Hounsell has considerable experience in the professional services industry, and in senior management positions. He was previously a senior partner and member of the Australian management committee at Ernst & Young, a chief executive officer and country managing partner of Arthur Andersen in Australia and managing partner of Asia pacific of Corporate Finance for Arthur Andersen. He has also held directorships of Qantas, Orica, Nufarm, Pan Australia, Mitchell Communication Group, Investec Global Aircraft, Ingeus, Prudential Investments and Burnet Institute.

Hounsell replaces John Harvey, who has stepped down from the board after five years in the position. He joins six elected partners, fellow external board member Helen Nugent and the firm’s CEO, Gavin Bell, on the board.