RSM brings in BDO's former APAC CEO to drive Asia Pacific ambitions

Global professional services firm RSM has appointed Stephen Darley as its new Regional Leader for Asia Pacific.

Stephen Darley joins RSM following a five-month sabbatical, having previously led BDO through a period of strong growth in Asia Pacific. At BDO, he held the role of Asia Pacific CEO for close to a decade.

In his new role at RSM, he has been tasked within continuing the firm’s strong growth in the region – in its latest financial year, the network recorded 19% growth in Asia Pacific, lifting its revenues to over $1 billion for the first time.

Darley brings extensive leadership experience across the region having lived and worked in Taiwan, Thailand, Indonesia, and India, with extended assignments in the Philippines. He also has prior RSM knowledge – he previously spent three years with the firm in its Thailand business.

Earlier in his career, Darley worked over a dozen years for KPMG in Australia and Asia.

Commenting on the hire, Jean Stephens, CEO of RSM, said: “I am delighted to welcome Stephen to the firm. His wealth of experience and proven track record of effective leadership in Asia Pacific will be of great value to RSM as we work to build on the region’s impressive growth.”

Darley added: “It is a privilege to have been appointed as Regional Leader for Asia-Pacific for RSM. I am delighted to join an outstanding organisation with such strong growth opportunities.”

“The changing social and economic landscape, through increased domestic demands in China, the emergence of ASEAN and developing markets brings great opportunities for growth. Asia Pacific is a dynamic economic powerhouse and I am excited to lead this region for RSM, as we help businesses to realise their opportunities to prosper.”