Mark Butcher (pictured) retired from the role of EY managing partner earlier this year to chair the company’s advisory council. Before joining EY, he was an associate director of Macquarie Bank.

The news comes just days after the firm’s former chief financial officer, Craig Raneberg, was sentenced to ten-and-a-half years in jail for stealing almost $2.7 million from the firm.

Minters’ managing partner Adam Bannister said the new position and Butcher’s appointment were not intended to tighten or change Minters’ management practices or culture in relation to the Raneberg saga.

“This role of Deputy Chairman is a new appointment that has been in the pipeline for some time," said Bannister.

"The Raneberg incident had no bearing on our decision to make this appointment. Rather, it was based on our strategy to develop the firm’s leadership position in key industry sectors in SA and NT."

Butcher will support the firm’s chairman Wayne Jackson and its leadership team to guide the firm’s strategic growth.

“Mark’s commercial acumen, knowledge and understanding of global markets and the changing dynamics of the corporate sector in SA and NT will assist us to build on our already strong foundation,” said Bannister.

"Mark shares our commitment to delivering advice that incorporates commercially astute solutions ... this includes bringing a different service delivery option to our clients, such as alternative charging practices and strategic secondments to client’s organisation.”

Bannister said Butcher had been a strong advocate of Minters, having worked alongside many of the firm’s partners to advise significant private and public companies in the SA and NT markets.