PwC US Appoints Dean Simone U.S. Risk Assurance Practice Leader

NEW YORK, Aug. 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Dean Simone, a Philadelphia-based partner of PwC US who has been leading both the firm's Industrial Products sector and its Risk Assurance practice, has taken on a dedicated role as leader of Risk Assurance Services where he will focus on this rapidly growing practice now made up of 1,900 professionals within PwC.  

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PwC's recently expanded Risk Assurance practice provides significant technical expertise as well as deep industry knowledge across all industries. The team advises clients on developing risk and compliance programs, audits and creating internal controls processes around business performance issues, IT systems as well as strategy and contingency planning.

Tim Ryan, U.S. Assurance Leader and a Vice Chairman at PwC, said with the continuing growth and demand seen from clients seeking to manage every aspect of risk within their organizations, "now is the perfect time for Dean to take full control of our Risk Assurance practice."

Ryan noted that Simone has a proven track record of nurturing key, long-term client relationships and building strong and growing practices at PwC.  He added, "In today's complex global business environment companies demand a comprehensive and holistic approach, from conception to design to implementation, and Dean brings that comprehensive strategy to every role he's held at PwC."  

Simone was succeeded in his former Industrial Products sector role by Pittsburgh-based partner Robert W. McCutcheon.

"Corporations here and abroad have made tremendous leaps in innovation, which have changed the way business is conducted in every corner of the globe. In a rapidly changing economic environment, business leaders must be adequately prepared for every situation to protect a company's brand and integrity by thoroughly understanding the risks across their organizations," said Simone. "PwC's Risk Assurance group has a long and successful track record, and extensive experience, helping a global base of clients elevate trust and transparency and resolve any potential issues before causing irreparable damage to a company's reputation."

In more than 25 years at PwC, Simone has served clients in the industrial, chemicals, metals, packaging, business services and consumer products industries.  His background includes merger & acquisition strategy and execution, complex tax structures, corporate governance and navigating the complexities of doing business outside the United States.

"From regulatory and compliance concerns to data center and supply chain integrity to IT infrastructure and security, PwC's deep knowledge in serving clients with audit and assurance, tax and advisory services enables our risk assurance professionals to implement the right solutions to protect a business while assuring the financial performance and operations of their businesses," continued Simone. "Drawing upon our focus on audit quality and heritage as auditors, as well as our commercial experience, the Risk Assurance team at PwC has helped thousands of companies over the years, and I'm proud to now lead this talented group of professionals as they continue to help clients design the right systems and protocols to navigate today's unanticipated risks."

Simone is a board member of the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) as well as a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). He is also a past board member of the Southern New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.  He holds a B.S. in Business Administration from Drexel University.

About PwC's Risk Assurance practice

PwC understands that significant risk is rarely confined to discrete areas within an organization.  Rather, most significant risks have a wide-ranging impact across the organization. As a result, PwC's Risk Assurance practice has developed a holistic approach to risk that protects business, facilitates strategic decision making and enhances efficiency. This approach is complemented by the extensive risk and controls technical knowledge and sector-specific experience of its Risk Assurance professionals. The end result is a risk solution tailored to meet the unique needs of clients.

About the PwC Network

PwC firms provide industry-focused assurance, tax and advisory services to enhance value for their clients. More than 161,000 people in 154 countries in firms across the PwC network share their thinking, experience and solutions to develop fresh perspectives and practical advice. See www.pwc.com for more information.

© 2011 PwC. All rights reserved. "PwC" and "PwC US" refer to PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, a Delaware limited liability partnership, which is a member firm of PricewaterhouseCoopers International Limited, each member firm of which is a separate legal entity.

SOURCE PwC