Greenville firm Elliott Davis names new CEO, secures growth investment

A privately held investment firm is putting its money into one of Greenville’s most prestigious companies.

Greenville-based Elliott Davis, a top 50 U.S. accounting and advisory firm, announced a strategic growth investment from Flexpoint Ford, a private equity investment firm specializing in the financial services sector.

The partnership will accelerate Elliot Davis‘ growth, expand its service offerings and geographic reach, and enhance its ability to attract and retain top talent — all in support of its mission to deliver exceptional service to clients and team members, according to a news release. Existing shareholders will remain significant owners in the firm, the company says.

As part of this new chapter, John Otten has been named CEO effective July 1. Otten, who has held several leadership roles over his 28-year tenure at Elliott Davis, succeeds Rick Davis, who led the firm for more than 18 years and will transition to an advisory role, the release said. This planned leadership succession reflects the firm’s commitment to leadership continuity and long-term strategic alignment, according to the company.

“The future is bright with John at the helm,” Davis said in the release. “He has long been a trusted adviser to our clients and a respected leader within our firm. John lives our values, embraces our mission, and is fully prepared to guide Elliott Davis into its next chapter.”

Under the new structure, Elliott Davis will operate in an alternative practice structure. Attest services will continue to be provided by Elliott Davis LLC, a licensed CPA firm. Business advisory and non-attest services will be delivered by Elliott Davis Advisory LLC, which will operate as a separate entity and will not be a licensed CPA firm.

“This marks an important milestone for Elliott Davis,” Otten said in the release. “We are making significant investments in people, technology and services to meet the evolving needs of our clients and ensure we remain a destination employer. Our partnership with Flexpoint Ford positions us well for continued expansion through both organic growth as well as through strategic acquisitions.”

Flexpoint Ford has a long-standing track record of supporting founder- and partner-led businesses across the financial services landscape, including several successful investments in the professional services sector, the release stated. Through this partnership, Flexpoint Ford will provide strategic insight, growth capital and operational support to help Elliott Davis navigate the evolving complexities of both the accounting profession and the marketplace.

“Elliott Davis stands out for its client-first approach and one firm culture — hallmarks of an exceptional professional services platform,” Dominic Hood, managing director at Flexpoint Ford, said in the release. “We are excited to partner with John and the broader leadership team as they build on the firm’s legacy and drive its next phase of growth.”

Jennifer Kim, principal at Flexpoint Ford, said in the release: “We look forward to supporting Elliott Davis’s expansion through the continued recruitment and development of exceptional talent, alongside a disciplined and strategic M&A strategy designed to enhance capabilities and extend market reach.”

Guggenheim Securities LLC and Koltin Consulting Group advised Elliott Davis, and Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Vedder Price P.C. served as legal counsel to Elliott Davis. William Blair & Co. LLC advised Flexpoint Ford, and Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP and Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP served as legal counsel to Flexpoint Ford.

Founded in 1920, Elliott Davis has a team of more than 800 professionals across major U.S. markets.

With $8.2 billion of assets under management, Flexpoint Ford is a specialist private equity firm focused on middle-market investments in financial services and complementary industries, including business services and health care services. The company has offices in Chicago and New York.