Deloitte confirms Joanne Gorton as its next CEO for Australia

Deloitte has confirmed audit & assurance managing partner Joanne Gorton as its next Australian CEO, with Gorton to take over from current chief Adam Powick from the beginning of February.

A near three-decade Big Four veteran, Gorton has been with Deloitte since 2016 and was the preferred candidate put forward by the firm’s national board, with its 1,000-strong partnership now having voted their approval.

Kicking off her career as Coopers & Lybrand cadet back in 1996, Gorton has led Deloitte’s audit & assurance division since late 2020, whereas Powick came to the top role in 2021 via the firm’s Asia Pacific consulting branch.

“I am really pleased to transition the Deloitte CEO role to an accomplished and client-centric leader like Jo,” Powick stated. “She has a very strong leadership track record, and is an authentic and supportive leader who recognises the power of diverse teams in delivering value for our clients and our people. Jo is an excellent choice and I wish her all the best in this new role.”

A business accounting graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, Gorton altogether spent nineteen years at PwC prior to joining Deloitte, including five as a partner. Based out of Sydney, she presently oversees a nationwide team of more than 3,000 professionals, with Deloitte’s audit & assurance practice generating $500 million in revenues as the firm’s second biggest line.

In addition to leading audits for Deloitte’s largest listed clients, Gorton also provides advisory in areas such as internal audit, risk management, compliance and accounting on complex transactions and arrangements. A diversity & inclusion advocate, Gorton further serves as executive sponsor for Deloitte’s neurodiversity pillar, and is a member of Chief Executive Women.

“Jo is an exceptional leader who is highly respected by her clients and colleagues,” stated Deloitte Australia chair John Greig. “She is a trusted advisor to boards and executives across Australia and has an outstanding track record for client service and embracing technology-led transformation. Jo has a clear vision for our firm, and I am confident she will drive positive change.”

Greig, took over as chair earlier this year, made further reference to the presently challenging landscape facing professional services firms due to new technology, complex economic conditions, and the shifting regulatory, societal and market expectations, with the firm also noting Gorton’s success in leading a multi-year technology-driven transformation of its audit business.

“I am thrilled to accept this appointment and for the opportunity to lead Deloitte Australia,” Gorton said. “Despite challenges in the near-term outlook, the future for our firm is exciting as we work together with our clients to unlock the potential of new technologies and opportunities while also making a positive impact on the economy and our communities.”

Gorton added that her focus as CEO would be on clients and people; “I am immensely proud of the exceptional talent we have throughout our firm. I strongly believe our people are our biggest asset and will prioritise investing in them and their development. Working at Deloitte has shaped me into the leader I am today, and I am grateful to the many who have supported me throughout my career.”