Deloitte Names Robert Hillard as New Asia Pacific CEO

Deloitte has announced the appointment of Robert Hillard as its Asia Pacific CEO, commencing a term that will last four years.

Robert’s appointment has been endorsed by partners across the Asia-Pacific region, following the departure of David Hill, who completed his term at the end of May.

Discussing his appointment, Robert says: “Asia Pacific is where the most consequential economic and technological decisions are now being made. Home to over 40% of the world’s Fortune Global 500 companies and driving the majority of projected global economic growth and prosperity, this is where the future of business is being shaped. 

“The convergence of AI and the region’s growth creates an opportunity to serve clients with a level of precision, speed and scale not previously possible. 

“Deloitte has the capability, the relationships and the reach to lead that transformation, and we intend to do so with discipline and pace.”

Growth and transformation in the Asia-Pacific region

An experienced leader in consulting, technology and transformation, Robert has spent his career working with clients across the Asia-Pacific region on several complex strategic and operational challenges. 

Most recently he served as Deloitte Asia Pacific’s Consulting Businesses Leader, a role in which he helped drive growth through AI-powered client solutions and alliances with leading technology firms. 

Developments like AI-growth have become a key moment for the region - one where economic trajectory, technological change and demographic shift are driving growth throughout the continent.

Robert’s focus as CEO will be ensuring Deloitte is well positioned within that convergence to help businesses and institutions of the region grow, transform and contribute to a more economically-developed industry.

Outgoing Deloitte Asia Pacific CEO David says: “Rob is one of the most capable technology and transformation leaders in professional services. 

“He understands how AI and emerging technologies will reshape how clients are served and has spent his career building the skills, relationships and credibility to lead through that change. Deloitte Asia Pacific will be well served by his leadership.”

In a company statement, Deloitte says it holds a “deep appreciation” for David’s “outstanding leadership” and acknowledges his role in positioning Deloitte Asia Pacific as the largest professional services firm in the region.

Economic growth on an unprecedented scale

In a LinkedIn post, Robert expressed his gratitude to the company, saying he is “humbled by the trust that partners across the region” have placed in him.

“We are at an inflection point for professional services. The combination of AI and the extraordinary economic dynamism of this region creates an opportunity to fundamentally reshape how we serve clients with greater speed, greater precision, and at a scale that was not possible before,” Robert said.

Thanking his predecessor, he added: “I would like to thank our former Asia Pacific CEO David Hill for his exceptional leadership over the past four years. 

“David has built a strong foundation - one defined by growth, integrity, and a clear vision for the firm. I am grateful for his counsel and friendship, and for the example he has set.

“To our people, our clients, and our partners across the region, thank you. I look forward to what we will build together.”