Jean Stephens

Senior Advisor, Member Development and Recruitment

Biography

On 1 June 2024, former Global Chief Executive Officer of RSM International, Jean Stephens transitioned to her new role as Senior Advisor, Member Development and Recruitment. In this new advisory role, Jean will be focused on supporting the growth and development of RSM and its Member Firms.

Jean joined the network in 1996, and was appointed Chief Executive Officer in January 2006, being the first woman to lead a global accountancy network.

During her leadership as Global Chief Executive Officer, RSM achieved growth of 290% through acquisition and organic growth and oversaw the implementation of the newly unified global brand name and logo that is now used by Member Firms in 100 countries.
 

RSM Timeline of achievements

2023 – Oversaw growth of 16% to $9.4bn
2015 - Launched the new unified RSM global brand 
2006 - Appointed Global CEO of RSM International 
1996 - Joined RSM International as Chief Operating Officer 
1994 - Joined RSM US (formerly McGladrey) 

Under Jean's leadership, RSM developed many major global initiatives to drive the implementation and continuous improvement of RSM’s global client services. In 2007, Jean established the RSM Academy. This highly rated international leadership programme develops the international skills of RSM's future leaders, with emphasis on cultural issues, international issues facing clients, the team approach to serving clients at the highest level and using a foundation of quality as the base for successful and sustainable growth. In 2012, the programme was expanded with the edition of a two-year International Tax Academy programme. 2021 saw this long-standing programme tailored to the remote environment to make it an immersive virtual experience for nearly 300 participants globally.

“Disruption brings change and we have all entered a new era – let’s embrace the opportunity as we move forward in a more purposeful, new business age.”

Jean is passionate about encouraging the use of cultural differences for the benefit of international development. She is also interested in using her international experiences to promote the development of our young professionals.

Jean has previously appeared on both TV and radio broadcasts including CNBC and BBC Radio 4.
 

Professional Affiliations/Awards

Jean has held leadership positions in a variety of organisations including the San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce, Rotary International, United Way, YWCA and the Inland Empire Symphony.

Jean has received the Athena Award for Outstanding Business Woman - San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce and is also a recipient of the California State University Alumni of the Year Award. In May 2009, Jean received an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from her Alma Mater, University of Redlands, in recognition of her international career with RSM.
 

In 2021, as an alumnus of California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), Jean was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by California State University, San Bernardino in recognition of being the first woman Global Chief Executive Officer to lead a top 10 global accounting Network and for her associated achievements in this position.

Jean is a member of the AICPA.

Education

Jean has a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Masters degree in Finance. She qualified as a Certified Public Accountant in 1984.