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Global News
More than 200 friends and colleagues from 47 countries around the world reunited in Marrakesh from 14 to 16 May 2025 for our EMEI Gathering and Global Tax Pillar Meeting.
Sessions at our EMEI Gathering focused on growth and business development, cross-border collaboration and, above all, adding value to our members’ clients.
Thursday’s session on cross-border client experience saw representatives of several member firms take to the stage to showcase their ongoing engagement with international skincare client NAOS. Partners from PKF Arsilon, PKF UAE, PKF Sridhar & Santhanam, PKF Attest and PKF Istanbul joined a panel discussion, sharing feedback and practical insights on building and maintaining strong, mutually beneficial connections between teams and clients to deliver outstanding cross-border services.
Another highlight was the breakout session examining the merits of developing a Corporate Finance offering. PKF Brenson Lawlor partner Jason Bradshaw and PKF Francis Clark partner Andrew Killick took their audience on a truly exciting journey to discover the power of Corporate Finance to drive growth and profitability. By drawing on compelling case studies from within our network, they outlined practical and actionable steps to start and expand a Corporate Finance practice.
During our interactive workshop ‘Initiating and Facilitating Growth’, senior leaders from PKF South Africa shared fresh ideas and hands-on strategies for identifying growth opportunities across the EMEI region. Delegates learnt how PKF South Africa redefined its strategy and turned uncertainty into a catalyst for innovation. Through discussions and group activities, we explored how global uncertainty can be transformed into a springboard for success.
Our brightest Tax minds came together to explore tax trends and practical insights from across our key markets. Our pillar leaders provided a strategic update on our four tax pillars (Transfer Pricing, Business Tax, Indirect Taxes and Global Mobility), sharing their vision for the year ahead. Standout sessions included guest speaker Claire Tarrant’s deep-dive into the complexities of Pillar 2 implementation and a presentation by PKF BOFIDI partner Gladys Cristiaensen on VAT e-reporting. Sahil Seth, a director at our Singapore member firm PKF-CAP, delved into transfer pricing and other international tax topics during his enlightening session on recent tax rulings in the US, UK and Australia.
Stefaan De Ceulaer, PKF Global Head of Tax and Legal Support said, ‘Delegates maximised opportunities to exchange views and learn together. Their energy, expertise and engagement made this event a real success. The Marrakesh meeting underscored the strength of our network and our shared ambition to stay ahead of global tax developments, promote global cooperation and provide even better support to clients worldwide.’
Our in-person Leadership Development Programme took place in Marrakesh from 11 to 13 May, just before the EMEI Gathering and Global Tax Pillar Meeting. Delegates from Australia to Mexico, Fiji to the US, South Africa to Singapore joined our in-person programme of personal development and growth. Under the guidance of coaches Alex Shacklock and Paul Richmond from theGroGroup, our 25 participants honed their leadership skills, addressing motivation and culture, their professional vision and client interactions. The event gave delegates the unique opportunity to forge friendships with peers within the PKF Global family and expand their professional network.
We were delighted to welcome Beeye, Bloomberg Industry Group, Caseware, EMAsphere, G-P, Lucanet and Silverfin as our event partners. Thank you for travelling out to join us and sharing insights with our members.
From the best of Moroccan cuisine (including tagine and sweet mint tea) to camel rides across the desert, the soulful strains of Gnaoua music to the captivating performance of a fire breather, members have had an enriching experience together. Delegates enjoyed an unforgettable evening at the Agafay Desert Camp, lively entertainment at Palais Dar Soukkar for our highlight dinner and countless opportunities to reconnect informally with friends and colleagues throughout the events.
At PKF, our members are committed to bringing about positive change to our people and communities. Donations from all events this year will be directed to support Lushomo Home in Zambia, an organisation which cares for abused girls, and which has been supported by PKF Zambia for many years. We’re proud to have raised €4,900 at our EMEI Gathering and Global Tax Pillar Meeting. This will contribute towards the installation of a solar system to help provide clean drinking water at the home. Thank you to our members for your kindness and commitment to this cause, empowering us to make a difference.
We're very grateful to our hosts Abdellatif Zarkal, Ali Akesbi, Fouad Akesbi, Kenza Gnaoui, Siham Alami, Madiha Chichaoui, Ghita Krafess, Sanaa Balli, Mouna Fariss and everyone at PKF Morocco for your support in putting this event together. Thank you for your warm welcome to magical Marrakesh.
Event feedback
Delegates have shared lots of glowing feedback with us about the events.
PKF UAE associate partner Aashish Tulsaan said, ‘An energising and insightful gathering! Great to see the power of collaboration across the PKF EMEI region and the broader global tax network. Kudos to PKF Morocco for being such gracious hosts and to all the partners and speakers who added immense value to the sessions. Looking forward to translating these connections and ideas into meaningful outcomes.’
PKF Melbourne partner Becky Nguyen attended the Leadership Development Programme and the Global Tax Pillar Meeting and said, ‘These experiences with my PKF Global family have been so inspiring and transformative and will stay with me for years to come. On the Leadership Programme, I had the privilege of forming real friendships with incredible leaders from all over the world. Our discussions at the Global Tax Pillar Meeting showed that the future direction for PKF globally is bold and energising. We’re not just adapting to the future – we’re shaping it. I walk away from these sessions inspired and more committed than ever to deliver meaningful impact for clients and teams.’
PKF Global CEO Theo Vermaak said, ‘Events like these demonstrate how much can be achieved when we connect, listen and learn from each other. We are a people business, and human connection is as important as ever in this data-driven world. We’ll continue to thrive by working together across teams, countries and service lines. Thank you to everyone who attended for their energy, enthusiasm and commitment to drive our network forward.’
Are you interested in joining our dynamic network and unlocking a world of opportunities for you and your firm? Find out more about the benefits of PKF Global membership here.