MGI Worldwide Adopts Forward-Thinking Approach to Leadership with NEW Shadow Board Bringing Together Diverse Group of Younger Members
The MGI Worldwide Shadow International Committee has been born and it’s the first of its kind!
In a new and extremely exciting move for MGI Worldwide, the Shadow International Committee (Shadow IC) is an innovative addition to the organisation, aimed at incorporating the perspectives of the next generation of talent into the decision-making process. There are two key benefits; helping prepare MGI Worldwide for tomorrow; and helping shape it for our successors.
Benefits of involving younger voices
The idea was initially introduced within the MGI Worldwide Executive Committee (EC) after a successful European Talent Meeting in Brussels this year.
By harnessing the ideas and viewpoints of future talent, MGI Worldwide not only retains its strong, current International Committee, but also gains a fresh perspective and a new approach to help inform its thinking.
MGI Worldwide incoming Chairman, Lazlo Killik sees this as an opportunity to harness the energy and ideas of future leaders. He says,
László Killik
“This is a fantastic opportunity to harness the energy and the ideas of our future generations – those who will be sitting in our seats in the next decade or two if we are clever enough to keep them. It is important to be diverse in our thinking, and to recognise the great talent in the next generations.
It feels like a new era that will help shape what we do next and I am proud to be part of this important new development for MGI Worldwide and our members.”
Fresh perspectives, New ways of thinking
Shadow boards, such as the Shadow IC, are an excellent way for global networks and associations like MGI Worldwide to engage future leaders from member firms and leverage their insights to diversify perspectives. It’s a way to help the organisation remain relevant for future generations and is in line with forward-thinking trends that span many industries. As MGI Worldwide’s outgoing Chairman Roger Isaacs has said,
“If Gucci can do it, so can MGI Worldwide!”
How will the Shadow IC operate?
The Shadow IC will operate virtually and meet prior to each International Committee meeting. They will work through an agenda with the CEO and Company Secretary, form their own opinions, and have a representative physically attend the IC meeting to share the Shadow IC’s views. This representative will then report back to the Shadow IC about the IC meeting itself.
Meet our New Shadow Iinternational Committee
Please join MGI Worldwide in welcoming the 8 founding members of the Shadow International Committee, each representing one of MGI Worldwide’s regions. These members come from diverse professional backgrounds and are expected to bring unique insights to the organisation.
Shadow IC Member, Represents Africa, based in Cape Town, South Africa
Kerryn Haughton (O’Hare)
Shadow IC Member, Represents Africa, based in Cape Town, South Africa
My name is Kerryn Haughton (O’Hare). I am a proudly South African audit manager with a love for people and teamwork. I am a sports fanatic! I play hockey and enjoy running, more recently challenging myself with some of Cape Town’s mountain trails. I am a fur mom to Coco and recently got married to my now husband Jon. We live in Cape Town and am very privileged to be close to the beautiful Wine Routes which I thoroughly enjoy visiting. Family is very important to me, I am very blessed to spend a lot of time with both my siblings, our bonds have taught us to stay humble, competitive and always supportive. I enjoy working with the young trainees and have a passion for teaching, training and mentoring. My favourite quote that drives me every day is "Crave the result so intensely that the work is irrelevant”.
Shadow IC Member, Represents Asia, based in Bangalore, India
Satish Sarab
Shadow IC Member, Represents Asia, based in Bangalore, India
My name is Satish Sarab, and I am a Partner at M/s B C Shetty & Co, Chartered Accountants, based in Bangalore. I joined B C Shetty & Co in 2019 as an article assistant, completed my CA Final in 2022, and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Manager - Compliance. After serving for 1.5 years as an Assistant Manager, I became a Partner in April 2024, leading the GST team under my supervision. In addition to my expertise in GST, I also possess experience in internal audit, statutory audit, compliance, financial advisory, and corporate taxation.
Shadow IC Member, Represents Australasia, based in Sydney, Australia
Jake Duignan
Shadow IC Member, Represents Australasia, based in Sydney, Australia
My name is Jake Duignan. I am a Partner in the Outsourced Accounting division of Accru Felsers Sydney (proud member of MGI Worldwide). I joined Accru in February 2013 and have a Bachelor of Commerce – Professional Accounting from Macquarie University and am a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand. I have a strong background in local and international taxation however my current focus is on commercial real estate & international inbound businesses from Europe. I was born and raised in Sydney and after a brief stint as a Pizza Chef in my younger years, have worked my entire accounting career at Accru. My team at Accru is focused on bringing tech-driving accounting solutions to create efficiency in all areas of business.
Shadow IC Member, Represents Europe, based in Munich, Germany
Anna Ebner
Shadow IC Member, Represents Europe, based in Munich, Germany
My name is Anna Ebner. After more than 4 years gaining experiences in the International Tax department at one of the big 4 firms, I decided that I wanted to work as a generalist in Tax and joined Pape & Co. in 2018. Now I‘m a Senior Manager and advise clients on very different tax and accounting matters as well as restructuring and financing issues within an international background. I live with my husband on the countryside in the very southeast of Germany and enjoy the closeness to the Alps.
Shadow IC Member, Represents Latin America, based in Mexico City, Mexico
Andrés Osorio
Shadow IC Member, Represents Latin America, based in Mexico City, Mexico
I am Andrés Osorio, a 30-year-old Mexican Public Accountant. I am part of MGI Bargallo Cardoso y Asociados S.C. team, a distinguished firm in Mexico City with a rich 60-year history. Within MGI Bargallo Cardoso, I hold the position of Director of the International Division and oversee Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) operations. This role has given me the opportunity to work on a wide range of challenging projects and gain valuable insights into the complexities of the global business landscape. I am truly honored and excited to join this committee and represent the Latin American region. I look forward to contributing to our shared success. Thank you for the privilege of being a part of this exciting journey.
Shadow IC Member, Represents MENA, based in Amman, Jordan
Hazem Al Khatib
Shadow IC Member, Represents MENA, based in Amman, Jordan
I'm Hazem Al-khatib. Holding a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from Hashemite University and working as an External Auditor at the Scientific Office for Auditing, Accounting, and Consulting (SOAAC), an MGI Worldwide member, I have over three years of experience. Beyond work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, as well as playing football and badminton. My motivation stems from the constant pursuit of new knowledge, skills, and personal growth in both my personal and professional life.
Shadow IC Member, Represents North America, based in New York, United States
Jarrid Privitera
Shadow IC Member, Represents North America, based in New York, United States
My name is Jarrid Privitera. I am a Manager with Hoberman & Lesser CPAs, LLP based in New York. I joined Hoberman & Lesser in 2020, and previously worked in the accounting department at BNY Mellon. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, a Graduate Certificate in Accounting, and became a Certified Public Accountant (“CPA”) in early 2023. I earned my Bachelor’s degree at the University of Vermont, where I also was a part of the Division 1 Men’s Ice Hockey team. Hoberman & Lesser serves a wide variety of clients, and as part of the Audit Team, we have performed audit and attestation services for public and nonpublic companies, non-profits, employee benefit plans, broker-dealers, and several other business sectors.
Shadow IC Member, Represents UK & Ireland, based in London, UK
Sophie Woodburn
Shadow IC Member, Represents UK & Ireland, based in London, UK
My name is Sophie Woodburn and I am a Manager with F. W. Smith, Riches & Co based in London. Having graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Economics with Politics, I joined F. W. Smith, Riches & Co. in 2017, completed my ACA qualification, and was promoted to Assistant Manager, then Manager. As a Manager with F. W. Smith, Riches & Co., I predominantly provide audit and accountancy services to a range of clients. I am experienced in the audit and the preparation of financial statements under UK GAAP and IFRS across a range of sectors as well as acting for companies regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
A successful first meeting
MGI Worldwide held its first Shadow IC meeting a couple of weeks ahead of the International Committee meeting in Bangkok last month. This initial meeting showcased the benefits of engaging younger, diverse voices, with new and different ways of thinking that promise to bring value to MGI Worldwide and its members.
MGI Worldwide is a significant global accounting network with thousands of professionals, accountants, and tax experts in over 100 countries and nearly 460 locations. This move represents a forward-thinking approach to leadership and decision-making within the organisation.