The new executive leadership appointments are effective from 1 January 2025. Credit: Ground Picture/Shutterstock.

Full-service public accounting firm Whitley Penn has made executive leadership transitions.

Effective from1 January 2025, the changes include the appointment of Nathen McEown, currently partner-in-charge of consulting and chief growth officer, as the new chief executive officer (CEO).  

Toby Cotton, who serves as partner-in-charge of Tax, will transition into the role of chief operating officer (COO).

Cotton said: “Having served on our management committee over the past decade, I’ve witnessed significant growth of the firm.

“I’m honoured to step into the role of COO to help build our team and balance growth while maintaining our legacy culture.”

Larry Autrey, who served as Whitley Penn CEO for more than 20 years, will continue to serve the firm as executive chairman.

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With more than 30 years of tax, advisory, and business valuation experience, Autrey has focused on both public and private clients throughout his career.

Under his leadership, the firm expanded from 50 to nearly 900 employees and opened nine offices across Texas and New Mexico, eight of which were established during his tenure.

Furthermore, Autrey guided the firm through more than a dozen acquisition events.

Autrey said: “I have personally mentored both Nathen and Toby for many years and believe this is the best transition strategy for the future of the firm. As tenured Whitley Penn Partners, they will hold our culture and mission of superb customer service as core pillars of what makes Whitley Penn unique.

“I’m looking forward to watching Whitley Penn’s growth continue under this new leadership. It has been the absolute pleasure of my career to serve this great firm for over 20 years.”