Corey McGowan appointed as managing partner of HLB Mann Judd in Adelaide
Accounting and consulting firm HLB Mann Judd has appointed Corey McGowan as the new managing partner of its Adelaide practice, succeeding James Hooper after thirteen years in the role.
McGowan has been with HLB Mann Judd for close to two decades and heads up the firm’s audit and assurance division in Adelaide, with previous experience working with the South Australian Auditor General’s Department.
Hopper has meanwhile been with the accounting and consulting firm for more than three and a half decades, serving as Adelaide managing partner since 2013. He will remain as a partner in HLB Mann Judd’s business advisory division.
“It’s a privilege to take on the role of managing partner and to lead a firm with such a strong history and reputation in South Australia,” McGowan said. “James has made a significant contribution to HLB Mann Judd Adelaide and helped position the firm for its next phase of growth. I’m looking forward to building on that work while bringing my own perspective to the role.”
According to the firm, McGowan’s focus will be on continuing to strengthen HLB’s client offering, people, and position in the South Australian market, while building on the foundations established under Hooper’s thirteen-year leadership. The firm traces its local roots back to 1948, and has a team of around a dozen partners and directors listed on its Adelaide web-page.
McGowan was noted for his extensive experience serving clients spanning ASX-listed companies, private businesses, fund managers, managed investment schemes, not-for-profits, and government entities across a range of sectors, with deep expertise in evaluating internal controls, assessments, compliance, and providing practical recommendations for improvement.
Change of leadership
Meanwhile, Hooper, who will continue to advise clients in areas such as business structuring, tax planning, succession, property, construction, agribusiness, and family businesses, stated; “It has been a privilege to lead HLB Mann Judd in Adelaide and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the talented team and our clients while supporting Corey through the transition.”
McGowan joins Steve Grivas as among HLB’s office managing partners in Australia, with Grivas appointed to the position last year while Mark Muller took over as Australasian chair in January. Others include Jeff Long in Melbourne, James Henderson in Brisbane, and Norman Neill in Perth, the latter who returned the role in 2024, with all having spent three decades or more at the firm.
