Change at the top for BDO CEO

BDO has announced that Martin van Roekel, former Managing Partner of BDO in the Netherlands and currently a member of the network’s global leadership team, will succeed Jeremy Newman as CEO of the international BDO network. Jeremy will step down as CEO on 30 September 2011 after three years in the role.

During Jeremy’s time as international CEO, the BDO network has seen growth and development in many of the network’s firms, particularly in emerging markets, enabling BDO to be an increasingly important global accounting network. BDO has also made an important contribution to the ongoing debate about the future of the audit profession, in particular in discussions prompted by the European Commission’s Green Paper.

“I am grateful to all our BDO Member Firms, and specifically all their partners and staff, for giving me the opportunity to lead change in our network and to give BDO stronger central leadership and a more coordinated approach to the development of its business, whilst retaining our heritage and our respect for national culture,” says the outgoing CEO.

He was the Managing Partner of BDO Netherlands for six years and the Netherlands member of the network’s international Policy Board from 2003, becoming Chairman of the Policy Board in October 2007. Martin stood down from both positions at the end of 2009, and immediately joined the global leadership team as the network’s first Global Head of Network Development and CEO Europe. He has been closely involved in the significant changes in BDO over recent years.

Following the announcement of his appointment, van Roekel said: “I am delighted to be taking up this leadership role, and honoured to be following in the footsteps of Jeremy Newman. I intend to continue the same pace of development and level of activity set in motion and trust that I can contribute to the further growth and success of the BDO network.

It is important that the change process which has substantially promoted the positive development of BDO throughout the world is continued.”

The international Policy Board’s agreement to appoint van Roekel as the new CEO of BDO International Limited was unanimous and, thanks to his previous international roles, he is held in high regard throughout the network. He will take up the position with effect from 1 October 2011.

BDO is the world’s fifth largest accounting network with an excellent partner to staff ratio, with 46,930 people working with our clients and offering challenging, ethical and practical advice from 1,082 offices in 119 countries.