Chris Mears

Partner, Financial Services Practice Leader
Grassi

Christopher Mears is a Partner at Grassi and the Financial Services Practice Leader. With over 35 years of experience, Christopher has deep expertise in asset management, including investment advisory, hedge funds, private equity, venture capital, Business Development Companies (BDCs) and Fund of Funds (FoFs).

Christopher has built his reputation as a trusted advisor and industry thought leader, providing strategic direction and operational excellence to enhance his clients’ success and drive organizational growth. He has expertise in audit, compliance and advisory services across complex financial, operational and tax landscapes and offers actionable insights on regulatory compliance, audit quality and operational efficiency in every client engagement.

Before joining Grassi, Christopher was the Northeast Audit Asset Management Practice Leader at KPMG, where he spearheaded the strategic direction of the practice. In this role, he oversaw a team of over 1,000 professionals, demonstrating his ability to build high-performing teams that deliver consistent market growth. Christopher focused on delivering comprehensive audit services to a diverse portfolio of clients, including hedge funds, private equity firms, mutual funds and other investment management entities. Prior to his most recent role at KPMG, Christopher led the go-to-market efforts for start-up and middle-market private funds for KPMG’s emerging managers platform. In addition, as Chief Operating Officer of Rothstein Kass, Christopher led the transition of KPMG’s acquisition of Rothstein Kass in 2014.

Christopher is a frequent speaker and author on alternative investment topics, providing valuable insights on valuation challenges, regulatory trends and industry best practices. He has presented at multiple industry trade events and completed speaking engagements for the Prime Brokerage Annual Hedge Fund Summits, the Managed Funds Association, the Regulatory Compliance Association and the Financial Research Associates.

Christopher is a licensed CPA in New York and New Jersey and a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) and the Regulatory Compliance Association.

Christopher received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Rutgers University.