HLB Mann Judd grows partner line-up by three

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

20 January 2026

HLB Mann Judd has continued its promotions spree from last November with the appointments of three additional partners across its Australasian network of firms, effective from 1 January.

The Sydney-based team of partners will now play host to Donna Arnold and Warrick Oakes, while David Prescott joins in Perth and Troy Smith has also been promoted to the role of director in Adelaide.

Arnold boasts over 15 years of experience in corporate and international tax advisory, having enjoyed senior leadership roles at the Australian Taxation Office (ATO), while Oakes has specialised in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the firm’s corporate advisory division since he joined in 2016.

Prescott, who has spent a combined 17 years with the firm, is based in the business advisory services division focusing on taxation advice and compliance; while Smith – who first joined the firm in 2019 – brings expertise in research and development (R&D) tax, supporting clients in strategic advisory, the R&D Tax Incentive, Early-Stage Innovation Company (ESIC) scheme and other growth-focused initiatives.

With all also Chartered Accountants, the appointments follow those of three partners and six directors confirmed back in November.

Mark Muller, Chair of the HLB Mann Judd Australasian Association, said the appointments strengthen the firms’ position in their region and highlight the association’s commitment to both its network members and growing client base.

“Our profession is evolving rapidly with increasing complexity across all practices,” he said.

“Demand for sophisticated tax advice, transaction support and innovation incentives is accelerating, making deep technical capability more critical than ever for our clients.

“These promotions highlight the areas where we see the greatest need – complex corporate and international tax, M&A and valuation expertise, business advisory and R&D-focused growth strategies.

“At the same time, we continue to embrace technological advancements while staying true to our core focus: people and clients.”