Press Release: AGN International’s NextLeaders EMEA Programme Concludes in Rome 

Rome, Italy – AGN International has successfully wrapped up its 12-month NextLeaders EMEA programme, culminating in Rome. This comprehensive leadership development initiative brought together emerging leaders from across the EMEA region to focus on leadership, practice management, and the future of the profession. 

The programme included a combination of four webinars and three face-to-face training days, held in key European cities: Rotterdam, Paris, and Rome. Participants began their journey with a networking dinner alongside members of the EMEA board, setting the stage for a collaborative and insightful experience. 

The event featured several impactful sessions, starting with a presentation by Malcolm Ward, AGN Global CEO, who provided valuable insights on practice value. Joke (Johanna) Rigter RA MSc delivered an informative session on ESG opportunities and risks, highlighting how firms can adapt to emerging demands. Additionally, Chris White led a forward-thinking session on building the firm of the future, discussing strategies for long-term success. 

One of the standout sessions was led by Trevor Mc Neilly, CEO of Dains, who presented a detailed case study on their PE-backed buy-and-build strategy, offering attendees a real-world perspective on private equity in practice. In contrast, sessions led by André Marius Le Prince, Partner at Caderas Martin, focused on alternative financing options, providing participants with a broader understanding of capital-raising strategies. 

These sessions were designed to complement the programme’s overarching goal: introducing participants to the essentials of practice management while equipping them with strategic management skills. The programme’s structure, combining real-world case studies with actionable insights, ensured that emerging leaders left with a solid foundation to build on in their careers. 

Participants’ who benefitted from the immersive experience, included David Halkett FCCA, Emeline Cusenier, Julie Gravosqui, Joshua N Williams, Axel Hartmann, Julia Wanninger, Iain Masterton, Ian Higgins, Alessandra Balerna, and Matteo Benatti.  

The NextLeaders EMEA programme underscored AGN International’s commitment to shaping the future of the accounting profession by nurturing the next generation of leaders. 

 “Over the past year, I have had the privilege of participating in the Next Leaders EMEA programme, which focused on leadership and practice management. Highlights included insightful sessions on succession planning and building influence, practice value, and future firm building. One of the biggest benefits of the programme for me has been the opportunity to meet and build relationships with future leaders from firms across the region.” 

Emily Ball-Goldfinch, Corporate Services Senior Manager at Dafferns Chartered Accountants and Business Advisers