The HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association has appointed several new partners and directors, including two external appointments, effective 1 July 2025.

Ronnie Calligeros joins HLB Mann Judd Robina within the assurance & advisory team. Mr Calligeros joins from KPMG where he was based in Australia for 10 years and prior to that, Cayman Islands for four years. He brings with him more than 19 years of experience providing advisory, accounting, and assurance services, with experience spanning numerous ASX-listed companies and other public entities, large and small private companies, family businesses, start-ups, not-for-profit organisations, managed investment schemes, and government entities.

Lindzi Caputo has been promoted to partner at HLB Mann Judd Sydney in the wealth management division. Ms Caputo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a graduate in superannuation services and became a director in 2022. She works with a wide range of private clients to build and protect their wealth, covering wealth accumulation, superannuation, retirement planning and investment advice. She is a member of the Financial Advice Association Australia as well as Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Also in Sydney, Marcus Polovineo has been promoted to partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Polovineo joined HLB Mann Judd in 2011 and is an experienced taxation practitioner, specialising in corporate tax compliance & consulting. In 2019, he was a winner of the Specialist Consultant award at the Accountant’s Daily ‘30 under 30’ awards. Mr Polovineo is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Simon Thorp has joined HLB Mann Judd in Sydney as senior partner in the tax consulting team. Mr Thorp joins from KPMG, where he worked since 2000 in the tax division before becoming partner in 2013. Mr Thorp’s expertise spans tax advisory, international tax, and M&A, and he also provides IPO advisory, assistance with capital management and comprehensive tax compliance services.

HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association chair, Tony Fittler, said: “Appointing four new partners marks a significant milestone in the Association’s growth journey. The accounting profession has been evolving over the last few years, and we remain firmly focused on what matters most, our people and our clients.”

There are also six director appointments in HLB Mann Judd firms, strengthening the wealth management, assurance and advisory, tax advisory services, and corporate and audit services practices.  

In Sydney, Emma Hicks, Katie Bruce and Lachlan Bell have been promoted to director.

Emma Hicks joined HLB Mann Judd in 2009 as a financial adviser. She works with a wide range of private clients across investment advice and structuring, wealth creation, superannuation, and retirement planning. Ms Hicks has a Bachelor of Business, accounting and human resources management, and an advanced diploma of financial planning from Kaplan.

Katie Bruce is part of the assurance & advisory division. She has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2020 when she joined as an audit supervisor. Prior to that, Ms Bruce was based in the US. She has a Bachelor of Science in accounting from the California State University, and a Master of Science in accounting,

Lachlan Bell is a member of the assurance & advisory division, specialising in freight forwarding, managed funds and property management. As an audit director he brings extensive experience and expertise in financial audits and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Mr Bell is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

In Perth, Dylan Sheard, Brendan Bate and Don Tyrie have been promoted to director.

Dylan Sheard is part of the corporate & audit services team based in Perth. Mr Sheard has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2009, working on government organisations, listed clients and large private companies, including Pilbara Ports Authority, Southern Ports Authority, Poseidon Nickel and Sadleirs Transport Company. He is a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Brendan Bate is a member of the wealth management team in Perth, bringing over 20 years’ experience in the accounting and financial services industries. Mr Bate joined HLB Mann Judd in 2023 with varied background across technically challenging and dynamic roles in large organisations, to advising families at a boutique financial planning firm. He has a graduate diploma in financial planning and is a member of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Don Tyrie is a member of the tax advisory services team in Perth and has been with HLB Mann Judd since 2018. Mr Tyrie works in corporate and international taxation, specialising in taxation for mining and resources companies, including mining services. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser, and a member of the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.

Retiring this year is Kevin Franey, a partner in the assurance & advisory team in Robina. Mr Franey has been a partner at HLB Mann Judd for almost 40 years and has delivered valuable insights and audit expertise to clients across financial institutions, large corporates, higher education, cooperatives, health & community services and not for profit entities.

“After 35 remarkable years with HLB, Kevin leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of leadership, integrity and dedication. He has been a genuine pleasure to work with and we will all miss him. His contribution has shaped not only our organisation, but also the careers and lives of so many colleagues and clients. We thank Kevin for his service and wish him the best in his retirement,” said Mr Fittler.

Mr Franey says: “I have thoroughly enjoyed my professional career spanning over 35 years, working and interacting with so many wonderful clients and other people who have helped shape me professionally as a person. I would like to thank the great people at HLB Mann Judd who have provided great assistance and leadership. A very special mention goes to all of the amazing Partners and Staff in our team at HLB Mann Judd Gold Coast & Northern Rivers and TNR. They are dedicated, caring and highly professional people who are beside you through thick and thin.”