Lutz Appoints Ryan Cook as New Managing Shareholder, Charting Future Success

Major Leadership Transition at Lutz

Lutz, a well-known business solutions firm headquartered in Nebraska, has made a significant announcement regarding its leadership. As of May 1, 2025, Ryan Cook will step into the role of Managing Shareholder. This appointment is not just a simple shift in roles; it marks a historic moment for Lutz, as Cook is only the third individual to assume this position in over three decades.

Ryan Cook, who has been with Lutz since 2006, has established himself as a dynamic leader characterized by his commitment to building strong relationships within and outside the firm. His leadership style is described as relationship-driven, empowering team members to take ownership in their work while striving for impactful results. This approach aligns well with Lutz's culture, allowing for the discovery of new opportunities while keeping the success of clients at the forefront of the business.

In his own words, Cook expressed his excitement about the new position by stating, "Lutz has always been about empowering people, both our team and our clients. I'm excited to build on the firm's historical success while driving forward-thinking strategies in ways that align with our values."

As part of this leadership transition, Taylor Kendall has been promoted to become the Lutz Accounting President, succeeding Cook. This move highlights Lutz's ongoing commitment to nurturing talent and promoting leaders from within, ensuring a smooth continuation of leadership as the firm forges ahead with a clear vision.

Mark Duren, who has been at the helm since 2015, has left a significant mark on the organization, driving growth and expanding services which have positioned Lutz as a trusted advisor in the business community. Under his leadership, the firm has seen remarkable expansion, elevating its national ranking from the 107th to 74th largest accounting firm in the United States.

With Ryan Cook taking charge and building upon Duren’s legacy, Lutz is now set to enter an era marked by transformation and excellence. This transition is more than an adjustment; it is a reaffirmation of the firm’s dedication to growth, client-centered innovation, and a steadfast commitment to core values such as integrity, humanity, brainpower, and confidence.

About Lutz
Lutz serves as a comprehensive business solutions partner dedicated to energizing and enhancing economic and organizational success for its clients. The firm offers a wide array of services, including accounting, financial advisement, talent management, M&A consulting, and technology services. Lutz prioritizes simplifying complexities in the business landscape, aiding in critical decision-making, and ensuring clients can focus on what truly matters to them. Their promise is to treat every business as if it were their own, fostering the right solutions for success.

For more information, visit www.lutz.us or contact Merrick Aurora at (402) 496-8800 or via email at [email protected]