Deloitte names new CEO

Cindy Hook, Deloitte's current audit leader, has been elected to the position by the firm’s partnership and will take up the role on 1 February 2015.

Ms Hook is the first female to be elected leader of a big four firm in Australia.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Hook said she is honoured and excited to be leading the firm.

“We have a great culture, the broadest capability in the market and a winning strategy that has enabled us to grow strongly. Building further on our success is a challenge I accept with confidence, determination and fierce ambition for the firm. I am passionately committed to placing our clients at the absolute centre of everything we do," she said.

“I am determined to continue Deloitte’s momentum based on our differentiated offering — which is resonating so strongly in the market — our unique blend of culture, innovation, diversity and, perhaps most importantly, our adventurous and competitive spirit. My mission is to lead Deloitte to even greater things. As a marathon runner, I’ve always loved a challenge. The bar I set for myself and my team is high.”

Ms Hook paid tribute to outgoing chief executive Giam Swiegers.

“Filling the shoes of my great mentor and friend, Giam Swiegers, will be no easy feat. Giam’s support, and that of my colleagues, has helped me reach this landmark in my career. I thank them and will work my hardest to reward their faith in me.

“Our firm is in great shape and has a very solid base on which to build. Our capability extends to leadership in digital, data, design, economics and risk. These broader capabilities are essential for solving the increasingly complex problems facing organisations everywhere.”

Deloitte chairman Keith Jones described Ms Hook as an exceptional leader.

"Her track record in transforming our audit practice has been extraordinary,” Mr Jones said.

“Cindy was chosen in a competitive selection process from a strong field of internal candidates. She is a highly impressive talent known for her collaborative leadership style and for building high-performance audit and advisory teams.

“Since joining us from the US firm in 2009, Cindy has distinguished herself as a highly talented, inspiring and energetic leader whose creativity and positive attitude are among her greatest strengths,” he said.