Ernest John Nedder, a partner and chief strategy officer at RSM US LLP, will be the next CEO of the RSM International network, succeeding longtime CEO Jean Stephens on June 1.
Nedder leads the development, communication, execution and sustainability of RSM US's enterprise strategy and serves on the board of directors of RSM Canada. Nedder is a CPA and has been a client advisor for 26 years. Formerly national head of tax for RSM US, under his leadership the firm's U.S. tax practice grew from $600 million to over $1 billion in annual revenues, with expansion in the provision of international tax advisory services a major component of that growth. Nedder has served two terms on the RSM US board of directors, and was chairman of the board during his second term.
"I am thrilled to have been selected to serve as RSM's next global CEO," Nedder said in a statement Thursday. "With RSM's 2030 Global Strategy already in place, I am excited to drive progress towards our stated goals, to work with our fantastic professionals all over the world to harness our global strength, and to lead the next dynamic phase of RSM's development."
Nedder has led business and digital transformation initiatives at RSM, while aligning different service lines, industry verticals and business teams across both the U.S. and internationally on global client projects.
"The RSM CEO Succession Committee engaged in a rigorous selection process and many excellent candidates came forward for consideration," said Joe Adams, chair of the RSM International Board, in a statement. "It was E.J.'s exceptional leadership style, energy and clear ability to inspire and bring people with him that made him stand out. Having worked with E.J. for many years and seen the impactful role he has had within RSM US, I feel confident he will be an outstanding CEO for RSM International."
Jean Stephens has led RSM International since 2006 after joining the network in 1996. She will continue as CEO of RSM International until May 2024, and then continue for three years at RSM in a senior advisory capacity with a focus on member matters, development and recruitment, and to support an effective transition.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to lead RSM for the past 18 years," Stephens said in a statement. "I am excited to welcome E.J. as RSM's new CEO and, based on his leadership experience to date, believe he is perfectly positioned to lead RSM globally from the strength of today to a new high in 2030 and beyond."
