Lou Longo

As the leader of the firm’s international consulting team, I help clients increase their operational efficiency and grow their businesses across borders through strategic expansions. 

For over three decades, I’ve enjoyed the global relationships I’ve built and formed trusted partnerships with my clients through my on-the-ground experience in the markets in which they operate, along with my “shoot it straight” approach. I’m okay with saying, “No, we can’t, or “You shouldn’t do that,” even when the message may be difficult to deliver, knowing I have my clients’ best interests in mind.

It’s exciting for me to think of how far our team has come, and that I was instrumental in helping Plante Moran open offices in Shanghai, China; Monterrey, Mexico; and Mumbai, India. I’m proud that the teams in these offices create a better service experience for our clients and provide our global team with on-the-ground insight in key growth markets that our clients wouldn’t get elsewhere.

I enjoy assisting clients in achieving the highest profitability and quality in their international operations, while mitigating the tendency to make decisions based on emotion or perceptions. While I realize management teams are held accountable to stakeholders, my team’s mission is to guide business decisions that support long-term growth. It’s this philosophy that earned our international practice an AICPA Practice Innovation Award.

As a passionate supporter of racial and gender equity issues, I’m honored to be the firm’s chair of our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council. It’s our goal to create a culture where each person feels a sense of belonging and knows their contributions are valued. If you’re interested in the progress we’re making in this commitment, check out our firm’s DEI page. In October 2023, I was named a Notable Leader in DEI by Crain’s Chicago Business for my work with Plante Moran’s DEI initiatives.

I have a B.B.A. from Wayne State University and I’m a frequent speaker on the topic of globalization. I am proud to say my international experience led to my federal appointment to the District Export Council. I’m often quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Smart Money, and other business publications and continually try to leave my mark in the marketplace.

I’m a member of the AICPA, the MICPA, the Illinois CPA Society, the American Chamber of Commerce in Shanghai, the United States–Mexico Chamber of Commerce, and the Chicago Chamber Global Connections Council.