AZ NGA appoints chief operating officer

AZ Next Generation Advisory has recruited Countplus chief operating officer to help spearhead the group's growth plans.

Graham McGeagh, who also served as a director of 11 Countplus-owned professional services firms including three as chair, will report to the chief executive, Paul Barrett.

In the new role, he will oversee the delivery of the firm's offer and service proposition to member firms, drive business transformation initiatives, and help execute the group's strategy.

Before joining Countplus in 2018, McGeagh was chief executive of Benson Radiology and chief executive of Finlayson Lawyers.

His appointment follows a broader restructure at AZ NGA, which saw former chief operating officer Paul Brain take on other responsibilities in addition to M&A, legal, banking, and treasury.

Barrett said the timing of McGeagh's appointment reflected AZ NGA's growth over the past six years, having completed 99 transactions to build a national network of accounting and financial advisory SMEs with annual revenues of over $120 million.

"We are at a critical stage in our journey, and we are focused on assisting our member firms to realise their growth ambitions on our mission to become one of Australia's preeminent professional services companies," he said.

"Graham brings valuable skills and experience to AZ NGA, and his appointment strengthens the senior leadership team. The industry is at an inflection point and we see plenty of opportunities for experienced, well-capitalised players. We are ready to support accountants and advisers to participate in that growth story."

McGeagh said: "AZ NGA stands out as a dynamic organisation with a clear vision and strategy, and the necessary skills, capability, and capacity to execute that strategy."