19 December 2005

First female Chief Executive Officer for a

Top ten international accounting network

RSM International, the world’s sixth largest international accounting and consulting organisation has appointed Jean Stephens as its first female Chief Executive Officer.

Stephens will take up her five-year term as CEO from January 1, 2006. Previously Chief Operating Officer, she will focus on a delivering a strategic plan to confirm RSM International as the provider of choice for internationally active growing organisations, and to achieve even greater geographic scope and size.

Stephens joined RSM in 1996 to help build the international practice and since then, RSM has increased in size by 75 percent.

RSM International chairman Chris Connor stated: “Based on the growth momentum and high-quality affiliate relationships established during Jean’s tenure with RSM International, she will do a superb job of implementing the organisation’s strategy and ensuring, through our RSM regional councils, that we achieve the highest standards of performance throughout the world.”

Prior to joining RSM International in London, Stephens served as senior manager, audit, McGladrey & Pullen, and Managing Director in RSM McGladrey's Los Angeles, California office. She was formerly a partner in a regional accounting firm. Stephens is a Certified Public Accountant with a master’s degree in business and finance from California State University and a bachelor’s degree in business and accounting from the University of Redlands, Redlands, Calif. She was recently named Alumni of the Year by California State University, San Bernardino, in recognition of her significant professional accomplishments.

Stephens said: “I am looking forward to taking up my new role and focusing on the practical delivery of RSM International’s quality, value and personal service to internationally active growing organisations throughout the world. Our stringent affiliate qualification process, partnership approach to serving clients, high-level account execution and vast global network enable us to provide our clients with a truly exceptional service offering and value proposition.”

The organisation is looking to expand it’s current capabilities in India, China and Eastern Europe, as well as moving into Iran, Jordan, Malta and Israel. Following its recent moves into Vietnam, New Zealand, Belgium and Singapore and the continuous growth of its members around the world, it is growing at a rate of 18 percent annually,

With RSM member firm RSM McGladrey’s recent acquisition of American Express’ Tax and Business Services in the United States, and the resulting growth in its business base, Stephens believes that RSM has the potential to grow its global practice by 25 percent or more over the next two years.

ENDS

For further information contact Pippa Lawrence or David Morris, EURO RSCG Biss Lancaster, 020 7467 9200 or firstname.surname@bisslancaster.com

About RSM International

Operating in more than 70 countries and bringing together the talents of over 23,000 individuals in over 600 offices, RSM International provides a full range of accounting and business advisory services to companies in their own markets and internationally. Its mission of providing quality service through high level thought, outstanding work and sound opinion, has resulted in annual billings approaching US $2,500 million across the organization.