Meet Mitchell Herrett

Meet Mitchell Herrett - Partner, Restructuring and Recovery

Mitchell heads up RSM's Restructuring & Recovery division in Brisbane, and he is committed to providing a high-quality service to all key stakeholders in corporate and personal insolvency matters.
He is a registered Liquidator with over 17 years’ experience in the insolvency profession and has been with RSM since 2004.

Mitchell's experience includes the management of corporate and personal insolvency in Brisbane and the surrounding regions. Mitchell has also managed the formal insolvency engagements of companies located in Canberra, New South Wales, Victoria, and South Australia with the assistance of RSM's resources in those states.

WHAT ARE COMMON MISCONCEPTIONS PEOPLE HAVE ABOUT BEING A RESTRUCTURING & RECOVERY PARTNER?

I often hear that people are scared to talk to me because I am a partner. I do not know why. I am very approachable. I also regularly get (from outside the firm) the whole “liquidators are bottom feeders or sharks or undertakers” and generally people have a bad view of what we do. It is my personal mission to convince everyone that we are human beings, and we are here to help.

WHAT LED YOU DOWN THIS PARTICULAR CAREER PATH?

My dad was an accountant and he encouraged me to do an accounting degree. One of my dad’s friends was an insolvency practitioner and he offered me my first professional job after I finished university. I had no knowledge of insolvency, but I straight away loved the fast-paced atmosphere, ad-hoc nature, and excitement of dealing with people from all walks of life. I think my dad was a little upset because he had plans for me to work with him one day and take over his accounting practice. Sorry, dad!

WHAT DID YOU DO PREVIOUSLY?

Prior to RSM, I worked for four years for a boutique insolvency firm in Sydney. Prior to this, I had various jobs as a pizza delivery driver, cook at a restaurant, hotel night manager, and room service attendant at a hotel.

HAVE YOU WORKED OVERSEAS OR IN OTHER PARTS OF AUSTRALIA AND WHAT WAS THIS LIKE?

During my professional career, I have worked in Sydney, Canberra, and now Brisbane. Sydney was fun and exciting, and it was a great place to live and socialise. Canberra is where I started my family with my wife, I have a lot of precious memories there and it was very hard to leave Canberra. There is so much packed into such a small state and the city itself has a lovely large country town feel to it - everyone seems to know everyone. I have so many fond personal and professional memories that are just part of my DNA and met some truly fantastic people.

HOW IS RSM IN BRISBANE DIFFERENT FROM RSM IN CANBERRA?

RSM in Canberra is a well-established practice now and I was part of the growth of the practice over 13 years, which I am very proud of. I love catching up with the team in Canberra and reminiscing about the adventures we had with work. RSM in Brisbane is a newer office and the buzz and atmosphere of the office and the people is almost electric. It is very exciting and I am so proud that I can again be a part of the growth phase of another RSM office.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT WHERE YOU ARE NOW?

I can wear shorts, a t-shirt, and thongs all year round in Brisbane and the waterways and beaches are great to visit with the family. The buzz and the vibe of Brisbane is awesome, and everyone is always friendly.