John Kurkowski Takes the Helm as Crowe's New Managing Partner of Audit and Assurance

Leadership Transition at Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP, a prominent name in public accounting and consulting, recently unveiled the appointment of John Kurkowski as the new Managing Partner of its Audit and Assurance Business Unit, a position he will step into on July 1, 2025. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the firm's leadership strategy, following the planned retirement of the incumbent Wendy Cama on March 31, 2026, after an impressive three-decade career at Crowe.

As the transition unfolds over the next year, both Kurkowski and Cama will work collaboratively to ensure a smooth handover, thus maintaining operational continuity as they approach the end of Crowe's fiscal year 2026. This strategic plan reflects Crowe's commitment to its foundational values of audit quality and service innovation in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Steven Strammello, CEO of Crowe, expressed confidence in Kurkowski’s abilities, stating, "John is a seasoned and respected leader whose deep audit expertise, client relationships, and strategic perspective make him ideal to lead our Audit Assurance business into the future." This acknowledgment underscores Kurkowski's extensive experience and the trust the leadership places in him to further the firm's objectives in a transforming market.

With over 23 years at Crowe, Kurkowski has previously served as the Private Equity Industry Leader and has been instrumental in managing several of Crowe's public company audit clients. His role on the Crowe Board of Directors further showcases his leadership capabilities both within the firm and across the wider market. Strammello noted, "Audit Assurance is the foundation of our business and central to Crowe's reputation for quality and trust. Wendy has carried that torch and ensured we meet that standard for the past five years, and under John's leadership, we are well positioned to build on that strong foundation as the profession continues to transform."

Kurkowski has amassed over 30 years of experience in conducting audits, reviews, and providing financial advisory services to both privately held and publicly traded clients across various industries, including manufacturing, distribution, and healthcare services. Before his tenure at Crowe, he was a partner at Arthur Andersen, serving clients primarily in the consumer-packaged goods, pharmaceuticals, and healthcare sectors.

A proud alumnus of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Kurkowski is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants (ILCPA). His educational background and professional affiliations serve to enhance his credibility and influence within the field.

About Crowe LLP

Crowe LLP stands out as a leading public accounting and consulting firm, leveraging deep industry knowledge to offer audit, tax, and advisory services to a diverse array of public and private entities. The firm has garnered recognition from various organizations as one of the best workplaces in the United States and operates as an independent member of Crowe Global, a vast accounting network comprising more than 200 independent firms across over 130 countries worldwide. As Crowe continues to evolve, the firm remains committed to providing innovative solutions that resonate with its clients' changing needs while upholding the highest standards of performance and ethics.

This leadership change marks the beginning of a promising new chapter for Crowe LLP, as they strive to navigate the complexities of the contemporary business environment and reinforce their commitment to excellence in the audit and assurance landscape.