Employees at Cherry Bekaert rank Michelle Thompson in the Top 5% of CEOs in Burlington, NC. Similarly, employees at PwC rank Paul Griggs in the Top 15% of CEOs in New York. Employees rate their CEO differently based on the frequency of interaction, ability to affect company culture, and drive measurable results.

Michelle Thompson

CEO of Cherry Bekaert

BIO: As the Chief Executive Officer/Firm Managing Partner for Cherry Bekaert, Michelle is responsible for oversight of the Firm’s Management Team as well as executing and promoting the overall strategic plan, growth and direction of the Firm. Her leadership role includes chairing Cherry Bekaert’s Executive Board and overseeing the day-to-day administration and financial management of the Firm. Michelle is also an Assurance Partner in the Raleigh practice. Joining the Firm in 1998, Michelle established Cherry Bekaert’s Risk Assurance & Advisory Services (“RAS”) Group and was instrumental in the strategy, growth and development of RAS service offerings for more than 10 years. She later served for seven years as Managing Partner of Cherry Bekaert’s Assurance Services, managing resource utilization, client experience and other operational aspects associated with delivering audit and assurance services to clients. Michelle began her career in 1994 as an auditor with a multinational accounting firm, where she participated in services ranging from audits of large SEC companies to mergers and acquisition due diligence engagements. She has served several of the largest public sector clients in the North Carolina market. In addition, Michelle’s progressive accounting knowledge extends to technology and health science companies, government contractors and local government entities.

Paul Griggs

CEO of PwC

BIO: Serving as the senior partner of PwC US. Nearly a 30-year PwC veteran, I previously served as Vice Chair of US Markets, leading the strategy and execution of our commercial, people, community and quality efforts across our 90+ offices. Having served as a lead client partner for some of the firm’s largest clients, I have had the privilege of advising companies through significant global change—including business model reinvention, public offerings, acquisitions and divestitures—driving trust within the capital markets. Passionate about building skills and opportunities for all, I co-led My+, the firm’s people strategy that empowers our 75,000 people to develop and grow their careers, including upskilling the entire workforce on generative AI. I am a proud husband and dedicated father of three. Outside of work, you can find me traveling, reading or exploring the great outdoors.