Larry Autrey
Whitley Penn on Wednesday announced a transition in executive leadership.
© Gittings Photography
Nathen McEown
CEO Larry Autrey will become executive chairman of the firm, effective Jan. 1.
Toby Cotton
Nathen McEown, currently serving as partner-in-charge of consulting and chief growth officer, has been appointed Autrey’s successor as CEO.
Toby Cotton, who currently serves as partner-in-charge of tax, will transition to the role of COO.
“I’m beyond thrilled to see this team of esteemed professionals rise into their newly elected leadership roles,” said Autrey in a statement. “I have personally mentored both Nathen and Toby for many years and believe this is the best transition strategy for the future of the firm.
“As tenured Whitley Penn partners, they will hold our culture and mission of superb customer service as core pillars of what makes Whitley Penn unique. I’m looking forward to watching Whitley Penn’s growth continue under this new leadership. It has been the absolute pleasure of my career to serve this great firm for over 20 years.”
Autrey, who has more than 30 years of tax, advisory and business valuation experience focused on public and private clients, has served as the CEO for Whitley Penn for more than 20 years.
Under his leadership, the firm has expanded from 50 to nearly 900 employees. The firm has nine offices across Texas and New Mexico, with eight of them opening under Autrey's guidance.
Moreover, Autrey led the firm through more than a dozen acquisition events.
McEown began his career with Whitley Penn as an intern in the firm’s Dallas office 20 years ago.
“I’ve had the privilege of growing alongside this exceptional firm,” said McEown. “I am incredibly honored to step into this role and grateful for the trust and support of my partners. I’m excited and fortunate to have a tremendous leadership team by my side as we continue to build on our legacy.”
Said Cotton: “Having served on our management committee over the past decade, I've witnessed significant growth of the firm. I'm honored to step into the role of COO to help build our team and balance growth while maintaining our legacy culture.”