Cherry Bekaert elects firm managing partner and CEO

Michelle L. Thompson, CPA, has been elected firm managing partner and CEO of Richmond-based public accounting and consulting firm Cherry Bekaert LLP.

Thompson currently is the Raleigh, N.C.-based managing partner of the firm’s assurance services practice. She will assume her new role on May 1.

Thompson will succeed Howard J. Kies, CPA, who will be stepping down as firm managing partner after serving in the role for the past 27 years.

Under his leadership, Cherry Bekaert has expanded into all major metro markets in the Southeast and has seen its revenue grow from $20 million to more than $200 million.

As managing partner, Thompson will be responsible for the overall strategic planning and direction of the firm, as well as for establishing a new vision for Cherry Bekaert.

Thompson will serve as chairman of the executive board in addition to being responsible for the day-to-day administration and financial management of the firm.

Joining Cherry Bekaert as a supervisor in 1998, Thompson became an assurance partner in 2001. In 2011, she joined the firm’s executive management team when she was named managing partner of assurance services.

Cherry Bekaert is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, the world’s eighth-largest accountancy and business advisory network in terms of combined fee income.