BDO USA names Natalie Kotlyar as chair of the board

BDO USA has appointed Natalie Kotlyar as chair of its board of directors, effective July 1.

Kotlyar, who has been a board member since 2020, succeeds Kelly Johnson, who has served as chair since 2019. Johnson, BDO USA’s managing principal for assurance, was the first woman to serve as chair of the board. 

“As we look to a new chapter in the firm’s history, I’m so pleased to pass the baton to Natalie,” Johnson said. “She has provided tremendous insight as we have navigated an increasingly complex business landscape, especially as the firm embraced change within the profession and chose to establish our ESOP.”

Based in New York, Kotlyar joined BDO in 1994. She currently serves as national managing principal for industry groups, national industry leader for retail and consumer products, and country coordinator for Israel and Eastern Europe.

During her career at BDO, Kotlyar has led engagements in audit, business advisory, and other attestation services for public and private companies. She has extensive experience supporting privately held and SEC reporting companies on due diligence, M&A, and debt and equity offerings.

Kotlyar has a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Queens College and is a certified public accountant.

“I’m delighted to extend my sincere congratulations to Natalie on her election as board chair,” said Wayne Berson, CEO of BDO USA. “Her legacy of leadership, unwavering commitment to sustainable growth, and extensive understanding of our client service approach make Natalie an invaluable choice for leading BDO into its next chapter.”

The Chicago-headquartered accounting and consulting firm recently appointed Mark Ellenbogen as chief operating officer.