Southfield, Mich., July 10, 2023 — Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest certified public accounting, tax, consulting and wealth management firms, has appointed Curtis Ruppal, Mark Barrott, Steven Bishop and Chris Nelson to leadership positions effective July 1.
Curtis Ruppal, group managing partner of tax: In this new role, Ruppal won’t only lead the firm’s tax directives and teams, but he’ll also join the firm’s management team as group managing partner of tax, allowing him to leverage his strong analytical skills and expert understanding of both the tax department and the firm. Prior to this position, Ruppal served as tax leader for Plante Moran’s manufacturing and distribution practice. He also previously led the firm’s state and local tax practice. Ruppal assumes leadership of the firm’s tax team from George Riddering, who is retiring in 2024. He will continue to work from the firm’s Grand Rapids office.
Mark Barrott, automotive value chain leader: Newly promoted to partner, Barrott will lead Plante Moran’s automotive value chain practice, where he’ll use his extensive automotive expertise to help clients define strategies, develop executable plans and realize their long-term objectives. Barrott assumes this position from Daron Gifford, who is retiring later this year. Prior to this role, Barrott served as a principal in the automotive practice. He’ll continue to work from the firm’s Southfield office.
Steven Bishop, higher education vertical leader: In this role, Bishop will oversee the strategic direction of Plante Moran’s higher education practice. He assumes the position from Vicki VanDenBerg, who is retiring in 2024. Prior to this role, Bishop led the service industry practice in Cincinnati and directed the growth of the Southwest Ohio higher education practice. He’ll continue to work from the firm’s Cincinnati office.
Chris Nelson, chief risk and legal officer: Previously serving as Plante Moran’s general counsel, Nelson will assume the role of chief risk and legal officer, where he’ll work closely with the firm’s management team to oversee ongoing risk management programs and advise on emerging risks. He’ll also continue to oversee the firm’s legal department. Nelson will succeed Chief Risk Officer Frank Audia, who is retiring later this year. Nelson will continue to work from the firm’s Southfield office.
“This group of talented individuals will continue to uphold our firm’s legacy of promoting the firm’s culture, providing exceptional client service and fostering community connections,” said Managing Partner Jim Proppe. “I’m excited to see the impact these new leaders will have on our firm as Plante Moran continues to grow and evolve.”
About Plante Moran
Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest accounting, tax, consulting and wealth management firms and provides a full line of services to organizations in the following industries: manufacturing and distribution, financial services, service, healthcare, private equity, public sector, real estate, construction and energy. Plante Moran has a staff of more than 3,500 professionals throughout the United States with international offices in Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Monterrey, Mexico. Plante Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work. For more information, visit plantemoran.com.
