Mr. Don Rankin, BCom (Melb), FCA, FCPA, has had a long career in management accounting and business advisory services. After graduation, he commenced work at Hungerford Spooner and Kirkhope in1974 under the great mentorship of Ronald Pitcher and Tim Jonas.
Don grew up in country New South Wales moving from town to town, going to 11 schools and learning the importance of adaptability, good communication skills and the need to forge strong personal relationships. His final years at school were in Melbourne and he obtained his Commerce degree at the University of Melbourne.
Working with and advising family businesses at Hungerfords he quickly learned the value of analysis and accurate up to date financial management accounting in helping drive businesses and support strategies for the future. This has remained a driver for Don throughout his career. Don became a Partner at Hungerfords in 1985 at the age of 32 and then went on to be a partner at KPMG.
He was a founding Partner of Pitcher Partners went on to become Managing Partner of the Pitcher Partners Melbourne Firm from 2003 to 2011; and National Chairman from 2003 to 2015. This was a period of substantial growth and expansion of the Network. Don was also on the Board of the affiliated Baker Tilly International from 2008 to 2015 and had an active role in expanding its worldwide reach.
Don strongly believes in the role of middle market business in Australia and has committed his career to developing such businesses. Family businesses can often grow into large and successful corporations through the introduction of professional management and the support of strong financial and organisation structures. They often need professional help to do this. As such, during his time as Managing Partner at Pitcher Partners a key initiative was to set up the “Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation” to train professionals in how to assist and advise growing businesses in financial management.
Don believes in the critical need to campaign and advocate for small and medium sized business and was active on the Board of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce from 2005 to 2021, being President from 2016 to 2019. He was also on the Board of the Australian Chamber of Commerce from 2016 to 2019.
Today Don continues his focus on business advice and is on a number of Corporate Boards and Advisory Boards including Hansen Corporation Limited, Cotton On Clothing, SPS Corporation, International Trade Management, and Krueger Transport Equipment; and is also on the Board of the 130-year-old charity for children, Cottage by the Sea, in Queenscliff and is currently the President.
The Institute of Certified Management Accountants is honoured to induct Mr. Don Rankin to the Global Accounting Hall of Fame® for his services to the profession in Australia.