Forvis Mazars appoints Marcus Leonard as Partner and National Head of Tax
27 October 2026
Forvis Mazars is pleased to announce the appointment of Marcus Leonard as Partner and National Head of Tax in Australia, strengthening the firm’s nationally integrated Tax practice with more than 25 years of corporate and M&A tax experience.
Marcus brings more than 25 years of experience advising ASX-listed, privately owned and multinational groups, family groups and high-net-worth clients on corporate, M&A and private client tax matters. He joins Forvis Mazars from BDO, where he held senior tax leadership responsibilities including head of tax and built a reputation for translating complex tax law into practical, solution-focused advice that gives clients confidence when undertaking acquisitions, restructures, succession planning and other significant transactions.
Matthew Ashley, Managing Partner of Forvis Mazars in Sydney, said: “Marcus is a highly regarded tax adviser and experienced leader who combines deep technical capability with a clear commercial focus. His appointment demonstrates our commitment to continuing to invest in a best-in-class Tax practice and strengthening the support we provide to private, corporate and listed clients. Marcus will play an important role in accelerating our firm’s expansion and further developing the national practice.”
As National Head of Tax, Marcus will lead the firm’s Tax division across Australia, strengthening its nationally integrated approach and supporting the continued growth of the practice. He will work with teams across the firm and its global network to enhance collaboration, deepen client relationships and further develop capability.
Jonathan Stuart-Smith, APAC Regional Tax Lead at Forvis Mazars, said: “Marcus brings the leadership, market perspective and client-first mindset to advance our Tax strategy in Australia. Attracting a leader of his calibre reflects the strength of our firm, our culture and our growth ambitions. His vision for a collaborative national practice, connected to our regional and global network, strongly aligns with our approach. We look forward to working with him as Forvis Mazars continues to expand its tax offering across APAC and globally.”
Marcus advises privately owned businesses, family groups, high-net-worth clients, ASX-listed companies and multinational groups on M&A transactions, group restructures, private wealth and asset-protection structures, debt and equity raisings, trust fund establishment and tax-efficient structuring. His technical expertise includes tax consolidation, the taxation of trusts, capital gains tax, tax-loss recoupment, Division 7A, withholding tax and international tax. He also provides specialised tax compliance and corporate governance services.
His industry experience spans property development, construction and property funds, technology, media and telecommunications, manufacturing, infrastructure and agriculture. He works with private groups, private equity, trust funds and businesses undertaking transactions, including pre- and post-deal structuring.
Marcus’s appointment follows the International Fiscal Association (IFA) Congress, held in Melbourne from 18–22 October 2026 and attended by more than 1,000 tax professionals from around the world. Forvis Mazars’ longstanding support of the Congress, including sponsorship in 2026, reflects the firm’s continued investment in its people and in strengthening its Tax practice globally through collaboration, knowledge sharing and the development of specialist expertise.
Marcus Leonard said: “I am excited to join Forvis Mazars and contribute to the next phase of growth for Tax in Australia. The firm’s strong client relationships, specialist expertise and international network create a compelling platform for growth. My focus will be on building one connected national practice, strengthening our private client capability, investing in our people and helping clients navigate complexity with practical, commercially focused advice.”
Marcus holds a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) and a Master of Tax. He is a Chartered Tax Adviser and a Fellow of Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand.