PwC US Announces Leadership Appointments in Phoenix

PHOENIX, July 1, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- PwC US today announced that Rich Kalenka, a 27-year veteran of the professional services firm, has been appointed to managing partner for its Phoenix office. He will focus on growing PwC's business in the market as well as supporting the growth and development of the people working in Phoenix. Kalenka succeeds Diane Thorn (formerly Constantino), who is retiring after 25 years with PwC and nearly a decade leading the Phoenix office.

"Rich has proven himself as a leader through his dedication to the development of our people and to serving our clients," said Brian Cullinan, managing partner for PwC's Southern California, Arizona and Nevada market.  "Rich will continue to serve clients, while focusing on people and community initiatives to strengthen the firm's footprint in the region."

Kalenka relocated to Phoenix in 2012 and last year was appointed as the lead of PwC's assurance practice for its Phoenix office.  He previously served as the managing partner for PwC's San Diego office, a position he held for 11 years. Kalenka has led teams providing audit and advisory services to businesses ranging in size from venture-backed, start-up companies to Fortune 500 multinationals. His industry experience includes consumer and industrial electronics, engineering services, software and internet, and health industries.

When asked about his appointment, Kalenka said, "I am honored and look forward to the opportunity to work with a talented and dedicated group of professionals who are committed to helping our clients solve complex business issues. I'm also looking forward to building on the community initiatives under Diane's leadership, and delivering upon PwC's commitment to financial literacy to the youth and educators within Phoenix schools and organizations."

Kalenka received a bachelor's degree from St. John's University and holds a master's degree in business administration from Columbia University.  He is a certified public accountant (CPA), licensed in the states of Arizona, California, and New York.

Additionally, the firm announced that as of July 1, Tax Partner Jim Brewer will relocate from Los Angeles to Phoenix to become the office's tax partner-in-charge. 

Brewer has extensive experience serving companies of all sizes with tax planning advice, merger and acquisition reviews, organizational and restructuring advice, tax controversy and dispute resolution, cash tax optimization solutions, accounting method services, due diligence assistance and tax compliance services.

"We are excited to have both Rich and Jim take on these new roles. Their appointments demonstrate our commitment to growing our practice in this market," continued Cullinan. "With their leadership, we will continue to drive high levels of client satisfaction in Phoenix and throughout the region. We are fortunate to have such experienced leaders in our market."

Brewer received a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Santa Barbara and is a CPA, licensed in the states of Arizona, California and Nevada.

About PwC US
PwC US helps organizations and individuals create the value they're looking for. We're a member of the PwC network of firms in 157 countries with more than 184,000 people. We're committed to delivering quality in assurance, tax and advisory services. Tell us what matters to you and find out more by visiting us at www.pwc.com/US. Gain customized access to our insights by downloading our thought leadership app: PwC's 365™ Advancing business thinking every day

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SOURCE PwC US