Moss Adams Announces Leadership Transition as Firm Positions for Continued Growth

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Moss Adams LLP, one of the largest accounting and business consulting firms in the nation, selected Chris Schmidt to become its next chairman and chief executive officer and Dick Fohn to become president and chief operating officer in a planned transition that supports the firm’s focus on continued growth. Schmidt will succeed Rick Anderson, who announced his plans to step down from the chairman and CEO position to focus on his expanding role as chairman of Praxity, one of the world's leading international alliances of independent assurance, tax and advisory firms. Selected by the firm’s Executive Committee, Schmidt and Fohn will assume their new roles during the first half of 2013.

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to help lead Moss Adams forward into its second century”

Chris Schmidt has served as president and COO of Moss Adams since 2004 and was managing partner of the firm’s Orange County, Calif. office from 1997 to 2004. He joined the Orange County office in 1986 as an assurance professional and was admitted to the partnership in 1991. In the chairman and CEO role, he will lead the firm’s more than 1,800 personnel serving clients’ assurance, tax and business advisory needs from 22 offices in Washington, Oregon, California, Arizona, New Mexico and Kansas.

“I’m honored and excited to have the opportunity to help lead Moss Adams forward into its second century,” Schmidt said. “I hope to continue to build on the firm’s strong industry leadership and commitment to premier client service as we seek new opportunities for growth.”

Dick Fohn has served as the firm’s director of tax since November 2011. Prior to that, he was managing partner of the firm's Bellingham, Wash. office. He was admitted to the partnership in 1992, and his client service practice focused on ownership succession for closely held businesses and estate planning and personal financial planning for high net worth families and individuals. Fohn sits on the AICPA’s Personal Financial Planning and Private Company Practice Section executive committees and is a board member of Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC, the firm’s wealth management affiliate.

“The caliber of people and clients at Moss Adams makes this step a truly unique opportunity for me,” Fohn said. “The sustainability of our business practices has taken Moss Adams to the top of the profession over the past 100 years, and our commitment to operating with integrity and offering value-added service will carry us, and our clients, into our second century.”

Rick Anderson has served as chairman and CEO of Moss Adams since 2004, following roles of president and COO, director of operations, and director of accounting and auditing. He is also the chairman-elect of Praxity, of which Moss Adams is a member, where he currently serves as vice-chairman of the management board and is a member of its governing council. He joined Moss Adams in 1973 and was admitted to the partnership in 1980. Anderson will remain a partner at Moss Adams, where he promoted the firm’s strategic plan and consistently reinforced a firm-wide commitment to the highest level of professional practice.

“Moss Adams has always emphasized developing top-quality talent and leadership, and I’m thrilled with the firm’s decision to name Chris and Dick to their new roles,” Anderson said. “They’re committed to growth with integrity and, with the expertise of our professionals, Moss Adams remains in a strong position for continued success.”

About Moss Adams

Moss Adams is one of the largest accounting and consulting firms in the nation. Together with its affiliates, the firm provides insight and expertise integral to its clients’ success, serving public, private, and not-for-profit enterprises across the nation and in a wide range of industries.

Moss Adams LLP is a national leader in assurance, tax, consulting, risk management, transaction, and wealth services.

Moss Adams Wealth Advisors LLC provides investment management, personal financial planning, and insurance strategies to help clients build and preserve their wealth.

Moss Adams Capital LLC offers strategic advisory and investment banking services, helping clients create greater value in their business.