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A message from RSM’s Global CEO
2020 was a challenging year for middle market business leaders, whom we serve, and indeed the accounting profession as a whole. Yet, amidst the uncertainty and disruption presented by the pandemic, as an organisation, we have seized the opportunity to reflect and reimagine how we collaborate, embrace new emerging technologies, stay connected and shape the future of RSM. The continued success and growth of RSM reflects the agility and resilience we have shown in the face of adversity, adapting our digital infrastructure in line with rapid change, being purposeful in every decision and prioritising the wellbeing of RSM colleagues and the business security of RSM’s clients. Throughout the RSM network, providing the highest quality services and supporting middle market business leaders in their response to the pandemic, the reorganisation of their business operations and the digitalisation of their infrastructure, are key priorities. We are committed to helping clients overcome the challenges they face and harness the opportunities that present themselves amidst great change. By forming deep, long-lasting relationships and providing relevant ideas and insight, we empower clients to move forward with confidence by delivering on RSM’s brand promise, The Power of being Understood. While businesses around the world are being challenged to transform, we continue to provide innovative, high-quality services and solutions to help those organisations reimagine their future.
Jean M Stephens, Global CEO, RSM
As a global network of independently owned and operated Firms, RSM’s core purpose is to bring our team of 48,000 professionals closer together and to support the provision of seamless cross-border services by RSM Member Firms to their clients. While global policies and procedures are fundamental to us working cohesively, true collaboration only comes when the collective shares the same values and vision for the future. RSM Member Firms are united under the same brand and high-quality standards; this is what they sign up to when joining the network. However, the right cultural fit and the sharing of the same beliefs are just as important as the commitment of Member Firms to meet these global expectations. RSM’s core beliefs of Understanding, Collaboration, and Ideas and Insight are central to The Power of Being Understood and are underpinned by shared global values of Respect, Integrity, Teamwork, Excellence and Stewardship. The strength of RSM derives from the people that work within the network, and in fully utilising their different strengths, insights, and ideas. In 2020, we appointed Candice Eaton Gaul as RSM’s Global Diversity and Inclusion (D&I) Leader, to propel our D&I strategy forward and to explore the wealth of opportunities that come from valuing human relevance in an increasingly digital world. With RSM’s growth and development forging ahead, we also recognised that the internal infrastructure needs to be aligned so that we can continue to develop and fully realise the global vision of RSM. To help drive this forward, we appointed Bob Dohrer as Chief Operating Officer in October 2020. Audit, one of RSM’s core service offerings, has been a key focus for RSM’s ongoing transformation with 2020 seeing the further development of RSM Orb, a global audit solution that scales according to the requirements of individual clients. RSM Orb comprises the methodology, software and tools that are adaptable to local legal requirements and compliant with the International Standards on Auditing. There are many people within RSM who contribute their time and expertise to RSM’s various leadership groups and committees that help to steer and guide the provision of services and the way the RSM network operates. Special thanks go to all of these professionals for their dedication and commitment to the ongoing development and sustainability of RSM in these extraordinary times.
Jean M Stephens
Global Chief Executive Officer
