Whitley Penn, a prominent Fort Worth, Texas-based firm, has announced a leadership transition effective January 1. Larry Autrey, who has served as CEO for over 20 years, will step down from the role and take on the position of Executive Chairman. Nathen McEown, currently the Partner-in-Charge (PIC) of consulting and Chief Growth Officer, has been appointed as the new CEO, while Toby Cotton, PIC of tax, will step into the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
The firm, which reported FY23 net revenue of $217.7 million, celebrates Autrey’s substantial contributions. Under his leadership, Whitley Penn expanded from 50 employees to nearly 900 and grew its footprint to nine offices across Texas and New Mexico. Autrey was instrumental in overseeing over a dozen acquisitions, contributing significantly to the firm’s growth and presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth community. Autrey expressed confidence in the new leadership team, noting that McEown and Cotton will uphold the firm’s culture and commitment to exceptional client service.
McEown, who began his career with Whitley Penn as an intern 20 years ago, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to lead, citing the mentorship and support he received from Autrey and the firm’s leadership. He looks forward to continuing Whitley Penn’s legacy with a focus on growth and client dedication. Cotton, who has served on the firm’s management committee for a decade, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing his commitment to balancing growth with the firm’s legacy culture in his new role as COO.
