The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board has hired Brent Simer, an EY executive, as its chief of staff, marking the second senior hire from the Big Four firm in recent weeks. Simer, who began his role on Monday, previously served five years at the PCAOB before joining EY in 2015 as global professional practice leader. This follows the appointment of Jim Logothetis, a retired EY assurance leader, as PCAOB chair last month.

Logothetis, who audited major clients including Coca-Cola and Fiat Chrysler during his 40-year career, becomes the first career auditor to lead the watchdog. The concentration of power extends further with Kurt Hohl, another EY veteran, serving as SEC chief accountant. Industry veterans note this represents unprecedented influence by a single firm over US audit regulation, with former PCAOB officials suggesting competitors will be watching closely.

The PCAOB faces significant changes under the new leadership. Donald Trump's administration has imposed budget cuts while Hohl has pledged to reform the firm inspection program to reduce pressure on individual auditors. The organization is also recruiting experienced auditors for a new fellowship program, allowing professionals to rotate through the PCAOB for two years before returning to their firms. These moves signal a potential shift away from the confrontational approach taken under the previous administration.