Crowe names new office managing partner for South West and Midlands

Ross Prince has been appointed office managing partner for national audit, tax, advisory and risk firm Crowe in the South West and Midlands.

Taking over the role from Johnathan Dudley, Crowe’s national head of manufacturing, he’s set to lead a team of more than 300 – including 19 partners – across the firm’s Oldbury, Cheltenham and Bristol offices.

Ross joined Crowe as a graduate in 2002 and was appointed a Partner in 2014 after graduating from Bath University with a Master of Engineering focused on materials science and engineering.

He’s worked with professional practices, owner-managed businesses and international groups for the last 22 years, helping business owners and leaders to grow their businesses and manage risk.

A Worcester resident, Ross was once chair of the Worcestershire Group of Chartered Accountants.

Ross said of his predecessor: “Johnathan is one of the best-known business figures in the Midlands and South West.

“It’s a huge privilege to have been chosen to step up into the office managing partner role after he has led us for over 30 years.

“I’m privileged to be working with a team of people who are interesting, insightful and good to spend time with.

“They have good ideas, care about doing the right thing and helping people – whether that’s our clients, our communities or each other.  

“We have some exciting things planned for the future, but it will also be ‘business-as-usual’ as the firm is already in a good place right now.”

Johnathan added: “Ross is a home-grown talent, having trained and qualified as a chartered accountant with the firm.

“It’s been an honour and a pleasure to lead an office of this firm for over 30 years.

“I’ve done this while holding down several other roles in the firm, including time both on the supervisory board and the executive.

“These and other roles gave me clear experience of the necessity to get management succession right.

“Not only is this key to the success of our firm, but it’s also important to the individuals involved too.”

It was around two years ago, said Johnathan, that hebegan to plan for his succession as office managing partner.

“That said, I’m not quite ready to be put out to pasture yet!

“The appointment of Ross will free me up to further develop my work with the SME corporate sector and manufacturing businesses of all sizes on behalf of the firm, as well as to develop connections for the benefit of the firm in the future.”

Crowe chief executive Nigel Bostock praised Johnathan for the ‘outstanding job’ he’s performed over the last 30 years.

“Johnathan will continue to lead our SME corporate business practice, as well as our sector-leading manufacturing group”, he added.

“Ross Prince is Crowe through and through, having joined us as a graduate and worked his way up to be appointed office managing partner.

“Crowe has an open door for talented individuals, but it’s gratifying to see how we develop our in-house talent. Ross is proof positive that the sky is the limit at Crowe.

“He’s worked hard and earned the respect of both his clients and his colleagues, and is the natural choice to continue the excellent work of Johnathan.”