Audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has appointed Mark Crawford as a director. He brings more than two decades of experience to the firm’s business transformation team.

Joel Segal, head of business transformation at RSM UK, commented, “It’s brilliant to have Mark on board in our business transformation team. His deep industry expertise in manufacturing and industrial products, plus his proven track record around deals and costs, and functional skills across the value chain processes, puts us in a strong position to support our clients in meeting their strategic business needs.”

Crawford arrives at RSM having spent 26 years working in operations consulting. He will now focus on growing the firm’s manufacturing client base, as well as strengthening its procurement, supply chain and business transformation capabilities across the sector.

Most recently, Crawford was with EY, where he spent six years growing the firm’s industrial products sector. Prior to that, he spent two decades at Big Four rival PwC, in the consulting team.

During that time, Crawford has developed expertise in advising businesses in the manufacturing and industrial products sector, including automotive, aerospace and defence. Previous clients include global automotive and engine manufacturers, a UK subsidiary of an aerospace and defence organisation, and several multinational automotive suppliers. This includes deep knowhow across strategic growth, value creation, cost reduction, and maximising the value of operations. Value chain processes covered include customer, procurement and supply chain.  

Crawford commented, “I’m thrilled to join RSM to provide our clients with a fresh perspective on how procurement, supply chain and customers can all play a central part in building future success.”

Adding that manufacturing and industrial companies are “becoming more nimble”, Crawford noted that many undergoing rapid expansion, meaning their value chains are also becoming more agile while maintaining a strong focus on cost. In this context, it’s “imperative that organisations undertake robust finance and supply planning, while adopting technology to achieve end-to-end transparency and faster decision-making” – something RSM is working to help its clients handle.