RSM Australia, one of the largest mid-tier accounting firms in Australia, has announced Jamie O’Rourke as new national chair. He will step into the new role when current chairman, Kim Hutchinson, retires at the end of June 2016.

The firm also announced two new members of the National Executive, and the appointment of three new partners and nine principals.

Incoming chair, Jamie O’Rourke, has 30 years of professional accounting experience, 25 of which have been with RSM, including as a member of the National Executive. He is based in Sydney and is a partner in the firm’s Business Advisory division. Jamie previously held the role of Sydney managing partner between 2009 and 2012.

Jamie O’Rourke, national chair-elect, RSM Australia, said, “Over the past 24 years I’ve seen RSM transform from a smaller mid-tier accounting firm to becoming a truly international industry leader. I look forward to continue the very successful national and regional expansion strategy started by the outgoing chairman, Kim Hutchinson.”

Kim Hutchinson will retire as national chairman on 30 June 2016, after 16 years in the role. During his time, Kim has been instrumental in RSM’s expansion as a firm with national, international, and regional credentials. Under his leadership, the number of partners has doubled from 46 to 92 and the firm has expanded its international relationships significantly.

Kim Hutchinson, retiring national chairman, RSM Australia, said, “I’m leaving the firm in very capable hands: Jamie O’Rourke’s passion and commitment to the firm, combined with the three years he has spent on our board will make him a strong chair. RSM has built up a strong national and global brand, and I’m convinced it will continue to grow under Jamie’s leadership. His extensive experience providing business advice to organisations across a range of industries demonstrates his strengths as a strategist.”

RSM has also appointed two new members to the National Executive: Andrew Graham, who is managing partner in Brisbane; and Judy Snell, partner in Moora, regional Western Australia.

RSM has also appointed three new partners: Matthew Gordge in Adelaide; Jayesh Kapitan in Melbourne; and Paul Rogan in Ballarat. Furthermore, the firm is expanding with nine new principals:

  • James Campbell, Canberra
  • Andrew Clifford, Melbourne
  • Adam Crowley, Sydney
  • Travis Kukura, Perth
  • Andrew Manuel, Wagga Wagga
  • Ralph Martin, Perth
  • Jarrad Turnbull, Ballarat
  • Jade Wade, Wagga Wagga
  • Richard Wraith, Melbourne

Jamie O’Rourke said, “The depth of experience within RSM is phenomenal, giving our clients access to the best advice and most innovative solutions. Our international network puts clients in the driver’s seat to compete in a global marketplace.

“These appointments reflect the experience and knowledge within the firm and signify our ability to help clients across the country choose the right business and accounting strategies to propel their organisations forward.”