Mazars leadership expansion: Welcomes four new global partners from Singapore

Singapore, 13 December 2023 – Mazars, a leading international firm specialising in audit, tax, and advisory services, proudly welcomed 139 new global partners during its annual global partners' conference held in December. This significant expansion underscores Mazars' commitment to excellence, diversity, and collaborative leadership.

Singapore-based leaders join the CARL Partnership

Four local partners from Mazars in Singapore, Cheryl Koh, Joanne Chong, Mark Chew, and Zhang Liang, have been appointed as part of the Cooperative à Responsabilité Limité (CARL) partnership. They join forces with the existing 13 CARL partners in Singapore to collectively help shape the strategic objectives of the Mazars Group globally.

Global collaboration and recognition

The appointments of the CARL partners were the result of a democratic process involving over 1000 Mazars global partners, who voted to co-opt these leaders from Singapore and around the world. This move not only strengthens the Mazars global network but also underscores the firm's commitment to diverse and impactful leadership.

Expertise across service lines

The global partnership brings a wealth of talent, modern leadership skills, and an unwavering work ethic to Mazars. Their collective expertise spans various service lines, reinforcing Mazars' dedication to delivering exceptional service to clients across all areas. As exemplary leaders, they will play a central role in the development, mentorship, and coaching of young professionals at Mazars. 

Commenting on the appointment, Rick Chan, Managing Partner and Head of Audit and Assurance APAC, expressed joy in announcing these outstanding appointments. He emphasized that each individual represents a beacon of excellence in their respective fields, showcasing the remarkable depth of talent within Mazars. Rick underlined the significance of these appointments as a testament not only to the external recognition of Mazars' leadership but also to the firm's commitment to growing talents internally.

"These appointments," Rick noted, "shine a spotlight on our dedication to talent development within our integrated partnership model. We take great pride in nurturing and advancing the careers of our professionals, and these achievements stand as tangible evidence of the enduring sustainability of our collaborative journey. As we continue to foster a culture of excellence, innovation and promoting diversity, we remain focused on providing opportunities for our internal talents to thrive and make meaningful contributions to the success of Mazars.  This is also much aligned with Mazars’ model of integrated partnership and stewardship.

Global presence reinforced

As Mazars continues to solidify its global presence, the firm remains committed to excellence, diversity, and a collaborative spirit that defines its success in the competitive landscape of audit, tax, and advisory services. 

Individual profiles:

Cheryl Koh – Partner, Audit and Assurance

Cheryl joined Mazars as local partner in Audit and Assurance in September 2021. She brings a wealth of experience accumulated over nearly two decades, including a significant tenure with a Big Four firm. Her professional journey includes a transformative 18-month secondment to London and a valuable stint as a practice reviewer at the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), the national regulator of public accountants.

Cheryl's extensive industry exposure spans working with conglomerates listed on the Singapore Exchange and multinational corporations across a spectrum of sectors, including construction, energy, manufacturing, not-for-profit, property development, retail, and trading. She navigates the intricate landscape of International/Singapore Financial Reporting Standards with finesse.

Integral to Mazars’ quality control and compliance team in Singapore and the Asia Pacific, Cheryl provides invaluable perspectives, contributing to the establishment and implementation of audit quality initiatives. Her commitment transcends traditional audit functions, emphasizing the highest standards of service and strict adherence to regulatory requirements. 

A graduate with a Bachelor of Accountancy (Hons) from Nanyang Technological University and a Chartered Accountant (Singapore), Cheryl expressed her honor, stating, “I am privileged to be part of a firm that places a high value on excellence and innovation. I eagerly anticipate leveraging my expertise to drive impactful outcomes for our clients, further elevating Mazars’ reputation in the industry. Quality is one of the central pillars of Mazars’ strategy, and I look forward to its continued enhancement under my stewardship."

Joanne Chong – Partner, Outsourcing

Joanne's journey with Mazars began in 2018 when she joined as a Senior Manager, showcasing her commitment and expertise. Her promotion to the role of local partner in March 2022 is a testament to her significant contributions to the firm. With over two decades of professional experience, Joanne's diverse background includes seven years in audit and assurance with a Big Four firm, covering audit, consolidation, and financial reporting. She also spent three years in corporate trust in a financial institution, managing special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and asset securitization structures for multinational corporations. Additionally, Joanne has six years of experience providing accounting, tax, and compliance services to international clients doing business in Singapore.

A member of CPA Australia, Joanne is familiar with Singapore Financial Reporting Standards (SFRS) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). Her international exposure includes two years of working in London and assignments in Australia and Dubai. Joanne's expertise spans a broad range of local and international clients in various industries, including trading, manufacturing, REITs, investment companies, fast-food chains, retailers, property development, and SGX Listed companies. 

Commenting on her appointment, Joanne said, "I am thrilled to be part of this dynamic and forward-looking team. I am eager to contribute my expertise to further the success of Mazars and play a meaningful role in delivering top-notch services to our clients. I am enthusiastic about collaborative opportunities ahead and look forward to making a positive impact within the firm."

Mark Chew – Partner, Audit and Assurance

Mark Chew, Partner in Audit and Assurance, joined Mazars in 2021, bringing over a decade of experience from a distinguished career with a Big Four firm. Specializing in the financial services sector, particularly bank audits, Mark demonstrates comprehensive understanding and expertise in the sector. His professional journey includes a notable 27-month stint in Melbourne, Australia, adding an international dimension to his skill set.

As a Chartered Accountant in both the Institute of Chartered Accountants Singapore (ISCA) and Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CAANZ), Mark's proficiency extends to financial audits and internal control audits. He has managed portfolios overseeing the Singapore operations of globally systemically important banks, multinational investment banks, wholesale banks, capital market services licensees, stock exchanges, securities and commodities houses, funds and funds management companies, credit and charge card licensees, insurance companies, and more. 

On his appointment as a global partner, Mark expressed, “I am truly honoured to be co-opted as a global partner at Mazars. This signifies a significant milestone in my career and a testament to the collective achievements of our dedicated teams. I am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead as we continue to strengthen Mazars’ global footprint and deliver exceptional value to our clients. As we navigate the dynamic landscape of the financial services sector, my commitment remains unwavering, and I look forward to contributing to the continued success of Mazars on a global scale."

Zhang Liang – Partner, Audit and Assurance

Zhang Liang, who joined Mazars in 2012, rose to the position of local partner in 2021. His trajectory within the firm reflects not only his commitment but also his substantial contribution to Mazars’ growth.

Throughout his career at Mazars, Zhang Liang has engaged with businesses of diverse scales, from family-owned businesses and multinational corporations to publicly listed companies. His broad industry expertise spans education, manufacturing, energy, real estate, and shipping.

Recognised as a valuable business partner, Zhang Liang offers unique insights that assist clients in transforming and expanding their businesses. His involvement extends to the intricate planning and preparation of companies for Initial Public Offering (IPO), showcasing his strategic acumen. 

Beyond his local engagements, Zhang Liang has established himself in servicing Chinese companies seeking expansion in Southeast Asia. Leveraging his in-depth understanding of Chinese culture and etiquette, he aids them in establishing their international or regional headquarters in Singapore through optimized investment structures.

A Fellow Member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (FCCA) and a Chartered Accountant of Singapore (CA), Zhang Liang expressed his gratitude on his appointment, stating, "I am humbled and deeply honoured by this appointment, marking a significant chapter in my professional journey and reflecting the trust placed in me. Eager to contribute to Mazars’ global vision, I will leverage my experience and insights to reinforce our client-centric approach. Committed to upholding Mazars’ values of excellence, innovation, and collaboration, I look forward to continuing my growth journey within the Mazars family.”