2025 Talent Meeting

Maxine Brock

Interim CEO, MGI Worldwide

As Interim CEO, Maxine leads the organisation for the members, guided and directed by the Executive Committee and the International Committee. She also directs the marketing and communications activity which supports MGI Worldwide. 

Dr Michael Grüne

Partner, Menold Bezler

Dr Michael Grüne is a tax partner at Menold Bezler in Stuttgart/Germany, and an expert on complex IFRS accounting issues. He has a proven track record in leading audit and accounting initiatives and extensive experience advising international and non-profit organisations. Dr Grüne is a member of MGI Worldwide’s IFRS expert group.

Sarah Jones

Sarah Jones Coaching

Sarah, a seasoned leader with a 25-year career to Board level spanning AstraZeneca, DHL, and the NHS, empowers managers, leaders and teams to reach their full potential.

Combining her extensive industry experience with accredited coaching techniques, Sarah helps individuals transform their leadership style, overcome challenges, and build high-performing teams. She has worked with leading organisations such as L'Oréal, Merck Healthcare, and NTT Data, providing tailored coaching and training programmes.

Sarah's approach is rooted in the belief that effective leadership starts from within. By understanding one's strengths, weaknesses, and motivations, leaders can develop the confidence and resilience needed to navigate complex challenges and inspire their teams.

She guides her clients to unlock their potential, build stronger relationships, and achieve lasting success, personally, professionally and for their organisations.

You can contact Sarah and find more information here:

[email protected]
www.sarah-j.com
+44 7531 228089

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László Killik

Chairman, MGI Worldwide

MGI Worldwide Chairman and Partner of MGI-BPO based in Hungary.

Jane Lowden

Managing Partner, F. W. Smith, Riches & Co.

Jane is Managing Partner of F. W. Smith, Riches & Co. and a member of the MGI Worldwide's Technical Committee.

Chloé Marques

Partner, FCN

Chloé Marques, a qualified chartered accountant and partner at FCN since 2019, specialises in retirement and end-of-career planning. Her portfolio includes small and medium-sized businesses and retirement support. What sets her apart is her active participation in events organised by the MGI Worldwide international network, of which FCN is a member. This involvement in professional organisations instils confidence in her expertise and dedication. She is also involved in the profession through my membership in the IFEC National Board.

Zoltan Paksy

Regional Director, MGI Europe

I thrive at the intersection of creativity, innovation, and customer experience, helping businesses make smarter decisions that drive impact.

As MGI Europe Regional Director at MGI Worldwide, a top 20 global accountancy network, I connect and support independent firms across Europe, fostering collaboration, growth, and engagement.

With deep expertise in Customer Experience (CX), I assist firms in aligning customer journeys with internal processes and technology, enhancing client satisfaction, and embedding a truly customer-centric culture.

I bring strategic rebranding and awareness-building experience in financial and legal services, helping firms refine their positioning in competitive markets.

Previously, I spent 18 dynamic years in advertising at Saatchi & Saatchi, where I led teams, built brands, and delivered results—ultimately serving as CEO for a decade.

Rachel Pugh

Regional Coordinator, MGI UK & Ireland

I have spent over 35 years in the accountancy industry working mostly in practice, the last 20 plus years at a senior level helping shape practices of varying sizes, working through acquisitions and restructures on operations, marketing and finance. Whilst I trained as an auditor, I focused on working with SME clients up to the audit threshold on all their tax, accounting and business advisory needs to provide a holistic service.

As the UK & Ireland Regional Coordinator at MGI Worldwide, a top 20 global accountancy network, I co-ordinate the activities of the UK & Ireland area of MGI for the benefit of members. I regularly visit members at their offices. By listening to, and understanding their needs, I am able to add value to their business - to help them grow, compete and win contracts - and to work collaboratively with other MGI members globally. I was a Director of an MGI member firm for 11 years and also sat on the board of MGI UK and Ireland before taking on the role of UK and Ireland Regional Coordinator. As an accountant I am able to understand the needs of members from all perspectives.

Jim Simpson

CEO, ZipTech Services

From humble beginnings, Jim Simpson evolved into a pioneering IT leader, his career reflecting the sector's rapid changes. Starting with a fascination for a primitive DEC computer, his path led to influential roles at IBM, where he contributed to the PC AT's launch and later, significant advancements in accountancy software with Pegasus and Systems Union. Jim's journey spanned global experiences, enhancing his reputation as a visionary. As Ziptech Services CEO, founded in 2004, he embraced cloud technology, AI, and automation, driving the company's growth. Beyond technology, Jim's life is marked by a passion for car racing, dedication to family and his role as a grandfather, illustrating a balanced blend of innovation and personal commitment.

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