Lyle Irwin

RSM New Zealand Group Chair and International Contact Partner

Lyle Irwin is Chair of RSM New Zealand, International Contact Partner and a Business Advisory Partner with extensive experience in accounting, taxation, succession planning, restructuring , trust and corporate advisory.

Raised in rural New Zealand, Lyle developed an early appreciation for the value of hard work, ambition and planning. He is passionate about helping business owners navigate challenges, unlock opportunities and achieve long-term success through practical advice and strategic thinking.

Lyle is known for his enthusiastic and determined approach, firmly believing that every problem has a solution and that settling for second best is never an option. His ability to build trusted relationships and deliver meaningful outcomes has made him a valued advisor to clients across a diverse range of industries and entity types. 

Experience

Following a family tradition of accountants, Lyle moved to Auckland to pursue a career in accounting, Lyle began working in business advisory while completing his studies. Early in his career, he recognised that working within a medium-sized firm would allow him to develop closer relationships with clients and have a greater impact on their businesses, leading him to join RSM.

Over the course of his career, Lyle has developed significant expertise across accounting, taxation, succession planning,  trust & corporate advisory and business structuring. He works with a broad client base spanning a wide range of industries, business sizes and ownership structures. Cross border or international structuring is a speciality.

Lyle also developed a strong interest in corporate governance and organisational change early in his career and has become a specialist in helping organisations navigate growth, transformation and strategic decision-making. 

Key Capabilities

• Accounting and Business Advisory – Providing practical advice to support business performance and long-term success.
• Taxation – Assisting clients with tax planning, compliance and strategic tax matters, both domestically and Internationally,
• Succession Planning – Helping business owners prepare for future ownership transitions and long-term sustainability. Intergenerational succession being a special interest of Lyles.
• Corporate Advisory – Supporting organisations through strategic and commercial decision-making.
• Business Structuring – Developing structures that support growth, governance and operational effectiveness.
• Corporate Governance – Advising boards and leadership teams on governance frameworks and best practice.
• Organisational Change – Supporting businesses through transformation and change initiatives. 

Significant Projects

• Client tax and financial due diligence for sales to Private Equity
• Management buyouts and buyins
• Family succession planning
• Indicative business valuations and milestone strategy to achieve desired exit value within defined timeframes
• Estate planning (including cross-border) and supporting taxation advisory
• Cross border business structure and taxation advisory 

Leadership and Community

Lyle is known for his proactive, forward-thinking approach and genuine passion for business. He works closely with business owners and leadership teams to identify opportunities, solve complex challenges and position organisations for long-term success.

Clients value his ability to combine strategic thinking with practical solutions, helping them focus on both operational performance and future growth. His relationship-driven style enables him to build strong partnerships that consistently deliver exceptional outcomes.

Outside of RSM, Lyle is actively involved in the community , enjoys group fitness on a  regular basis, sponsors a writing scholarship into Thames High School,  and donates to various charities of personal significance. 

Credentials

• Fellow Certified Practising Accountant (FCPA)
• CPA Australia
• Governance New Zealand
• Associate Chartered Accountant Degree, Auckland Technical Institute