Deloitte UK re-elects David Sproul as Chief Executive
Deloitte has re-elected David Sproul as the firm’s Chief Executive for a second term. Starting on 1 June 2015, Sproul will for another four year period lead the UK business of the globe’s largest accounting- and consulting firm.
David Sproul has more than 25 years’ experience in the accounting and consulting industry. Prior to joining Deloitte, he served as a partner with Arthur Andersen. In his first years with the Big Four firm Sproul served as Managing Partner of the Consulting business, and later on was named Deloitte’s country-wide partner for talent, the first to fulfil the role in the UK. Following four years as head of the UK and EMEA tax businesses, Sproul was elected Chief Executive in June 2011.
Under Sproul’s leadership, Deloitte has had a strong run, both in headcount and financial performance. The number of partners and employees at the firm has increased by more than 10% to in excess of 14,000, while revenue jumped from £2,098 million (2011) to £2,550 million in the most recent financial year. In addition, Sproul has led Deloitte through several large initiatives, including changes in the audit business, the creation of Deloitte Digital, the firm’s major involvement with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the expansion of the company’s footprint in Switzerland.
Looking forward, Sproul says he is “incredibly proud” to be elected as chief executive of Deloitte for a second term, and is “energised by the opportunities and challenges” which lie ahead. On the back of what Sproul believes is a “unique positioning”, the chief executive has together with his partner team outlined a number of bold ambitions for the coming four years. “I want Deloitte to be recognised as the stand out firm in our market, admired for the impact we have on our clients’ success and reputation. I want the firm to be known for out-thinking the strategy consulting houses, out-innovating the technology services giants and outperforming our Big Four competitors,” he comments.
To support the ambitious targets, Sproul has committed to boosting the business advisory’s investment budget, doubling it to more than £80 million, placing innovation and even more at the centre of the firm’s business model. The investment comes on top of a recently launched £25 million investment fund, setup to foster intrapreneurship within the organisation. People is another priority he highlights, stating: “We have already been focused on building our people’s skills and developing future business leaders, but will do more to meet their expectations.”
