Stephens will continue as CEO for the organisation until May 2024, and then remain with the international network for three years in a senior advisory capacity with a focus on member matters, development and recruitment, and to support an effective transition.

Nedder will take up the position on 1 June and is currently partner and chief strategy officer for RSM US LLP, and US board director. He was formerly national head of tax where, under his leadership, the US tax practice has grown from $600m (£481m) to more than $1bn in annual revenues.

At RSM US he leads the development, communication, execution and sustainability of the RSM US enterprise strategy, driving digital transformation and a culture of insights-led innovation. He also currently serves on the RSM Canada LLP board of directors. 

A role model for women in leadership, Stephens will leave a lasting legacy at RSM. The network reported record revenues of $9.4bn (£7.42bn) for 2023 with double digit growth at 16%.

During her time as CEO, Stephens was instrumental in the launch of the network's ambitious 2030 Global Strategy which targeted a doubling of network revenue by the end of the decade. During her tenure, global fee income nearly quadrupled from $2.4bn (£2bn) to $9.4bn (£7.42bn), and it is ranked as the sixth largest global network. It has 57,000 staff and partners across member firms in 120 countries.

Stephens said: ‘It has been an honour and a privilege to lead RSM for the past 18 years. I am excited to welcome E.J. as RSM’s new CEO and, based on his leadership experience to date, believe he is perfectly positioned to lead RSM globally from the strength of today to a new high in 2030 and beyond.’

Over his career, Nedder has developed extensive experience in leading substantial business and digital transformation initiatives, aligning separate service lines, industry verticals and business teams around a unified vision, strategy and operations, working across both the US and internationally on global client projects.

Nedder said: ‘I am thrilled to have been selected to serve as RSM’s next global CEO. With RSM’s 2030 Global Strategy already in place, I am excited to drive progress towards our stated goals, to work with our fantastic professionals all over the world to harness our global strength, and to lead the next dynamic phase of RSM’s development.’

Joe Adams, chair of the RSM International Board added: ‘The RSM CEO succession committee engaged in a rigorous selection process and many excellent candidates came forward for consideration.

‘It was E.J.’s exceptional leadership style, energy and clear ability to inspire and bring people with him that made him stand out. I feel confident he will be an outstanding CEO for RSM International.’