The transition marks a significant milestone for AAB, positioning the company to maintain its trajectory of sustained growth, while ensuring continuity for clients and further strengthening its reputation in the professional services market. AAB has tripled in size in three years with annual revenue now exceeding £125 million.

Elona Mortimer-Zhika is an accomplished business leader with extensive experience in driving growth, transformation and operational excellence within technology and service-based industries. Most recently, she served as Chief Executive Officer of IRIS Software Group, a global SaaS software business, where she led the company through a period of substantial expansion. Under her leadership, IRIS tripled in size, transitioned to a cloud-first platform model, expanded internationally, and completed multiple strategic acquisitions.

Prior to becoming CEO, Ms Mortimer-Zhika held senior roles as CFO and COO at IRIS, following a successful career in finance and management within leading professional services and private equity-backed companies. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and holds a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting and Economics.

Emma Lancaster, chief executive at AAB, said: “We are delighted to welcome Elona to our board. Her proven leadership, deep understanding of scaling high-growth businesses in our industry, and commitment to innovation will be invaluable as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions.”

Ms Mortimer-Zhika added: “I am excited to join AAB at such a pivotal time in its journey. The company’s vision and focus on delivering exceptional client service strongly align with my own passion for building resilient, high-performing organisations.”

As a non-executive director, Ms Mortimer-Zhika will contribute to AAB’s strategic direction, governance and oversight, bringing her extensive experience in financial management and digital transformation to the AAB Board of Directors.

Jose Barreto, partner within Private Equity at Goldman Sachs Alternatives, who are supporting AAB’s continued development, added: “As a Top 25 Accounting firm in the UK, we see AAB going from strength to strength and fast becoming a leading provider of professional services to the UK and Irish mid-market.

“We’re delighted that the deal has now concluded and look forward to leveraging our experience to support AAB through this hugely exciting stage in its evolution.

“We are very pleased to see Elona join the AAB Board. Her proven ability to lead and scale complex, high-growth organisations will provide valuable strategic insight as AAB continues its impressive expansion.”

As a result of the deal, AAB will further accelerate its growth journey delivering the high-quality service and specialist expertise that clients have come to rely on with the added benefit of increased investment in technology, AI and automation.

AAB and August were advised by William Blair and Alantra (Corporate Finance), OC&C (Commercial), PwC (Financial and Tax) and Addleshaw Goddard (Legal). Goldman Sachs was advised on the transaction by Houlihan Lokey and Rothschild (M&A), Linklaters (Legal), EY Parthenon (Commercial), and EY (Financial & Tax).