Sarasota CPA firm plans leadership transition

A Sarasota-based certified public accounting firm that has been around for 50-plus years has announced a planned leadership transition. Kerkering, Barberio & Co. Managing Shareholder Rob Lane will retire at the end of 2026 following a 40-year career with the company, including more than two decades as its managing shareholder.

Brian Simmons will become KB’s managing shareholder, effective Jan. 1, 2027; he has been a shareholder since 2023.

“Leading KB has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” Lane says in a statement. “I am incredibly proud of what we have built together, but even more excited about where KB is headed. Brian understands what makes this firm special, and I have tremendous confidence in his leadership and in the team that will carry KB forward.” 

Simmons has helped shape the firm’s leadership and strategic direction since joining in 2023. As managing shareholder, he will be responsible for leading KB, which has offices in Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch and Tampa. The firm, founded in 1972, serves individuals as well as businesses and organizations.

“Rob’s impact on KB cannot be measured simply by the years he has led the firm,” Simmons says in the statement. “It can be seen in our people, our culture, the relationships we have with our clients and the role KB plays in our community. He has built an extraordinary legacy, and I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from him and work alongside him during this transition.”

For the rest of 2026, Lane and Simmons will be working together to ensure a seamless handoff.

“As we look ahead, our responsibility is not to change what has made KB successful, but to continue building upon it,” Simmons says in a statement. “We have an incredible team, strong relationships and tremendous opportunities ahead. I am honored to step into this role and help lead KB into its next chapter.”