Darsi Casey becomes first woman to lead Alliott Global Alliance

Alliott Global Alliance has appointed Darsi Casey as its new Chair. She takes on the role from Colin Farmer, who oversaw the organisation’s most sustained growth period ever.

Founded in 1979, Alliott Global Alliance (AGA) has since spread to have 200 member firms in 85 countries. The international alliance of independent, law, accounting, and specialist advisory firms, works across the world as one. Each of its members shares a common goal: to learn and share knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make the world smaller and their businesses stronger.

During his successful tenure as the organisation’s Chair, Colin Farmer has overseen the most sustained growth period AGA’s 42-year history, while latterly navigating the myriad challenges of the pandemic. As a result, AGA is still in a position to expand rapidly, and the alliance has its sights set firmly on growing its legal and accounting membership to 100 countries. With this in mind, Farmer – who remains a consultant at London-based AGA member Alliotts – has decided the time is right to step down from the role.

Speaking on his legacy, his successor Darsi Casey said of Farmer, “It is an honour to be appointed to this position within the Alliance and to step into such an important role recently held by Colin. Colin has demonstrated great passion and skill in leading the Worldwide Board and taking AGA to the exciting place it is today.”

Casey has been elected as AGA’s Worldwide Chair, winning promotion after serving as the Chair of the North America region, and over the last four years as Farmer’s Deputy Chair. Co-Founder and Managing Shareholder at accounting firm Casey Neilon in Nevada, US, Casey is the first woman to serve as Chair of AGA, serving a three-year term during which she will play an important part in leading the Worldwide Board in developing and implementing the next stage of AGA’s strategic plans. She will be supported in her role by her newly elected Deputy, Giorgio Marcolongo, Partner at BĒS Associati in Milan, Italy.

Commenting on the news, Casey said, “I aim to continue Colin’s great work, to lead by example and work with the Executive Office and our members from all regions to bring their ideas and concerns to the attention of the Worldwide Board. I look forward to leading AGA in the coming years.”

Farmer, meanwhile, spoke very highly of his successor. Noting being “delighted” with her election, he added that throughout her tenure as Deputy Chair, “Darsi’s commitment to the Board and to the Alliance has been second to none. Her vision and strong drive will be instrumental in helping to shape AGA in the future and I wish her many congratulations on this fantastic achievement.”

Meanwhile, AGA CEO Giles Brake concluded, “It takes a very special person to serve as Worldwide Chair… The alliance faces significant challenges to remain competitive and relevant to member firms and their clients in the years ahead. However, I am very confident that with Darsi at the controls, we are in the optimum position to convert these challenges into opportunities and establish the alliance as a leader in our industry.”