Randy Myeroff says when he was tapped as CEO for Cohen & Company in 1997 at 34 years old following 12 years in the firm, he was not ready.
“What I was ready for was to embrace the fact that there are no right answers,” he said. “You have to stay grounded in foundational principles and just embrace the journey. That’s probably what I’ve learned more than anything.”
If Myeroff wasn’t ready to lead the business, he certainly grew into the role pretty well.
In the time since Myeroff became the Cleveland-based national accounting and advisory firm’s chief executive, Cohen has exploded into one the industry’s largest independent businesses — and don’t expect that independence to change anytime soon.
With more than 650 employees between 10 offices in seven states and projected revenue of $125 million for its 2022 fiscal year (which ends in May), Cohen slides into the company of the 50-largest accounting firms in the country, according to industry rankings by Accounting Today.
Now, with 25 years as CEO under his belt — a rarity in this industry — and the business in good shape, Myeroff is ready to pass the leadership reins.
Picking those up is Chris Bellamy, who joined the firm in 1999 and was appointed president in 2020. Bellamy becomes Cohen’s next CEO effective June 1. At that time, Myeroff will become non-executive chairman.
