George Simeone has 29 years of accounting and auditing experience, with a strong focus on financial services clients. He is the senior group partner-in-charge of our Greater Tri-State audit practice, overseeing more than 2,000 professionals. In addition, he is the advisory partner for Lazard, GAMCO, Oppenheimer Holdings, and Verint Systems, with responsibility for confirming the quality of the services we provide to these clients globally. George has also served as Deloitte’s national industry professional practice director for our securities practice.

From 2007 to 2012, George was the global lead client service partner for MetLife, where he was responsible for the coordination and delivery of all audit and non-audit services provided to the global organization. Previously, he served as the global lead client service partner for our relationships with Bear Stearns and Fidelity Brokerage Group, and for the International Securities Exchange during its initial launch and subsequent demutualization. He was also the lead audit partner for Merrill Lynch and advisory partner for The New York Stock Exchange. From 1997 to 2005, George was the lead client service partner for Lehman Brothers, a non-attest client.

George has an extensive background in regulatory compliance, risk management reviews, and accounting and operational reviews of financial institutions. He also has led key engagements in the areas of derivatives operations, regulatory compliance, and dispute consulting/expert testimony. He is a former chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Securities Industry Expert Panel.

George is experienced in resolving the challenging issues associated with complex global engagements, and he has developed strong relationships with senior industry resources around the world whom he can call on as needed. He has in-depth experience in working with audit committees and members of management in both his capacity as a lead client service partner and as an adviser to many of our largest financial services clients, and employs a straightforward, transparent style.

Selected Engagments

• Lazard (Advisory Partner, 2014 to present)
• GAMCO (Advisory Partner, 2011 to present)
• Oppenheimer Holdings (Advisory Partner 2013 to present)
• Verint Systems (Advisory Partner, 2014 to present)
• MetLife (Global Lead Client Service Partner, 2007 to 2012)
• Broadridge Financial Solutions (Advisory Partner, 2006 to 2013)
• Bear Stearns (Global Lead Client Service Partner, 2003 to 2007)
• Merrill Lynch (Lead Audit Partner, 2002 to 2003)
• The New York Stock Exchange (Advisory Partner, 2001 to 2007)
• Lehman Brothers (Lead Client Service Partner, 1997 to 2005)
• International Securities Exchange (Lead Client Service Partner, 1999 to 2002)
• Fidelity Brokerage Group (Lead Client Service Partner, 1995 to 2003)
• Merrill Lynch (Global Lead Capital Markets Partner, 1995 to 2002)

Education and Certifications

• BS in Accounting and Computer Science and MBA in Finance, New York University – Stern School of Business
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants; licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey

Board Memberships and Civic Activities

• Board of Directors, Ronald McDonald House of New York
• Board of Directors, Buckley Country Day School
• Member, Columbus Citizens Foundation