BDO USA Announces CIO Succession: Russ Ahlers to Retire; Jim Maza Named Next CIO

Transition builds on Ahlers’ legacy of innovation and operational excellence

Key Facts:

• Who: Russ Ahlers, BDO’s Chief Information Officer, to retire; Jim Maza named successor.
• When: Maza’s appointment is effective immediately. Ahlers will work with Maza to help ensure a smooth leadership transition ahead of his retirement on Sept. 1.
• What: The transition marks the next phase of BDO’s digital transformation strategy. Under Ahlers, BDO modernized its technology organization, strengthened security and digital capabilities, and invested in long-term innovation and growth.

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--BDO USA, one of the nation’s leading accounting and advisory firms, today announced that Chief Information Officer Russ Ahlers will retire Sept. 1, after more than a decade leading the firm’s technology operations, which included driving innovation and scaling critical infrastructure to support the firm's growth. Jim Maza has been named his successor following an extensive search, bringing deep expertise in enterprise technology strategy and large-scale modernization for multi-billion-dollar organizations. The planned transition supports BDO’s long-term strategy focused on harnessing technology as a strategic enabler to drive innovation, operational excellence, and an exceptional experience for our people and clients.

“For more than a decade as CIO, Russ has provided steady leadership in helping BDO navigate tremendous growth and rapid technological change,” said Mark Ellenbogen, BDO COO. “He has played a pivotal role in strengthening our technology capabilities and building a strong foundation for the future. I’m incredibly grateful for Russ’ many contributions and his leadership over the years. At the same time, we’re very pleased to welcome Jim to BDO. As we look to the future, our focus on technology and innovation could not be more important. We look forward to benefiting from Jim’s significant experience leading complex technology organizations and transformative initiatives.”

Since assuming the CIO role in 2015, Ahlers has led BDO’s National IT organization, shaping the firm’s technology strategy and advancing modernization and security across the enterprise. He has helped ensure the firm adopts the latest solutions to strengthen the business and support its competitiveness in the marketplace. Among his many contributions, Ahlers established BDO’s chief information security officer function and team, launched the firm’s first digital transformation strategy, and created BDO’s Data and AI team, positioning BDO at the forefront of data-driven innovation.

Additionally, Ahlers’ experience extends across BDO’s global network, including 11 years in IT leadership at BDO USA and five years as Global Head of IT for BDO Global. He currently serves as chairman of the BDO International IT Committee.

“It has been a privilege to serve as CIO and to work alongside so many talented professionals across BDO,” said Ahlers. “I’m proud of the framework we’ve built to help the firm innovate responsibly, strengthen how we work, and position our people for the future. I look forward to seeing the great things Jim will accomplish.”

Maza served most recently as CIO of a leading insurance brokerage and risk management firm. In this role, he led an IT team of approximately 250 people. Maza brings more than 20 years of experience leading complex technology organizations and enterprise transformation efforts to BDO.

"Russ has built a strong technology foundation for BDO, and I’m grateful for his leadership and the impact he has had across the firm,” said Maza. “I’m looking forward to working with him during this transition and building on the foundation to advance secure innovation and support BDO’s continued growth.”

Ahlers will work closely with Maza to help ensure a seamless transition, maintain momentum across critical technology priorities, and further position the team to support the evolving needs of the business.

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.