ATLANTA – April 20, 2026 – Aprio, the 20th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., today announced the addition of two new partners, Rob Wellen and Robert Fraher, as the firm doubles down on forward-looking capabilities – data and AI strategy and complex audit for investment and real estate sectors.
The additions reflect Aprio’s commitment that the future of the profession belongs to firms willing to invest ahead of the curve, combining experienced talent with the power of emerging technology to deliver solutions that weren’t possible before.
“What AI makes possible for middle-market businesses right now is extraordinary, and our clients deserve a firm built to unlock that,” said Richard Kopelman, CEO of Aprio. ” Rob Wellen and Robert Fraher expand what’s possible for our clients. From AI-driven business transformation to the most complex investment and real estate audits in the market, we’re building the firm our clients need today and in the future.”
Rob Wellen’s arrival marks the formal launch of Aprio’s Data & AI practice, a dedicated capability designed to help emerging high growth and middle-market organizations move beyond Data and AI experimentation and into measurable, scalable transformation.
Rob Wellen, MSIM | Advisory – Data & AI Partner
Rob Wellen joins Aprio as a partner, based In Chicago, in the firm’s advisory practice, leading the newly launched Data & AI practice. With more than two decades of experience building and leading data and AI teams and building large scale data and AI production systems, Rob has a proven track record of turning technology potential into business reality, designing and integrating AI, data, automation and governance solutions that accelerate growth and deliver measurable outcomes for middle-market organizations.
Rob holds a Master of Science in Information Management from Dominican University and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Concordia University Chicago. He is a founding member of the Chicago AI Executive Circle in partnership with Dominican University and was recognized as a Top 25 AI Consulting Leader by The Consulting Report in 2024. He also serves on local nonprofit boards, and participates in executive roundtables, sharing insights on data and AI trends. He also contributes to the community by mentoring kids through sports and recreational learning initiatives.
Robert Fraher | Assurance Services – Audit Partner
Robert Fraher joins Aprio as an audit partner in New York City, bringing more than 30 years of public accounting experience and rare depth in private investment funds and real estate. Prior to Aprio, he spent three decades at a Big Four firm, where he built long-standing client relationships and led complex, high-stakes engagements for investment and real estate organizations across international markets.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Arts from Colorado State University and a Master of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. He is actively involved with the National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries (NCREIF).
To learn more, visit aprio.com.
About Aprio
Aprio is redefining what it means to be a global advisory and accounting firm. We help businesses and individuals Account for Anything™ — delivering clarity and confidence in a world full of unknowns. Aprio is the brand name under which Aprio, LLP, and Aprio Advisory Group, LLC deliver professional services to clients worldwide. Aprio Advisory Group, LLC provides advisory, tax, legal, wealth, and talent solutions to help build value, drive growth, manage risk, and protect wealth, while Aprio, LLP delivers audit and attest services with uncompromising quality and integrity. With more than 3,000 team members serving clients in 50+ countries and $5.5B in assets under management, Aprio, the 20th largest business advisory and accounting firm in the U.S., is consistently recognized as a Top Workplace, celebrated for transformative growth on the Inc. 5000 and Inc. Power Partners lists, and led by Richard Kopelman, named to Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting. Learn more at Aprio.com.
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Aprio Media Contact
Leslie Weiner, Public Relations Manager
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