Jim Sikich, CEO and managing partner of professional services firm Naperville-based, Sikich LLP, was recently named an accounting industry legend by LEA Global at its annual conference. LEA Global is an international association of 220 firms across 106 countries that focus on accounting, financial and business advisory services. The Legends award recognizes a leader who has driven growth and innovation and served as a model for others in the industry.
“It is an immense honor to receive this award,” Sikich said. “I am very proud of our firm and what it has become over the past 30-plus years. We’ve gone from a small accounting firm to a professional services firm with a coast-to-coast presence and expertise in a wide mix of service areas. Throughout, our foundation has been client service, and this will continue to drive us as we pursue ambitious goals in the years ahead.”
Earlier this year, Sikich announced that he will retire at the end of 2017 after more than 45 years in the accounting industry. Chris Geier, partner-in-charge of the firm’s advisory services and investment banking practice, will assume the role of CEO and managing partner on Jan. 1, 2017.
Sikich also received LEA Global’s Innovative Firm Initiative of the Year award for its Sikich Snapshots program. Snapshots is a biannual firmwide event that features presentations from company executives on firm growth and priorities.
“Sikich Snapshots is an innovative way we communicate with our growing organization,” said Janel O’Connor, chief human resources officer at Sikich. “It has been a highly anticipated event throughout the firm since its inception in 2013 and has continued to increase in importance as we expand across the country. Snapshots offers a valuable chance for employees to hear from our leaders and understand firm objectives. We’re honored to be recognized by LEA Global.”
LEA Global announced the 2016 Edge Award winners on Sept. 22 at its annual conference in Houston.
