Long-time RSM Global executive E.J. Nedder took up the CEO post last month, opening a new chapter in the growth efforts of the top ten accounting network.

In 2022, RSM unveiled a business roadmap it refers to as its 2030 Global Strategy. The plan’s main highlight is that the accounting giant has set a goal of growing its revenues by 100% before the end of the decade. That’s an ambitious goal for a business that is already generating nearly $10 billion in annual sales: the larger a company, the more difficult it is to maintain a fast growth rate.

Before E.J. Nedder became CEO, he was the chief strategy officer at RSM US, the RSM network’s largest member firm. In that capacity, he led the US member firm’s efforts to identify new market trends and map out the growth opportunities they bring. This is a skill set that could prove conductive to RSM’s 2030 Growth Strategy and which may have been a factor behind why the board decided to name Nedder to the top role.

Nedder is no stranger to growing large businesses. Before his stint as chief strategy officer, he was the head of RSM US’ tax consulting unit. In that capacity, he helped grow the unit’s annual revenue from about $600 million to more than $1 billion.

Notably, Nedder’s company biography details that he also has experience leading technology modernization initiatives. RSM’s 2030 Growth Strategy places a strong emphasis on using new technologies such as AI to support revenue growth.

“I am really looking forward to working alongside our fantastic professionals all over the world,” Nedder said in a prepared statement. “Together, through close collaboration, we will harness our global strength and lead the next dynamic phase of RSM’s development.”

Nedder succeeded former RSM Global CEO Jean Stephens, who was appointed to the top post in 2006 and held it for eight years. According to the accounting network, Stephens will stay onboard for three years in a senior advisory role to ensure the leadership change goes smoothly. She will focus on recruiting and managing member firms. 

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