HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association has announced Tony Fittler will step down as chair after 15 years in the role, continuing on with the firm’s Sydney office.
After joining the firm in 1984, Fittler progressed up the ranks to become partner in 1989, managing partner in 2006 and then chair of the association in 2010.
While stepping back from the leading role, he will continue his more than 40-year tenure with the association as a senior tax partner at HLD Mann Judd Sydney.
Mark Muller has been named his successor, effective 1 January 2026.
Most recently operating as senior partner in the assurance and advisory division of the association’s Sydney office, Muller has been with HLB Mann Judd Sydney for more than 15 years, leading its assurance and advisory division.
According to the association, Muller has played a critical role in shaping its capabilities during his time there, particularly in regard to its technical capabilities and audit approach. He was also a key driver of change in its Sydney office, expanding digital assurance and advisory offerings to meet the evolving needs of businesses.
Stepping into his new role, Muller said he is pleased to take on the opportunity to lead the association into its “next phase of growth”.
“Our profession is changing rapidly, and the challenges facing businesses are increasingly complex. My priority is to champion initiatives that drive innovation, raise the bar on quality, and create tangible value for our people and the clients who trust us to help them succeed,” he said.
The former chair added: “It has been a privilege to serve as chair and to work alongside such a dedicated and talented team across our network. Seeing the association grow has been incredibly rewarding, and I’m confident that under Mark’s leadership, we will continue to thrive, innovate, and deliver value to our people and clients.”
This announcement follows a sweeping round of appointments and internal promotions late last year, including Anna Janssen who was named director of advisory services at HLB Mann Judd Newcastle.
On the advisory and taxation team, Nilan Gandhi was named director of HLB Mann Judd Brisbane and Trent Boncompagni is now an associate at the firm’s Wollongong office.
Meanwhile, the HLB Mann Judd Newcastle audit and assurance team saw Natalie Dobinson promoted to director, with Alyce Stones and Jacob Medel joining as partners. Looking further south, Alex Roberts was names partner in audit and assurance at the Melbourne office.
At the same time, HLB’s Perth division announced its acquisition of WA-based firm, A Plus Business Advisors. Along with expanding its presence in the west, this deal saw A Plus director and owner Garry Anderson and the firm’s associate director, Maka Sikazwe, both join HLB Perth as directors in the business advisory division.
