Top 25 Firm Moss Adams has selected Eric Miles as its next chairman and CEO, effective April 1, 2022, succeeding Chris Schmidt, who will be retiring after a six-month transition.
Miles joined Seattle-based Moss Adams, which ranked No. 11 on Accounting Today’s 2021 Top 100 Firms list, in 1998 and currently leads the firm’s consulting services, overseeing more than 50 service lines. Miles has had experience in a wide variety of practice areas throughout his career, including operations, compliance, accounting, information technology and fraud prevention. He previously led Moss Adams’ technology, communications and media and life sciences practices and currently serves on the firm’s executive committee. Miles recently spoke to Accounting Today about Moss Adams’
“I’m honored by the opportunity to serve as the new CEO of Moss Adams,” Miles said in a statement. “Chris skillfully led Moss Adams through a time of incredible disruption, evolution and growth during his tenure as CEO. His intense focus on our clients and our people, combined with his unwavering commitment and energy, have positioned us well to execute on the firm’s 2025 strategic plan and beyond.”
Schmidt served as Moss Adams chairman and CEO since 2013, helping the firm grow from 1,800 personnel to 3,400 and more than doubling the firm’s revenue during his tenure. He joined the firm in 1986 as an assurance professional before becoming managing partner of the Orange County, California, location, and then president and COO in 2004. Leading up to his retirement on March 31, 2022, Schmidt will be working closely with firm leaders to transfer his responsibilities.
“Working at Moss Adams the last 35 years has been a great privilege,” Schmidt said in a statement. “I had the opportunity to collaborate with some of the most dedicated and brilliant professionals during my tenure, and Eric is a prime example of that. I have great confidence in his ability to lead the firm forward as CEO and bring great value to the clients, employees and communities that Moss Adams serves.”
