International appointment

Maclntyre Hudson Principal appointed Chairman of CPA Associates International

Howard Lewis, principal at Maclntyre Hudson, has been appointed Chairman of CPA Associates International (CPAAI), the worldwide network of independent firms of auditors, tax advisors and accountants.

Lewis has chaired the Europe, Middle East and Africa division of CPA since March 2003, a period in which CPA expanded significantly in the region, contributing to a worldwide network that now boasts 146 members in 60 countries. He is the first European to be appointed Chair of the worldwide network, which was founded in the U.S in 1957, and will serve in the post for two years, leading up to its 50 th anniversary.

Howard Lewis commented:

“I am delighted to become the first European Chairman of CPAAI, which I think is a reflection of how, in recent years, the network has developed beyond North America.

“Due to tighter regulation in the U.S and Europe and greater consolidation at the top of the industry, we are finding that good quality independent firms have developed much closer working relationships with their international partners. Communication is the key to ensuring that joint instructions are undertaken with a seamless approach. This increase in contact has also led to opportunities to jointly tender to new prospective clients who in the past, because of their range of subsidiaries, would have sought a one firm approach. Over the next couple of years, I think the challenge will be to continue to build on these relationships that already exist within the network, so that we can provide a cost effective service to clients across different localities and one that can compete with any international firm.

“Moreover, as Chairman I hope to preside over further expansion of the network, particularly in areas such as Scandinavia, Portugal and South America, as well as in smaller, one off locations where we are not represented, such as Belize and The British Virgin Islands.”

Specialist services – international