LOS ANGELES, CA, February 15, 2017… Effective January 1, 2018, GHJ has appointed Tom Barry as its next Managing Partner. Tom will transition into the role currently held by Leon Janks. Tom has been a partner for 10 years, and leads the Waste Management and Environmental Services niche practice, as well as a number of key functions at the firm.
This celebrated succession comes on the heels of a rigorous strategic planning process by the partner group, which has a deep commitment to growing future leaders. Leon will continue with the firm after January in a consulting role supporting key initiatives of the firm.
GHJ is coming up on its 65th year, a history fueled by innovation, the advancement of future leaders and rapid growth. With over 36 years at the firm, Leon has been managing partner for 11 of those years and leaves a strong legacy of success. His commitment to positivity and collaboration is an inspiration that has attracted world-class talent to the firm. Leon’s stewardship of the firm’s vision has seen the number of employees – and revenues – more than double during his leadership. His belief that investing in and “growing” great next generation talent is a recipe for how GHJ continues to achieve excellence, exceed projected goals and ensure sustainable growth.
“I could not be happier to see someone that I respect and trust take over the position of managing partner. Tom’s followership within the firm, passion to #BeMore and drive to achieve results will carry the firm well into the future,” Leon said. “Tom is a prime example of how we grow great people, as he has ‘grown up’ in the firm for over 20 years and has established his own footprint with a reputation for innovation and developing talent.”
Growing great people is integral to the GHJ Vision and Values as the firm’s underlying success is driven by retaining the best, diverse talent.
“I have been motivated by Leon’s example,” Tom elaborated. “GHJ has been a place where I am inspired to #BeMore by devoting time to my family, pursuing my passions and continuing to help build a better future for my clients and colleagues.”
By continually investing in next generation leadership and top talent, resources and technology, GHJ has committed itself to transforming vision and passion into tangible results for its clients and people.
About Tom Barry
Tom believes in building a successful life one day at a time. He does that by leveraging technology to create a flexible schedule that allows him to be a father and husband in addition to fully committing to his career at GHJ. Tom’s role at GHJ is a combination of entrepreneur, partner, consultant, mentor and business advisor. When Tom is not working, you will find him fishing, coaching and spending time with his wife and four children. He has launched the firm’s concept of #BeMore, which encourages members of the firm to live their best lives, professionally and personally. He recently wrote about his commitment to this in his blog #BeMore.
Additionally, Tom provides audit and accounting, tax and general business consulting services to clients in a variety of industries including waste management, environmental services, manufacturing and distribution. He is regularly involved in transaction advisory services for clients looking to buy or sell businesses. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the California Society of CPAs, and serves on the Loyola Marymount University Accounting Advisory Board.
About GHJ
Founded in 1953, GHJ is a Los Angeles-based accounting firm that specializes in nonprofit, food and beverage, health and wellness and entertainment and media companies.
Ranked as a top 20 largest accounting firm on the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Book of Lists, the Firm has 14 partners and approximately 130 staff members that serve over 3,000 clients. Also named a 2016 “Best Places to Work” by the Los Angeles Business Journal, our eighth winning year since 2008, GHJ provides an environment where talented and career-minded individuals can grow personally and professionally.
