Today is a very humbling day for me as it marks my first official working day in my new role as RSM’s global CEO.

I can’t help but consider how powerful this moment must be too for Jean Stephens as she transitions to her new role after 18 years of courageously leading our global organisation.

So, I wasn’t surprised when Jean recently mentioned her interest in taking part in the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race. For anyone unfamiliar with yachting, this is an epic 40,000-mile ocean sailing race in which the skipper leads a diverse and randomly selected crew – and a race in which the strongest teamwork always wins.

As with great skippers, Jean has guided us to the success we enjoy today - appreciating the collective effort of everyone who has hoisted RSM’s sails. She has steadfastly navigated the course and faced the elements with unwavering resolve. RSM’s horizon now stretches out with new possibilities. And as it does, I hope that Jean can share that same feeling of genuine pride in her achievements in charting RSM’s course over the years she has been at the helm.

We are exceptionally well positioned to continue our strong growth and to make a real difference for our people, our clients and our communities. We have a bold 2030 Global Strategy to guide our path to greater success and I am looking forward to working with all 64,000 of our people to bring this to life. Together, through close collaboration, and by harnessing our global strength, I am confident that we can influence change, create value and impact and instill confidence in a world of change.

In recent weeks, I have been fortunate enough to meet many of our Managing Partners and Senior Leaders at the recent MENA and Asia Pacific Conferences and their energy and passion for the opportunities ahead for RSM are in no doubt. This week I visit São Paulo for our Latin America Conference, and I am excited to continue learning more about the great work underway and the untapped potential we have yet to realise.

To Jean, and those who along the way who have inspired, encouraged and even challenged me - I thank you for your support.

For those of you in RSM that I have yet to meet, the future is bright and I look forward to connecting with you in the very near future.