MHA appoints three independent non-executives

MHA has announced the appointment of Dianne Azoor Hughes, Mark Goodey and Tim Davies as independent non-executives (INEs).

These are the first INEs the firm has appointed, highlighting its commitment to following the Audit Firm Governance Code (AFGC) and enhancing its public interest responsibilities.

Hughes was a partner at audit firm Pitcher Partners based in Melbourne and is one of Australia’s “most prominent” experts on governance, risk and audit.

Meanwhile, Goodey was a partner at Deloitte UK for more than 30 years and was the chair of Deloitte’s Audit Quality Remuneration Committee.

Lastly, Davies was head of tax and executive board member at Mazars and Haysmacintyre and now advises professional services firms on strategy, mergers and acquisitions and restructuring.

The three INEs, who take up their responsibilities with immediate effect, will attend the MHA oversight committee, the public interest committee and the audit quality board which have direct responsibility for overseeing our audit practice and ensuring its quality and independence.

According to MHA, this reflects the “key principle of the AFGC that INEs will maintain full visibility of the business through their involvement in MHA governance bodies”.

Rakesh Shaunak, the chairman of MHA, said: “I am delighted to welcome Dianne, Mark and Tim as INEs to MHA. They all have extensive experience and expertise in audit, accounting, governance and ethics, and will bring valuable insights and perspectives to our strategic thinking as well as contributing to the enhancement of the quality, integrity and public trust in MHA’s audit services.

“We are fortunate to have three individuals of such high calibre adding real depth and strength to our governance structure and I look forward to working closely with them.”