U.S. Financial Services Partner, New York Metro Deals Leader PricewaterhouseCoopers
Gary Tillett’s notable career spans three decades and includes roles in several divisions within the same “big four” accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers. Tillett currently serves as the New York Metro Deals Leader and is a partner in the U.S. Financial Services sector at PwC. In this dual role, he leads a practice of more than 400 deals professionals and serves some of PwC’s largest corporate and private-equity clients with investments in the financial services sector. Tillett attributes his success to his commitment to the delivery of quality client service and his desire to maintain a comprehensive lifestyle, which has included active community service within his career and personal life since an early stage.
Tell us the highlights of your professional career. What are your proudest achievements?
Throughout my 31 year career at PwC, I have been fortunate to work in several different areas within the firm. After graduating from UT Dallas in May 1982, I received my first job working in audit for Coopers and Lybrand. Eleven years later, after receiving several promotions along the way, I was admitted to the partnership. Five years later, the firm merged with Price Waterhouse and formed what we all know today as PwC. Being promoted to partner at an early stage in my career is a highlight that makes me proud. Other highlights include transitioning from the audit department to a consultant role within the Transaction Service (Deals) practice. At the time of this transition (1998, concurrent with the merger with Price Waterhouse), the market was expanding, and I was open to a new opportunity within the firm. This career change allowed me to take a step in a different direction at PwC. My role in the Deals practice presented new challenges and opportunities to further my professional growth. After joining the Deals practice, I was able to gain international experience, which included working transactions in Europe, Asia and Latin America. In 2005, firm leadership asked me to relocate to the New York office to lead our Financial Services Deal team. In 2010 I was asked to lead the New York Metro Deals practice. The firm also sponsored my pursuit in obtaining an International MBA. In 2008, I successfully obtained my MBA degree from the University of Manchester.
What brought you to UT Dallas?
My UT Dallas story is unique because I transferred to the Naveen Jindal School of Management after spending my first three years of college at a different university. I transferred after hearing about the competitive four-year accounting program at the school. I wanted to complete my degree and enter the workforce full time as soon as possible, and the program at UT Dallas enabled me to finish one year earlier than expected.Overall, I am very happy that I completed my degree at UT Dallas. My key professors each had careers in accounting or other relevant business fields before joining the faculty, and my education benefitted from their real-world experience. In addition, some of my professors still maintained their careers outside their teaching obligations. The Jindal School faculty offered current industry knowledge that equipped me for life after graduation.
What is your favorite UT Dallas memory?
My favorite UT Dallas memory is from walking the stage at my graduation. While in school, I maintained a rigorous schedule: I worked during the day as salesperson for a local auto shop and attended night classes. I had little time for extracurricular college activities. I remember being very proud of my degree and the hard work that went into achieving it.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class at UT Dallas was Organizational Behavior. I remember the in-depth analysis regarding interactions in organizations and appropriate management responses — as well as the constructive discussions in class. The dialogue was extremely beneficial as we examined best management practices in business, and the professor provided relevant examples and case studies. Several years later, I still reflect upon the lessons learned in that class.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, engaging in outdoor activities and traveling. My family recently spent three weeks exploring Europe together, and it was a wonderful trip. I enjoy playing golf, riding motorcycles and snow- or water-skiing.
What advice do you have for current students hoping to succeed in the business world?
I would encourage current students to carefully choose their career path and then commit to securing the technical knowledge necessary to succeed, which includes obtaining above-average grades. It is also important to build meaningful relationships and get involved in the local community. Some of my most rewarding experiences have been volunteering with various organizations. I am a graduate of Leadership Dallas, Class of 1994, and served on leadership boards for the Dallas Theater Center, the “I Have A Dream” Foundation – Dallas and Excel Charities. At an early stage in my career at PwC, I helped organize an LPGA golf tournament that benefitted the Excel Charities. In addition to the rewarding personal experience of supporting an organization that helped children in need, my role provided many public speaking opportunities and the platform to further develop organizational skills.Employers want to hire well-rounded individuals; so find ways to get involved in volunteer opportunities outside the office.
What makes an effective leader?
I believe the most effective managers lead by example and work alongside their employees. Leaders who are actively involved in all areas of the business are well-respected and receive more support from employees. I also believe effective leaders value meaningful relationships with employees and support opportunities for professional growth. In my own experience at PwC, my managers encouraged me when I transitioned from audit to the Deals practice. I also encourage my employees to pursue meaningful opportunities to expand and further their careers.
