Firm Management
Jason Drake to Take Over as Managing Partner of Plante Moran
Drake, who will be the eighth MP in the firm's 100-year history, will succeed Jim Proppe, who has held that role for the last seven years.
Nov. 13, 2023
Southfield, MI-based Plante Moran will have a new managing partner come July 1, 2024, as Jason Drake will succeed Jim Proppe, who has held the position for the last seven years at the top 15 accounting firm.
Drake will be the eighth managing partner in the firm’s 100-year history.
“I’m honored that the firm has entrusted me with this important role,” said Drake, who currently is group managing partner of the firm’s Chicagoland, Ohio, and international offices. “As Plante Moran celebrates 100 years in business, it’s clear to me that we’ve achieved this milestone by staying true to our values, principles, and ‘We Care’ culture. I’m where I am today because of the investments people made in me, and that’s why, throughout my career, I’ve done my best to invest in others. Going forward, that won’t change. My plan for the future is to continue to be a good steward of the firm––because that’s how we’ll thrive for another 100-plus years.”
Drake has spent his entire professional career at Plante Moran, starting as an intern in 1999. In his nearly 25 years at the firm, he has focused on audit, consulting, and building and expanding Plante Moran’s international offices and practice, which he led for six years. As international practice leader, he helped clients expand internationally to more than 50 countries, helped foreign companies expand in the U.S., and guided the firm as it opened offices in China, Mexico, India, and Japan, according to the firm. In 2021, he joined Plante Moran’s management team as group managing partner of offices for Chicagoland, Ohio and the firm’s international locations.
In his new role, Drake will focus on firm growth and investments in people and technology, while also maintaining Plante Moran’s culture and dedication to client service.
“As managing partner, I’ll lead one of the nation’s largest public accounting and business advisory firms, helping to expand Plante Moran’s scope, reach, and capabilities by increasing our service offerings, investing in top talent, offering unparalleled client service, and leveraging our technical expertise to remain competitive in a changing, digital world,” he said in his profile on the firm’s website.
“I’m often asked why I’ve chosen to spend my career at Plante Moran, and the answer is simple: I love the culture,” Drake continued, adding that “seeing the Plante Moraners I’ve mentored become partners themselves is very rewarding.”
Drake graduated from Michigan State University in 2000 with honors, earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He was recognized by Crain’s Detroit Business in 2015 as a “40 Under 40” recipient for helping the firm increase international business revenue by 400%.
“There are a variety of reasons why the partnership selected Jason as managing partner—from his vision for the future, experience in multiple service lines and international experience, to his deep relationships and connections with firms and colleagues around the world,” Proppe said. “Jason is an inspiring colleague, an outstanding mentor, and we know he’ll continue to do great things for the firm.”
During Proppe’s term as managing partner, he has been credited with leading Plante Moran’s growth by expanding its geographic footprint, increasing capabilities and service offerings, and helping the firm compete in a digital world. He also led a 2018 merger with Colorado’s EKS&H, which propelled Plante Moran’s expansion of staff and clients in the Rocky Mountain region and helped the firm reach the billion-dollar revenue mark earlier this year.