Southfield, Mich., June 7, 2024 — Plante Moran, one of the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms, has announced new firm leadership positions, effective July 1.
Kellie Becker will assume leadership of the firm’s manufacturing and distribution industry, where she’ll lead a team serving more than 3,000 clients across several sectors, including automotive and mobility; food and beverage; plastics, metals, transportation, and logistics. Becker assumes this role from Brian Wiedenhoeft, who will join the firm’s management team in July. Prior to this position, Becker was the group tax leader for international specialty practices and DEI as well as the manufacturing and distribution industry tax leader.
Rob Edwards will take on leadership of the firm’s real estate and construction industry, where he’ll lead a team of more than 350 partners and staff serving more than 2,000 clients ranging from general contractors and subcontractors; heavy highway contractors; commercial real estate companies; REITs and real estate funds; affordable housing; and other related areas. Edwards assumes this role from Shane Brown, who will join the firm’s management team in July. Prior to this position, Edwards served as partner-in-charge of the firm’s real estate practice and specialized in housing and community development.
David Pesci will assume the role of Flint office managing partner, where he’ll focus on developing and growing the Flint team. He’ll also continue to lead the commercial practice in the Flint office, where he provides manufacturing and service companies with assurance and consulting services. Pesci succeeds Kimber Smail, who will take on the role of Southfield office managing partner.
Laurice Saba will take on the role of Auburn Hills office managing partner, where she’ll focus on developing and growing the firm’s Auburn Hills staff. She’ll also continue her work with the firm’s 1031 practice, helping clients with deferred exchanges; transactions pertaining to partnership and S corporation structures; real estate professional taxation; and debt restructuring. Saba succeeds Donna Hanson, who will join the firm’s management team in July.
Kimber Smail will assume the role of Southfield office managing partner, where she’ll focus on leading the firm’s Southfield staff. She’ll also continue to serve as an assurance partner in the firm’s manufacturing and distribution and employee benefit plan practices. Smail assumes this role from Sue Novak, who’s retiring in November. Prior to this position, Smail served as the firm’s Flint office managing partner.
“I’m excited to see these remarkable professionals step into new leadership roles within the firm,” said Managing Partner Jim Proppe. “Their expertise and dedication will drive Plante Moran forward as we continue to grow and evolve while upholding our century-old tradition of exceptional client service and culture.”
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About Plante Moran
Plante Moran is among the nation’s largest audit, tax, consulting, and wealth management firms and provides a full line of services to organizations in the following industries: manufacturing and distribution, financial services, service, healthcare, private equity, public sector, real estate, construction, and energy. Throughout the firm’s 100 years in business, Plante Moran has grown to a staff of more than 3,800 professionals throughout the United States with international offices in Shanghai, China; Mumbai, India; Tokyo, Japan; and Monterrey, Mexico. Plante Moran has been recognized by a number of organizations, including Fortune magazine, as one of the country’s best places to work. For more information, visit plantemoran.com.
