Elliott Davis Announces Strategic Growth Investment from Flexpoint Ford, Completes CEO Succession Plan

GREENVILLE, S.C., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Elliott Davis, a top 50 U.S. accounting and advisory firm, is pleased to announce a strategic growth investment from Flexpoint Ford, a private equity investment firm specializing in the financial services sector. The partnership will accelerate the firm's growth, expand its service offerings and geographic reach, and enhance its ability to attract and retain top talent—all in support of its mission to deliver exceptional service to clients and team members. Existing shareholders will remain significant owners in the firm.

As part of this new chapter, John Otten has been named Chief Executive Officer effective July 1, 2025. Otten, who has held several leadership roles over his 28-year tenure at Elliott Davis, succeeds Rick Davis, who led the firm for more than 18 years and will transition to an advisory role. This planned leadership succession reflects the firm's commitment to leadership continuity and long-term strategic alignment.

"The future is bright with John at the helm," said Davis. "He has long been a trusted advisor to our clients and a respected leader within our firm. John lives our values, embraces our mission, and is fully prepared to guide Elliott Davis into its next chapter."

Under the new structure, Elliott Davis will operate in an alternative practice structure.  Attest services will continue to be provided by Elliott Davis, LLC, a licensed CPA firm. Business advisory and non-attest services will be delivered by Elliott Davis Advisory, LLC, which will operate as a separate entity and will not be a licensed CPA firm.

"This marks an important milestone for Elliott Davis," said Otten. "We are making significant investments in people, technology and services to meet the evolving needs of our clients and ensure we remain a destination employer. Our partnership with Flexpoint Ford positions us well for continued expansion through both organic growth as well as through strategic acquisitions."

Flexpoint Ford has a long-standing track record of supporting founder- and partner-led businesses across the financial services landscape, including several successful investments in the professional services sector. Through this partnership, Flexpoint Ford will provide strategic insight, growth capital, and operational support to help Elliott Davis navigate the evolving complexities of both the accounting profession and today's dynamic marketplace.

"Elliott Davis stands out for its client-first approach and one firm culture—hallmarks of an exceptional professional services platform," said Dominic Hood, Managing Director at Flexpoint Ford. "We are excited to partner with John and the broader leadership team as they build on the firm's legacy and drive its next phase of growth."

Jennifer Kim, Principal at Flexpoint Ford, added, "We look forward to supporting Elliott Davis's expansion through the continued recruitment and development of exceptional talent, alongside a disciplined and strategic M&A strategy designed to enhance capabilities and extend market reach."

Guggenheim Securities, LLC and Koltin Consulting Group advised Elliott Davis, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Vedder Price P.C. served as legal counsel to Elliott Davis. William Blair & Company, LLC advised Flexpoint Ford, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP served as legal counsel to Flexpoint Ford.

About Elliott Davis

Founded in 1920 and headquartered in Greenville, S.C., Elliott Davis is a U.S. top 50 accounting and advisory firm. With a team of over 800 professionals across major U.S. markets and global alliance resources, the firm delivers tailored solutions to diverse businesses, organizations, and individuals. For more information, visit www.elliottdavis.com.

About Flexpoint Ford

With $8.2 billion of assets under management, Flexpoint Ford is a specialist private equity firm focused on middle-market investments in financial services and complementary industries, including business services and healthcare services. Since the firm's formation in 2005, Flexpoint Ford has completed investments across a broad range of investment sizes, structures, and asset classes. Flexpoint Ford has offices in Chicago, Illinois, and New York, New York. For more information, visit www.flexpointford.com.

Media Contact

Name: Alice Grey Harrison
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 864.477.9620

Prosek Partners on behalf of Flexpoint Ford
Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Flexpoint Ford