Atlanta-based IPA 100 firm Aprio (FY24 net revenue of $485.34 million) has launched Aprio Global™, a global community designed to bring together professional services firms to serve middle-market businesses operating internationally. The firm also named Tony Szczepaniak as global services leader of Aprio Global.
Aprio Global builds on the foundation established by ATLAST, a global collective co-founded by Aprio and Cooper Parry. The new platform is intended to formalize and scale collaboration among member firms to deliver a consistent client experience across borders.
“Middle-market companies are expanding globally at an unprecedented pace, and they expect their advisors to meet them wherever they operate,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. “For years, under Yelena Epova’s leadership, our International Practice and our collaborations through ATLAST have helped clients navigate that growth. With the launch of Aprio Global, we are formalizing and scaling those efforts through a unified global platform led by Tony Szczepaniak, whose experience building and governing international communities makes him uniquely suited to guide this next phase.”
“This new and dynamic international union is great news,” said Ade Cheatham, CEO of Cooper Parry. “As an integral part of the Aprio Global community, we see it as a brilliant opportunity to further accelerate our global ambitions alongside other high-calibre firms.”
Szczepaniak brings more than 30 years of leadership experience across corporate tax, public accounting and global accounting associations. As global services leader, he will focus on building a curated international community of accounting, advisory and law firms committed to structured collaboration.
“Aprio Global is an opportunity to build something truly special alongside some of the most respected firms in the profession,” said Szczepaniak. “I’m excited to work with incredible firms around the world that share a commitment to collaboration and client value. Together, we will create a global community where firms can work easily across borders and deliver exceptional experiences for the clients they serve.”
Aprio Global complements the Aprio Alliance, which supports nearly 90 independent accounting firms across the United States and Canada.
“Tony brings strong experience building global communities that turn collaboration into growth,” said Dean Sengstock, partner and national leader of the Aprio Alliance. “His leadership will be instrumental as Aprio Global creates new opportunities for our member firms to pursue more complex cross-border work and deliver greater value to clients.”
“Clients with international operations need advisors they can trust to deliver consistently across countries and service lines,” said Yelena Epova, international practice leader and tax partner at Aprio. “Aprio Global deepens collaboration with firms we know and trust, helping deliver a seamless experience for clients wherever they do business.”
