Nexia honors Ian Stone with Lifetime Achievement Award at annual staff awards
Accounting and consulting firm Nexia has issued its annual staff awards, with five individuals recognised across various categories and Ian Stone honoured with a lifetime achievement award.
Based out Nexia’s Sydney office, Stone is closing in on fifty years at the firm, or practically its entire local existence, and previously served as international chairman of the global network after joining as a cadet and making partner at just 26.
Meanwhile, at the other end of the career spectrum, Matthew Capewell-Jones, who joined Nexia in Adelaide in 2022 after graduating two years earlier, was given the ‘Impact’ award’, with Auckland’s Georgia Clifford taking home the ‘Rising Potential’ award.
The awards ceremony forms part of Nexia’s annual A/NZ conference, this year held over three days in Adelaide and welcoming global CEO Matthew Howell alongside chair Philip Mandel, who respectively flew in from the UK and US to mingle with 130 attendees from across the firm’s regional network including recently-appointed Nexia Australia chair Brent Goldman.
Other Nexia ‘excellence awards’ recipients included Clifford’s Auckland office colleague and business advisory senior manager Debbie Egan for ‘Innovation Excellence’, three-decade company veteran and client relations & events executive Suzanne Capuano of Sydney for ‘The Great Place’ award, and home-town tax director Karen Gregor for ‘Leadership in Learning’.
As per the accounting and advisory firm:
Lifetime Achievement Award
“With a career spanning more than 40 years, Ian has shaped our firms, strengthened connections, and made a meaningful impact across our national and global network, setting a benchmark for leadership that endures. What truly sets Ian apart is not the titles he has held, but the way he has led at every stage of his career and been a steady and trusted presence for decades.”
Great Place Award: in recognition of an individual who actively creates and nurtures a strong sense of community at Nexia.
“Suzanne was nominated (twice) for her long-standing dedication and the genuine care she shows to everyone across the firm. Through her warmth, inclusivity, and behind-the-scenes support of events and people, she has played a key role in creating a strong sense of belonging and community at Nexia.
Leadership in Learning Award: to celebrate an individual who invests in others and helps shape the next generation of leaders.
“Karen was nominated for her strong commitment to learning and development, and dedication to supporting others. She is respected for turning complex ideas into clear, practical insights, and for her ongoing mentorship. Her passion for building capability has had a lasting impact on both people and the firm’s learning culture.”
Innovation Excellence Award: for an individual who champions innovative thinking and drives meaningful change.
“Debbie was nominated for her ongoing leadership in developing systems, processes, and training initiatives, including driving a major system transformation. She introduced impactful process improvements and automations that significantly enhanced efficiency and workflow, while helping foster a culture of innovation across the firm.”
Rising Potential Award: goes to an individual who demonstrates outstanding personal and professional growth.
“Georgia was nominated for her outstanding growth, initiative, and impact. She has stepped beyond her role to lead system improvements and drive efficiencies, demonstrating a strong growth mindset and making a meaningful contribution to the firm.”
Impact Award: given to an individual who consistently goes above and beyond to create a positive impact at Nexia and within the broader community.
“Matthew was recognised for his outstanding commitment to colleagues, clients, and the wider firm. Known for his reliability, professionalism, and team-first approach, Matt consistently goes above and beyond to deliver exceptional outcomes.”
