Becker to Build on Berson’s Legacy of Growth, Innovation and a People-First Culture
CHICAGO, IL, JULY 9, 2025 — BDO USA, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, has announced that Matthew K. Becker, national managing principal of tax, has been ratified by a principal-wide vote to serve as the firm’s next Chief Executive Officer, effective July 1, 2026. He will succeed long-standing CEO Wayne Berson, who will retire effective June 30, 2026, leaving a legacy of growth, innovation and purpose-centered leadership.
“I am pleased to announce Matt’s ratification as CEO-elect and steward of the next chapter of BDO’s success,” said Natalie Kotlyar, chair of the Board of Directors of BDO USA. “Matt is a trusted leader who has earned our confidence to carry forward the firm’s vision and people-first culture. At the same time, his agile and innovative leadership approach will position BDO to embrace the changes necessary to remain at the forefront of an evolving profession.”
As national managing principal of tax, Becker leads the strategy and operations of BDO USA’s tax practice, which has more than doubled in size since 2019. He joined BDO in 2002, became a tax partner in 2005, and assumed the role of national managing principal in 2019. He has held a series of progressive leadership positions throughout his career including five years as chair of BDO USA’s Board of Directors where he oversaw the firm’s governance and strategic direction. As a longstanding member of the executive leadership team, he has been a pivotal voice in the most consequential decisions impacting the firm’s future, from the establishment of BDO’s employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) to key expansions and strategic partnerships. Becker’s impressive accomplishments, holistic understanding of the firm and its opportunities, and unwavering character position him to sustain BDO’s culture and growth trajectory while managing the complexities of a rapidly changing industry.
“It is a genuine honor to have the support of my peers and follow in the footsteps of Wayne’s transformational leadership,” said Becker. “BDO has experienced exponential growth over Wayne’s tenure due to his steadfast focus on our people and commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients. Continuity in vision and purpose built BDO’s culture, and I intend to lead with that same approach. I look forward to listening and learning from Wayne, our principals and our people as I transition into the role and help our teams deliver best-in-class experiences.”
Berson has served as CEO of BDO USA since 2012, overseeing a strategy that increased the firm’s annual revenue from $618M to approximately $3 billion. Berson credits this growth to a strategic focus on people, purpose and culture, which guided each strategic business decision. Under Berson’s leadership, the firm completed more than 70 expansions, welcoming teams and organizations that shared BDO’s values. This deliberate, people-first approach ensured that most of BDO’s growth remained organic, underscoring the effectiveness of the firm’s strategy.
In addition, Berson’s commitment to purposeful innovation has solidified BDO’s leadership position within the profession. From pioneering the adoption of an ESOP to championing a human-centered approach to AI, Berson has driven meaningful change while remaining true to the firm’s vision and values. The establishment of BDO’s ESOP—making the firm the first large accounting and advisory organization to do so—stands as a testament to this forward-thinking mindset. The ESOP reflects the culmination of BDO’s purpose and embodies the firm’s core values while creating new value for the firm’s people.
Berson is a member of the BDO USA Board of Directors and serves as chair of the Global Board of Directors for BDO International, Ltd. He will continue to serve on both boards until his retirement.
“I’ve long believed that we are greater than the sum of our parts and it is clear Matt feels the same,” Berson said. “I am energized about BDO’s future under Matt’s leadership, not only because of Matt’s proven track record, but also because he believes in the power of our people and in creating space for the best ideas to converge and grow.”
BDO USA’s Board of Directors unanimously nominated Becker as BDO’s next CEO, and he was subsequently ratified by a principal-wide vote after a six-week vetting process which saw Berson and Becker meet with BDO principals across the country. Becker will assume the role following a year-long transition period during which he and Berson will work closely to ensure a seamless transition of responsibilities.
About BDO USA
Our purpose is helping people thrive, every day. Together, we are focused on delivering exceptional and sustainable outcomes and value for our people, our clients and our communities. BDO is proud to be an ESOP company, reflecting a culture that puts people first. BDO professionals provide assurance, tax and advisory services for a diverse range of clients across the U.S. and in over 160 countries through our global organization.
BDO is the brand name for the BDO network and for each of the BDO Member Firms. BDO USA, P.C., a Virginia professional corporation, is the U.S. member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. For more information, please visit: www.bdo.com.
Media Contact:
Lydia Humenycky
BDO USA
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BDO USA Newsroom