Governance expert joins RSM
RSM UK has significantly strengthened its environmental social and governance (ESG) credentials with the key appointment of Dr Karl George, one of the UK 's leading corporate governance experts, and an internationally acclaimed thought leader.
RSM, a leading provider of audit, tax and consultancy services to middle market traders across the UK and globally who are also patrons of Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce (GBCC), say his appointment as partner and head of governance, marks a major step as it looks to strengthen and expand its ability to offer a market-leading ESG advisory to UK middle market businesses.
Previously the founder and managing director of The Governance Forum and creator of the Effective Board Member programmes, Karl works with senior executives in the private, public and voluntary sectors. He has over 25 years combined experience in accountancy, business and strategic development.
Karl, a board member of the GBCC, was awarded an MBE in 2004 for his services to the social and business communities and is an honorary doctor and visiting professor at Birmingham City University.
Based out of RSM 's Birmingham office, Karl will apply his exceptional insight for corporate governance solutions to strengthen RSM 's commitment to creating sustainable value and growth both for its own people and its clients throughout the UK, and internationally.
Karl said: “I 'm delighted to be joining RSM during what is an exciting period of growth and opportunity for the firm. RSM is a well-established brand, and it has a clear ambition to become the leading adviser to middle market businesses here in the UK, and globally, with sound corporate governance at its core.
“This is also a people business with a fantastic, collaborative culture. I look forward to applying my expertise to help develop the team and support its clients to help realise their goals. ”
Henrietta Brealey, chief executive of the GBCC, said: “We are delighted to see a Chamber patron and a board member joining forces. Both Karl and RSM share a genuine passion for helping businesses develop and achieve their objectives.
“Karl is a leading figure in the world of governance and with ESG becoming an ever growing area of importance for businesses he will be a valuable addition to the RSM team. ”
Mark Taylor, regional managing partner at RSM, added: “We 're delighted to welcome Karl to the team. His appointment marks a major step for us in realising our ambition to offer market-leading advice that is tailored to individual businesses and their objectives.
“His extensive experience of working with complex, public and private sector organisations both big and small sets us in good stead. I 'm very much looking forward to working closely with Karl and wish him every success in his new role with us. ”
As a seasoned non-executive and qualified accountant, Karl is well respected in the business community, regularly featuring in power lists. He was one of the first winners of the Birmingham Young Professional of the Year (BYPY) award and was among the founders of the Young Directors Forum at the Institute of Directors (IOD).
He is a founder member the Association of Corporate Governance Practitioners (ACGP) and developed a unique governance framework (GAP) and quality mark that was endorsed by the late Sir Adrian Cadbury which has been delivered to over 100 organisations nationally. Karl wrote the RACE Equality Code recently and has been instrumental in its development nationally to drive equality, diversity and inclusion across all sectors.
Pictured: Mark Taylor (left) welcomes Karl George.