Bob Patton is a recognized leader in strategic growth, transformation, and leadership development with nearly four decades of experience building and scaling professional services businesses at the intersection of strategy, technology, and human capital. Over his career, he has guided global organizations through major phases of expansion, M&A integration, and digital reinvention, while also coaching executives to lead with purpose and authenticity.

Bob spent 24 years at Ernst & Young (EY), where he served in multiple executive roles including Vice Chair of Consulting, Vice Chair of Markets, and Vice Chair of Strategy. During his tenure, he played a central role in defining and executing EY’s Americas growth strategy, serving 11 years on the EY Americas and U.S. Boards. As Vice Chair of Consulting, he led an extraordinary transformation that grew the business from $1.5 billion in revenue with 6,000 consultants to $5.5 billion with 16,000 consultants – tripling EY’s technology capabilities in areas such as systems integration, digital, data and analytics, and cybersecurity.

A seasoned strategist, Bob was a member of EY’s Strategic Advisory Council, helping to develop the firm’s global business strategies and shape its competitive positioning. He is widely regarded for his expertise in orchestrating hyper-growth environments, combining both organic and inorganic levers to drive sustained expansion. He architected 25 strategic acquisitions that infused EY with new technological and operational capabilities, guiding every stage of the M&A process from deal origination through integration and performance measurement. His work bridged the interests of boards, executive teams, and corporate development functions to ensure alignment across growth, governance, and long-term value creation.

Before joining EY, Bob held leadership roles across the consulting and technology sectors, including serving as CEO of Gartner Global Consulting, CEO of CGEY’s (Capgemini Ernst & Young) Public Sector Division, and Strategic Planning Senior Manager at Hayes Microcomputer Products. He began his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers/PwC), building a foundation in finance, audit, and business operations that continues to inform his boardroom expertise.

In recognition of his professional achievements, Bob was honored with Consulting Magazine’s Lifetime Achievement Award and named one of its Top 25 Consultants. He was also a featured LinkedIn Influencer on the topics of purpose, leadership, and innovation, sharing insights drawn from his work advising CEOs and boards on leading with integrity and creating caring, high-performance cultures.

Bob currently serves on several boards, including the City of Refuge and ATLAS, where he contributes to initiatives supporting underprivileged communities. He previously served on the board of HomeBanc (NASDAQ: HOMB) from 2005 to 2007, as well as on the EY Americas and U.S. Boards from 2010 to 2021.

Bob holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with honors from the University of Georgia, and has completed executive programs at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and Harvard University. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Mr. Patton is a qualified financial expert under SEC, NYSE, and NASDAQ rules.

Outside of his professional life, Bob is deeply committed to service and mentorship. Together with his wife, Cornealia, he is active in community initiatives that uplift families and create opportunities for the underserved. They have two married children and five grandchildren who bring joy, pride, and purpose into their lives every day.

ATLAS, Board Member

City of Refuge, Board Member

EY (Ernst & Young), Senior Partner, Vice Chair, and Americas & US Board Member

Vice Chair, Strategy

Vice Chair, Markets

Vice Chair, Americas Consulting

Gartner, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Global Consulting

HomeBanc, Board Member

Capgemini Ernst & Young (CGEY) Public Sector Division, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

EY (Ernst & Young), Chief Operating Officer (COO), High Growth Consulting Practice

Hayes Microcomputer Products, Senior Manager, Strategic Planning

Price Waterhouse (now PricewaterhouseCoopers/PwC), Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

University of Georgia, Bachelor of Business Administration (Honors)

Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management, Executive Leadership Program

Harvard University, Harvard Business School, EY Strategic Leadership Program

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Financial Expert under SEC, NYSE, and NASDAQ rules