Kevin O’Connor Appointed To RSM’s ‘New Look’ Board

RSM UK has announced the appointment of a new board, following the announcement of the firm’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Rob Donaldson. Seven members of a new look board take up their roles alongside the CEO with immediate effect.

Kevin O’Connor is appointed executive chairman, bringing more than 30 years’ experience and 20 years as a senior partner with RSM, most recently in his roles as the firm’s national head of tax and regional managing partner for its North East and Yorkshire region, based out of Leeds.

Victoria Kirkhope is appointed to the board in her capacity as HR and development director, with responsibility for people, whilst David Punt takes up a new board position as head of ethics and group compliance.

The firm’s shareholder interests will be represented by two new roles critical to the future direction and governance of the firm. Howard Freedman joins the board to represent the interests of all past and present partners within the firm’s shareholding group. Zoë Rudling is selected to represent the interests of the most recently promoted and recruited partners.

Simon Hart will represent RSM’s international interests to lead, strengthen and expand the firm’s global ambitions. Simon’s most recent roles as Brexit partner and head of knowledge management have involved spearheading a series of cross-border initiatives with an emphasis on pan-European, US and wider transatlantic relations.

Andrew Westbrook, whilst moving onto the board, continues his position as acting chief financial officer (CFO).

These important new appointments complete the overall selection of RSM’s board.

Rob Donaldson, CEO of RSM UK, said: "I’m delighted to announce my new board of directors. These important roles, and the talented individuals I have chosen to come with me on this exciting new journey, represent the basis upon which RSM will continue to grow and flourish as a successful business.

"I believe this combined group offer the wealth of experience and diversity of thought to take advantage of the many opportunities that lie ahead.

"Navigating the business through the current market conditions remains our absolute priority, supporting the wellbeing of our people, providing insight and advice for our clients and protecting the business to realise our future opportunities.

"For this reason, we are moving quickly to appoint these key roles that will be important to ensure swift and effective progress for our people, our clients and the communities in which we operate. We will now turn our attention to the wider senior leadership team, the regional teams, and the service lines and sectors that they serve. We look forward to making further announcements in the coming days.

"Looking to the future, as the first-choice adviser to middle market leaders globally, our breadth of service and sector line capabilities, coupled with our unrivalled regional presence, make the prospect of leading this firm alongside my board colleagues a hugely exciting prospect."