RSM has appointed Alasdair Whyte as the next Office Managing Partner – Perth, effective 1 January 2022.

Alasdair takes over from Con Paoliello who has been at the helm for close to six years. Con will continue in his role as Partner, Tax Services.

After some time in the United Kingdom, Alasdair returned to the firm’s Assurance and Advisory Services division in 2006 and was made a Partner in 2014.

Under Con’s leadership, RSM in Perth realised strong growth and bolstered its consulting services in cybersecurity, risk advisory, ERP and IT Managed Services.

Staff numbers have also grown with close to 50 Partners, Principals and Associate Directors and 285 professional staff.RSM has appointed Alasdair Whyte as the next Office Managing Partner

Alasdair Whyte, “I have worked very closely with Con under his tenure and it’s an exciting time to be leading our Perth practice which has experienced significant growth under Con’s direction.

The RSM brand is well-established in Perth and WA and I look forward to driving this momentum and continuing to leverage the distinctive strengths of our values, our culture and expertise to deliver results to our firm and clients.”

Chief Executive Partner, Jamie O’Rourke said,

“Alasdair has admirable dedication to client care, helping the Perth team sustain its reputable status in the market. He is also well-respected by staff and our clients and I am excited to see where his fresh and bold energy and leadership will take us.”

 

Get to know Alasdair

The last two years have been challenging for everyone. What’s a highlight you’ve had through this time?

Being in WA, we have been fortunate to be protected from most of the direct health impacts of the pandemic, until now.  Where WA has been directly impacted has been the restrictions on travel both nationally/internationally and the flow-on consequences of pandemic disruption in other markets.  This has in turn, provided us an opportunity to (1) accelerate our plans to integrate flexible and hybrid work arrangements; and (2) use our technology solutions to support client needs everywhere

In the past year, RSM has also attracted five lateral Partners to join the group.  It’s exciting that RSM is proving to be an attractive culture and environment for experienced talent in the Perth market.

What is your leadership style?

I highly value good communication and empowerment. I believe as a leader you need to continually foster an environment where everyone is comfortable to speak up, with the leader also communicating in a clear and timely manner to all stakeholders. 

Of course, the challenge today is that with the multitude of mechanisms by which we can communicate it is important to ensure you are deploying the right tools for effective communication and engagement. 

In my RSM journey, I value that we respect the innovative ideas of our team and empower them to achieve our shared vision.New Managing Partner for RSM in Perth, Alasdair Whyte

What are your plans for the Perth office? Where would you like to see it in 2030?

I’m excited at the prospect that by 2030 we will have a new group of leaders in our office, with some we are yet to meet. 

Just as we have experienced with the pandemic, there will be challenges both anticipated and unanticipated that will impact the market’s needs – its RSM’s mission to anticipate these demands, continually innovate, and be an advisor of choice.

RSM marks 100 years in business on 27 March 2022. What does this milestone mean to you?

Hearing the stories from retired or longstanding partners and staff gives me pause for reflection on the challenges they experienced, overcame and the decisions they made that underpin our culture, current position and national identity.

The team that represents RSM today, was granted a gift from those that came before us and we will repay this gift, not by being stewards but by pursuing further innovation and development of the firm for the betterment of our current/future team members and clients.

What do you do to unwind?

A cliché, but true… spending time with the family. My girls are growing up too fast, I’m making the most of it while I can.  Walking the dogs is my preferred daily routine to create some separation from work and home.

Want to learn more?

If you'd like to learn more, please get in touch with Alasdair Whyte or your local RSM office.