New office managing partner for accountancy business

Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM has appointed Mike Thornton as its new office managing partner in its Leeds office.

He takes over from Kevin O’Connor, who has been promoted to executive chairman of RSM UK’s Group Board.

Thornton has worked in Yorkshire his whole career and joined RSM in 2015 as an audit partner following four years as finance director at a medical device manufacturer.

Prior to this, he worked within the Big Four for 14 years – bringing key expertise in corporate audit, private equity and quoted companies.

In his new role, he will lead the Leeds office which comprises 25 partners and over 260 staff. He will also continue to lead the firm’s national manufacturing sector group

Thornton said: “I’m honoured to take the reins as office managing partner in Leeds. The fundamentals of our business remain strong and we are continuing to invest in expertise and capability which makes us the first choice for middle market business across Yorkshire.

“We have an exceptional team who have shown passion and resilience in these unusual times and have adapted magnificently to their new working environment to ensure we best support our clients.

“I look forward to working together with them to shape our future firm.”

Alex Tait, regional managing partner for Yorkshire and North East, said: “As a leading professional in the Yorkshire market who has experience advising clients and working within a leading regional business, Mike brings a unique insight to the role.

“He’s the perfect fit to build on the success of the office; and whilst operating in unprecedented times, the Leeds team can draw on key strengths across the firm to help more regional businesses navigate future challenges and support growth under Mike’s stewardship.”