South Australiaโs largest locally owned and operated accounting and advisory firm has announced a change in leadership.
Adrian Chugg will become the new SA Managing Director of William Buck, replacing Jamie McKeough who is stepping down after 18 years in the role.
With the transition effective from July 1, Adrian will lead a team of 24 Directors and total staff of 230. He will be just the 7th Managing Director in the 78-year history of the Adelaide office.
Jamie, who has been with the firm for 36 years, will take on the newly created position of Executive Chair at the Adelaide office while continuing in his group role as Chair of William Buck Australia and New Zealand.
โJamie has led William Buck through a strong growth period and been instrumental in our firm becoming a leader in accounting and advisory services,โ Adrian said.
โHe has led by example to build a positive and progressive culture that has enabled growth of our clients and our staff. I am honoured to take over the leadership of such a modern, dynamic team of dedicated professionals.
โSince the Adelaide office was established in 1946, our firm has helped South Australian businesses and individuals reach their full potential. I look forward to building on that tradition and working with our Director group and staff in helping our clients maximise the opportunities that lie ahead.โ
Adrian Chugg, 45, joined William Buck in 2003 as an accountant, moving from Tasmania to Adelaide to take up the position. In 2008, Adrian was promoted to a Director of the firm and in 2014 helped establish William Buckโs Corporate Finance division, which he currently leads. He has been a member of the firmโs Executive for the past six years.
Jamie said the timing was right to enact the firmโs succession plan.
โIt has been an absolute privilege to lead this great firm for the past 18 years,โ Jamie said.
โIโm very proud of what we have achieved. Our firm has grown significantly and our clients are among the most successful businesses and families in this State.
โWilliam Buck is in a very strong position and itโs timely that I step down as Managing Director. Over the coming months Adrian and I will work closely to ensure a smooth transition of leadership and beyond in my ongoing role as Executive Chair.
โThis has been a well-planned transition and Iโm very confident that, in Adrian, our firm has the ideal leader to take it well into the future. With his positive outlook, exceptional business acumen and highly personable approach William Buck is in very safe hands.โ
