James Gilbey to become UK CEO of Forvis Mazars

Forvis Mazars has appointed James Gilbey as its new UK CEO. He steps into the shoes of Phil Verity, who will step down in the new year, following 12 years in the role. 

At the start of 2024, it was announced that international network Mazars was set to join forces with US player Forvis. The deal created Forvis Mazars – a firm with a combined $4.7 billion in global revenues, becoming the world’s ninth largest audit and advisory network standings, ahead of Baker Tilly and behind Crowe based on current take.

As Forvis Mazars looks to forge ahead with this new clout, James Gilbey will take on the role of UK CEO from February 2025. Leading a team of more than 3,300 people across 14 offices, he inherits the position from Phil Verity, who had headed up the national organisation since 2012.

Commenting on his successor, Verity said Gilbey would be “an outstanding CEO for the UK firm”.

Gilbey was elected unanimously by a partner vote in November, and will now serve as CEO for a four-year term. He has spent 16 years with Mazars and Forvis Mazars, on and off. Initially having trained with the firm between 2000 and 2003, he spent a number of years with the Financial Conduct Authority and AlixPartners, before rejoining as a director in forensic and litigation services in 2011. Two years later, Gilbey was promoted to partner, and for the last four years also led the firm’s financial advisory business, while also serving on the UK executive board. 

Gilbey trained at Mazars as an auditor from 2000 to 2003. He has since held roles at the Financial Conduct Authority and consultancy AlixPartners. He rejoined the firm in 2011 as a director in its forensic and investigation services team and was promoted to partner in 2013.

Speaking on his latest role at Forvis Mazars, Gilbey added, “I am incredibly excited to be taking up this role, and for the support from the partners in my vision for the firm. To lead the firm in which I started my career 24 years ago is a privilege and honour, and something that fills me with enormous pride.”