Ernst & Young LLP Names Herb Engert Leader of Americas Strategic Growth Markets

NEW YORK, July 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Ernst & Young LLP is pleased to announce the appointment of Herb Engert as the new Americas Leader of Strategic Growth Markets (SGM), its practice that provides services to entrepreneurial high-growth companies. He succeeds Maria Pinelli, who became Global Vice Chair of SGM for the Ernst & Young organization July 1, 2011, after serving as Americas Leader for five years.

Engert, 44, brings more than 20 years of experience in both public accounting and the private sector to his new role. Throughout his career, he has led a variety of transactions, including private and public debt and equity offerings, initial public offerings, and mergers and acquisitions.

Pinelli said: "We're very pleased to have Herb at the helm of the Americas Strategic Growth Markets practice, expanding the organization's role as the world leader in advising, guiding, and recognizing entrepreneurs. Herb is a proven leader within SGM, with years of experience helping high-growth clients become market leaders."

Prior to becoming Americas SGM Leader, Engert served as East Central SGM Leader for Ernst & Young LLP, where he coordinated SGM practice initiatives across the region, including services to private and public high-growth companies, private equity and venture capital firms and their investees, companies undertaking initial public offerings and cleantech companies. He also oversaw the production of six regional Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® programs. He began his career at Arthur Andersen in Washington., D.C. where he advised internet and technology clients.  

"Entrepreneurship is at the very heart of Ernst & Young's values, and is the lifeblood of our economy," Engert said. "I'm proud to be taking on this new role, and look forward to building upon Ernst & Young's leading market position as advisors to entrepreneurs and high-growth companies throughout the Americas."

Engert is an active member of his community, serving on the boards of the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), the Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts--Associates Board, and the Phillips Program for Children and Families. A graduate of St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York, with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting, he also attended the Kellogg School of Management Executive Program at Northwestern University.  He is a Certified Public Accountant in New York, Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia.  

About Ernst & Young's Strategic Growth Markets Practice

Ernst & Young LLP's Strategic Growth Markets (SGM) practice guides leading high-growth companies. Our multi-disciplinary team of elite professionals provides perspective and advice to help our clients accelerate market leadership. SGM delivers assurance, tax, transactions and advisory services to thousands of companies spanning all industries. Ernst & Young is the undisputed leader in taking companies public, advising key government agencies on the issues impacting high-growth companies and convening the experts who shape the business climate. For more information, please visit us at www.ey.com/us/strategicgrowthmarkets, or follow news on Twitter at EYSGM.

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SOURCE Ernst & Young LLP