When it comes to succession planning, Hood Sweeney is practising what it preaches.
After careful consideration and preparation, the South Australian-based professional services firm has announced its own leadership succession, appointing Chris Stewart as its new Managing Director.
Mr Stewart will replace Matthew Rowe who has decided not to seek re-appointment as Managing Director after six years in the position.
Established in 1976, Hood Sweeney has offices in Adelaide, Whyalla and Kadina. The firm provides accounting, financial planning, finance, technology, consulting and performance coaching services.
“This has been a well thought out and executed succession plan,” Hood Sweeney Chairman Andrew Holsman said.
“The Board has worked closely with Matthew and Chris to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible outcome for Hood Sweeney and all our clients.
“Matthew has steered Hood Sweeney to a leading position within our industry.
“We thank Matthew for his outstanding and tireless work and we wish him every success for the future.
“In Chris we have a dynamic and astute leader. He understands our business intimately and is ideally suited to build on this great foundation and lead the firm to ongoing success.”
Mr Stewart joined Hood Sweeney in 2011 as the Head of Business Development and then in 2013 was appointed as a Director to establish and lead the new service line, Consulting and Performance Coaching providing strategic planning and corporate governance advice to clients. Chris has over 20 years of general management experience across a range of sectors including with ASX-listed, private and not-for-profit enterprise. He has also been a member of the SA/NT Council of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) since 2006 and serves on several boards.
Mr Rowe joined Hood Sweeney in 2002 as a Partner when he merged his own financial planning practice with the firm. He was appointed Managing Director in 2009 and since then the firm has grown to employ 110 staff. In 2010 Matthew was also appointed as Chair of the Financial Planning Association of Australia with his extended term ending late last year.
“I’ve achieved what I set out to achieve in the role of Managing Director and given the succession plan in place, I feel the timing is right to consider the next stage of my career,” Mr Rowe said.
“As such, I decided not to seek re-appointment as Managing Director when my current term ends on June 30.
“I pass the leadership baton to a colleague with an outstanding reputation and track record. The future of Hood Sweeney is in very safe hands with Chris.
“I am now looking forward to contemplating the next stage in my career.”
Mr Rowe will remain in close association with Hood Sweeney throughout the remainder of the year to ensure a smooth transition while at the same time undertaking further study at Harvard Business School.
Mr Stewart said he was looking forward to the challenge and helping cement Hood Sweeney’s position as a market leader.
“Hood Sweeney is a proud South Australian firm, committed to this state,” Mr Stewart said.
“We have an outstanding team and an unwavering client-first mentality.
“I’m also passionate about our own staff development as I believe that’s critical to remain at the industry forefront and maintain a high performance culture. Our strong local graduate employment program is built around this.
“For our clients it is business as usual with our focus to remain on providing the highest possible level of service. We are approaching the years ahead with a positive outlook for our business and individual clients as well as the firm.”
