Bentleys taps Tasmania boss Robin Allardice as new CEO
Tasmanian boss Robin Allardice has been appointed as acting CEO of the Bentleys network in Australia and New Zealand following the departure of Tony Sacre to head up Allinial Global.
Robin Allardice has been with the local firm and its predecessor Kaizen Business Services for the past two decades, the latter which merged with Anning & Associates in 2013 to form the Tasmanian practice of Bentleys, which he has overseen since 2022.
Albeit for now in an acting capacity, Allardice replaces former CEO Tony Sacre, who after nearly seven years in the role recently moved on to take up the president and CEO position for Bentleys’ international accounting association partner Allinial Global.
“Robin is a dynamic, results-oriented leader with a proven track record, who brings deep knowledge of our network, strong leadership, and a commitment to innovation,” the firm stated. “We look forward to the continued momentum and direction he will bring during this transition in ensuring Bentleys keeps growing from strength to strength.”
A through-and-through local, Allardice completed a commerce degree with the University of Tasmania in 1987 and is a fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. In addition, he has held numerous board positions over the years, including presently as the deputy chair of the local branch of the Royal Flying Doctors.
Technology is a particular passion of the new CEO, with Bentleys Tasmania described as having implemented industry-leading systems, including most recently as the first business in Australia to adopt Pryme Global’s practice management ERP software tailored for the accounting industry, which has saved five days per month on administrative tasks according to Allardice.
Tasmanian growth
Under his watch, Bentley’s Tasmanian branch has also grown its revenues by 70 percent since 2021, with a corresponding uptick in personnel. At the national level, the network, including the recently rebranded Bentleys Victoria, brings in combined annual revenues upwards of $140 million as the country’s twelfth largest organisation of its kind.
“I’ve seen firsthand the technical strength, collaborative spirit and client-first mindset that defines Bentleys, and I’m committed to building on that foundation,” Allardice said. “In this new role, my focus will be on maintaining the momentum we have built, strengthening connections across the network, and continuing to deliver value to our clients and communities.”
The appointment is the latest in a significant period of transition for Australia’s accounting and consulting industry, with new leaders taking over at many of the country’s top firms, including Joanne Gorton at Deloitte. The three largest international mid-tiers, BDO (David Garvey), RSM (Robert Miano) and Grant Thornton (Said Jahani) also have new chiefs, as does William Buck.
