18th March 2024
A founding partner of Matthews Steer, Ken Matthews is stepping down from his position as Managing Director to focus on other areas of the business.
Ken has led Matthews Steer since the beginning, from a one-man practice to North West Melbourne’s premier accounting and advisory firm. The reputation and success of Matthews Steer is a testament to Ken’s hard work, tenacity, leadership, and the support he as provided to colleagues, clients, and the community alike.
In 2020, Ken was instrumental in forging a strategic alliance between Matthews Steer and professional services company, AZ NGA, as part of plans to accelerate growth and build a large, integrated multi-disciplinary financial services business.
Going forward Ken will continue to be a part of Matthews Steer in an advisory capacity with a focus on Mergers and Acquisitions. Transitioning to part-time, Ken is keen to continue to support the growth of the business as well as spend more time with his family.
A thorough process has been undertaken over the last 12 months to ensure that the business is set to continue to support clients, our team, and the community in the manner that Matthews Steer is known for. As Matthews Steer enters its next chapter it was important to Ken and the executives that the right role was created, with the right person in it.
Chief Operating Officer and Partner, Catherine Duncan said “in the last 12 months we have ensured our strategic discussions have been aligned to Ken’s transition planning. The executive team have been involved in those discussions and in that process, we have been mindful of treasuring the legacy that Ken has built and making sure the new CEO could bring the capability of Matthews Steer into the future.”
Consequently, Matthews Steer is pleased to announce the appointment of David Reid as new CEO.
David Reid joins Matthews Steer from his role as Senior Partner at a mid-tier firm where he began by running a local practice and gained extensive experience on developing and implementing strategic plans and business mentoring.
“I am delighted that we have been able to attract someone with David’s experience and capability”, said Ken Matthews. “Being a local resident himself, I am confident he understands our people and clients and I feel comfortable to be passing the baton to someone of his aptitude.”
David brings 40 years of Public Practice experience to Matthews Steer; from running a sole practice and Big4 experience to having been a Partner in small and medium tier firms. He has a robust background in providing advisory and accounting services to businesses, high net worth families, and individuals. This, combined with strong leadership experience and a clear focus on delivering high quality outcomes for clients, gives Matthews Steer confidence in David’s ability to deliver success. “David has the credentials, personality, and drive to take us on the next stage of our journey. We are excited and energised to work with David as we continue to build a business we are all proud to be a part of” said COO, Catherine Duncan.
“I am excited to be joining the team at Matthews Steer in the newly created role of CEO”, said David Reid. “Matthews Steer is well known to me, and I have followed over the years as it has grown to become a respected and leading accounting and wealth management firm in the North West. With over 40 years of public practice experience, I am looking forward to leading and contributing to the future growth of the business. Together with our talented professional team, we will continue to provide outstanding service and value to our clients.”
Commenting on the appointment of David Reid, AZ NGA’s Graham McGeagh said: “Ken has been the driving force behind this dynamic company for over 30 years. Over that time, Matthews Steer has become the leading accounting and advisory firm in Melbourne’s North West. We are excited to continue working with Ken in his new capacity and support David as he steps into the role of CEO. Together, we will build on the incredible foundation that Ken has laid”.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss this announcement please contact us, give us a call on 03 9325 6300, or email info@matsteer.com.au