Forvis Mazars Group announces new governance model and leadership positions

• Hervé Hélias reappointed Group Chairman
• Pascal Jauffret appointed Group CEO
• New governance framework supports sustainable growth and agility
• Appointment of new international partners

With the new model, which is effective immediately, governance, strategy setting and oversight around key topics will be provided by a Group Governing Board (GGB), with a Group Executive Committee (GEC) entrusted with leadership and execution of those decisions, alongside the day-to-day delivery and implementation of the Group’s strategy. As Chairman, Hélias will lead the GGB and as CEO, Jauffret will lead the GEC.

These developments are part of the firm’s strategy to further advance the business, enhance the integrity of its operations and sustain its ongoing development as a top ten global firm.

Chairman Hervé Hélias said: “Stewardship is one of our core values and, as we have grown and strengthened our business, we have decided to evolve our governance framework. This will allow us to continue to grow our partnership as a distinctive and resilient force in the markets and societies in which we work and live.”

He continued: “I am delighted Pascal will assume the role of CEO. With his extensive international experience, I cannot think of anyone better to put our strategy into action.”

Commenting on his appointment, Pascal Jauffret said: “I have worked with Hervé for over 25 years, including the past five as part of the Group Executive Board. I am truly honoured to have been elected to this new role by the partnership and look forward to driving our strategy forward, sparking long-term growth and success in those business areas where we seek to excel and provide a bright future to our people."

Hélias joined Mazars (now Forvis Mazars) as a fresh graduate in 1986 and has held some of the most demanding leadership positions in the partnership. In 2012 he was appointed Managing Partner in France and Co-CEO of the Group, before becoming CEO in 2016. He has been Chairman and CEO of the Group Executive Board since 2018.

Jauffret started his career as an auditor and has been with the firm since 1997. He has undertaken various assignments and leadership roles including Managing Partner of Italy, Head of M&A and driving the firm’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region. He has been a member of the Group Executive Board since 2019. 

Hélias concluded: “Our firm’s story has been one of collective and sustained growth. I firmly believe that we have never been in a better position than we are today, to provide exciting, rewarding opportunities for our people and to deliver the exceptional multidisciplinary expertise that our clients and the market need.”

Appointment of new partner

As part of this transition, 128 new partners were elected to the international partnership. In Switzerland, Ivan Lamorte and Yoann Bois were among those appointed.

 Ivan Lamorte is a proven expert in risk management, serving as the Head of the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) for financial services department since 2021. Holding a Master's degree from the University of Zurich, Lamorte brings over 15 years of experience in providing strategic advice and auditing services to banks and insurance companies. His areas of expertise include integrated assurance, risk management and transformation, the establishment of governance, risk, control, and compliance frameworks, as well as the design and implementation of target operating models. Alongside his team, Lamorte works closely with both local and international financial institutions, delivering tailored solutions. He is passionate about leading high-performing teams, developing innovative approaches, and driving large-scale transformation projects to success. 

 Yoann Bois joined Forvis Mazars in 2009 at the Paris office after completing a master degree in engineering. He later moved to our Geneva office in 2017. A licensed audit expert, Bois brings over 15 years of professional experience in auditing. He has a wealth of expertise in auditing and advising international and mid-sized groups, particularly listed companies in the industrial and services sectors. In charge of the Swiss audit trainings and of the PCAOB practice in Switzerland, Bois is deeply involved in the development of our teams and of the audit practice in Romandie.

For more information about our Group Governing Board (GGB) and Group Executive Committee (GEC), click here.

This latest news comes six months after the launch of the firm’s global network – one which created the largest new entrant to global industry rankings in decades. Hélias continues in his capacity as Chairman of the global network and Jauffret as a member of the network board. Other recent appointments include Pascale Besse who succeeds Ariane Rossi as Group CFO.