Managing partner
Deloitte | Milwaukee
P.J. DiStefano is managing partner of the Milwaukee practice of Deloitte LLP, where he oversees the firm’s audit, tax, consulting and advisory services. DiStefano has worked for more than 24 years in public accounting, with experience performing external audits, advising clients on process and control-related matters, advising clients on complex accounting matters and initial public offering readiness. He also has extensive experience with Securities and Exchange Commission requirements and has assisted clients with several public financings. He has served as chairman of the Milwaukee Public Museum board during the planning and construction of its new building. He also serves on the boards of the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute and the Marquette University College of Business Administration.
Education: Bachelor’s, Marquette University; MBA, University of Wisconsin-Madison
One decision to do over: “When observing a challenging team dynamic, I wish I would have moved faster to address the problem.”
Your secret talent: “I am a drummer.”
Highlights from the past 12 months: “We have been very fortunate and have realized many successes over the past 12 months, such as onboarding new clients and growing our revenues. Having said that, our most significant successes come in the form of developing and promoting our team members and giving back to the community in the form of time, talent and service.”
Thing to learn this year: “Everything about Gen AI.”
2022 Wisconsin 275 Profile
Business Services | Accounting
Milwaukee managing partner
Deloitte | Milwaukee
P.J. DiStefano is managing partner of the Milwaukee practice of the international accounting firm Deloitte LLP, overseeing its audit, tax, consulting and advisory services areas. DiStefano is also a member of Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance Operating Committee and serves large public power and utility and industrial companies as the lead client service partner and lead audit partner. Deloitte has one of the largest footprints in Milwaukee among accounting firms, with 390 local staff and 150 CPAs. It is known for its annual Wisconsin 75 list, which ranks the largest privately held Wisconsin-based companies based on annual sales revenue.
DiStefano has also served as board chair of the Milwaukee Public Museum during a pivotal period for the institution. He assumed the chairmanship early in Ellen Censky’s tenure as president and CEO and just as plans for the museum’s new downtown home were picking up steam. In the past year, the museum has secured needed public funding for the project and launched its $240 million campaign to secure additional funding for the project. DiStefano is also a board member and past chair for the Wisconsin Public Utility Institute and vice chair of Marquette University’s College of Business Administration.
Education: Bachelor’s, University of Wisconsin-Madison; MBA, Wisconsin School of Business, UW-Madison
