisdictional client relationship management.”
Hickey has experience running a group of firms and has been CEO of the Alliot Group, an association of independent accounting and law firms, since November 2012.
PKF said he positioned Alliot as a “market disrupter” and understands the changing dynamics of the accounting market. “Those firms that think like accountants and lawyers when they strategize for their tomorrow will simply not have a tomorrow,” Hickey stated. “Whether it be AI, mergers, changes in regulations or any of the other market disrupters, professional service firms need to be open minded to new delivery models to maintain a relevance within their respective markets. At the core of PKFI’s tomorrow has to be the right digital strategy. But this must represent an extension of who we are. If we adapt with integrity always preserving our belief that ours is a network of trusted business advisors and build strategic digital value into this offering — then the potential for expansion and deeper relationships will be phenomenal.”
