Forvis Mazars appoints Christos Vernardos to Executive Board as Head of Risk and Quality

In his new role, Christos will lead the firm’s approach to identifying, understanding and managing risk across the business. His remit covers the strategic, operational and regulatory risks that come with helping clients prepare for what’s next in a complex, evolving business environment. 

The appointment reflects the centrality of sophisticated risk management to Forvis Mazars’ strategy, culture and decision-making. It will help ensure the firm is positioned to make informed choices, maintain the highest standards and continue to earn the trust placed in it by clients, regulators and the wider market. Christos will work across all service lines and central functions to strengthen how the firm identifies and manages risk, including risks associated with client acceptance, the quality of its work, regulation, operations and future growth. He succeeds Mark Kennedy, who continues in his roles on the Forvis Mazars Group Executive Board and Group Governing Board.

Christos joined Forvis Mazars in 2022 from the Financial Reporting Council and was appointed Head of Audit Quality in 2023. Since joining the firm, he has played a leading role in strengthening its approach to audit quality and supporting a culture of continuous improvement.

During this period, Forvis Mazars designed and implemented its Audit Quality Transformation Plan, with a strong focus on its system of quality management (SoQM). In its latest Annual Review of Audit Quality, the FRC recognised the firm’s progression from a period of transformation to one focused on consistency and sustainability, marking a significant milestone in its quality journey.

James Gilbey, Chief Executive Officer at Forvis Mazars in the UK, said: “Managing risk well is fundamental to the long-term success of our firm. It helps us make the right choices about where and how we grow, maintain high standards and protect the trust placed in us by our clients, people and wider stakeholders.

Since joining us in 2022, Christos has played a key role in our audit quality transformation. His appointment to the Executive Board builds on that experience and reflects the strategic importance of managing risk across every part of our business.”

Forvis Mazars has remained committed to providing choice and competition within highly regulated markets, while maintaining its focus on serving the public interest. The firm continues to invest in quality, people and innovation as it supports clients and contributes to confidence in the wider market. 

Looking ahead, Christos will focus on developing a more integrated approach to risk management, quality, assurance and governance across the firm. This will give the Executive Board and business leaders a clearer view of the firm’s principal risks, the action being taken to manage them and where further attention may be required.

Christos Vernardos, Head of Risk and Quality at Forvis Mazars in the UK, said: “When I left the regulator in 2022, there was only one firm I wanted to join. Forvis Mazars stood out because of its culture, ambition and commitment to serving the public interest.

We have made significant progress on quality in our audit business, and are now building from a position of strength. My new role gives us an opportunity to apply that same focus and discipline to the way we understand and manage risk across the whole firm.

My priority is to work with teams across the business to create a clearer and more connected view of risk. That will help us make good decisions, support sustainable growth and maintain the high standards our clients and stakeholders expect.”

Christos will work closely with partners and teams across the firm to strengthen its risk culture, support informed decision-making and ensure risk and quality remain central to how Forvis Mazars grows, serves clients and prepares for what’s next.