HLB Mann Judd Appointed Four New Directors
The accounting and advisory network added leadership across its regional offices to bolster technical capacity.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in People
Accounting and advisory network HLB Mann Judd has appointed four new directors across its Australia and New Zealand operations. The expansion includes three internal promotions and one external hire, all aimed at deepening the firm's technical expertise.
Why it matters
The firm is prioritizing technical capabilities and sustainable growth within its network of nine independent member firms. By balancing internal promotions with external recruitment, the firm seeks to maintain service continuity while integrating specialized tax advisory talent.
The firm appointed four new directors to its leadership team, consisting of three internal promotions and one external hire. The appointments serve a network comprising nine independent member firms operating across Australia and New Zealand.
The players
HLB Mann Judd
A network of nine independent accounting and advisory firms providing business services across Australia and New Zealand.
EY
A global professional services firm specializing in audit, consulting, and tax advisory services.
Hannah Waller
A newly appointed director who brings 19 years of professional experience to the firm.
The details
The expansion strategy involved elevating managers from the firm's business advisory, wealth management, and corporate tax departments. Additionally, a new tax consulting director was recruited from EY to strengthen the firm's technical bench. These appointments are designed to support the firm's overarching focus on client service and regional growth.
Timeline
David Ravida joined the firm in 2016.
Tom Peskett joined the business in 2021.
Hannah Waller joined the network in 2023.
The four new directors were officially appointed in September 2026.
Market Landscape
HLB Mann Judd's strategy of pairing internal promotions with external recruitment mirrors the broader trend identified in the 2024 Accounting Firm Talent Retention and Leadership Development Index. This approach highlights how professional services firms currently balance institutional continuity with specialized talent acquisition.
Operators should monitor whether these leadership additions result in refined service offerings or modified fee structures for their professional service engagements. Evaluate if similar hybrid hiring strategies could address your firm's own technical gaps without sacrificing organizational culture.
The takeaway
Firms must balance internal growth with external recruitment to remain competitive in complex advisory markets. Track how this new leadership team manages their specific departments to identify potential changes in service capacity.
Further reading
For more on industry staffing and leadership shifts, see our People section.
