As Chief Executive, Stephen assumes responsibility for developing Russell Bedford on a global scale, including maximising membership benefits, focusing on strengthening the network, at the same time as maintaining its high reputation of quality.

Stephen provides strategic direction to the International Board, applying leadership and communicating with various cultures; engaging with existing member firms across several countries. In facilitating cross-border cooperation, as well as ensuring Russell Bedford continues to expand by acquiring additional quality firms throughout the world, Stephen assists the network in increasing commerce for members and their clients.

To view Stephen's full profile, please visit the CEO page.

Kempton is a marketing specialist with more than 30 years’ experience in the development and management of professional services organisations. He was responsible for business development and corporate communications in a global multi-discipline management and engineering consulting group before joining Russell Bedford International in 2000 as Marketing Director.

Having successfully developed and implemented the network’s branding and growth strategy, he has been instrumental in the transformation of Russell Bedford into a top-20 global player. Now, as Network Development Director, his focus is on further international network expansion and on events management.

Kempton is a member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing. He has an MA in Marketing, a Diploma in Marketing and a Diploma of the Communications Advertising and Marketing (CAM) Education Foundation.

Lina joined Russell Bedford in November 2022 after working at EFRAG (European Financial Reporting Advisory Group), initially involved in the launch of projects to stimulate innovation and best practices in the field of corporate reporting in Europe, and then moving to central management in the development of draft European sustainability reporting standards.

Prior to that, her diverse professional experience included working on assurance in public practice with PricewaterhouseCoopers, internal audit in the financial services industry, audit oversight and regulatory compliance at international level for ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), as a technical expert on corporate reporting, audit, ethics, public policy and regulation for the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus, and as an adjunct professor for the University of Cyprus lecturing on auditing, financial reporting, ethics and corporate governance. For several years, she also acted as Counsellor on Company Law for the Government of Cyprus, with direct involvement in legislative developments at national and EU level on audit, accounting and non-financial information.

Lina holds a degree in computer science from the University of Manchester. She is also a Fellow member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

As Russell Bedford's marketing and communications manager, Susan is responsible for supporting members around the world so that they can achieve optimum results from their membership of this global network. 

As the network continues to expand its global presence at lightning speed, it is Susan's responsibility to ensure that members understand the marketing opportunities available to them and their responsibilities when using our branding by providing brand support and guidance network-wide. In support of our membership development activity and member retention, Susan manages all online marketing activity from web management to social media and PR. 

Kathryn joined Russell Bedford in October 2022 with 11 years’ experience working in the accountancy sector, most recently in the position of Head of Marketing and Communications.

She has excellent skills in communication and relationship-building, along with a passion for languages and appreciation of other cultures, making her well placed to connect and assist members wherever possible. This, combined with a good understanding of the internal systems and working processes within accountancy, makes her ideally positioned to enhance all facets of operations. She will also focus on event management and ensuring that our members receive the most value from Russell Bedford conferences around the world. 

Kathryn has a first-class honours degree in modern languages with interpreting (French, Spanish), achieving a distinction in spoken French. She also has a professional qualification with the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Fatme joined Russell Bedford in June 2022, working closely with the Central Office team on a vast array of responsibilities such as elevating the network’s online presence, executing online marketing activities, brand and event management, and publications.

Fatme holds a master’s degree in Human Rights and Politics from the London School of Economics. She possesses an in-depth understanding of marketing and communications functions and years of experience working for international corporations. Fatme has a passion for the promotion and protection of human rights and hopes to contribute to a more purposeful workplace for all. 

Vanessa is an administrative assistant for Russell Bedford. She is responsible for dealing with invoicing and managing the Audit Quality Control programme.

A long-standing employee of Russell Bedford, Vanessa is a familiar and respected member of the team who enjoys interacting with members and being connected to the wider world through the Russell Bedford network.

Outside of work, family life with two daughters keeps her very busy. 

Romina graduated with a degree in Spanish - English Translation from the Buenos Aires University in Argentina. She joined Russell Bedford as a Coordinator for Latin America in September 2021 to manage and enhance communications with the network's Spanish speaking member firms. She is excited about interacting with members throughout the region and being connected to the Global Central Office.

She has many years of experience working in a global firm and developing her career in international business. Romina is very enthusiastic about taking on new challenges, progressing her personal and professional skills, and contributing to the development of Russell Bedford’s international network.

Jim graduated as a Chartered Accountant in the north of England before moving to Canada in the late 1970’s. Based in Toronto, he was a partner in Moores Rowland, Canada, and then Ernst & Young.  In October 1999, Jim joined the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) where he managed the operations of the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB) and International Ethics Standards Board (IESBA) for 15 years. He has served as a member of the IFRS Advisory Council and Chair of the International Oversight Council of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Jim became the Russell Bedford International Audit Quality Consultant in July 2014 where he designs and manages the annual AQ programme, selecting and training inspectors; and reports to the Global Board and the Forum of Firms on the audit quality of the network's members.

Jim recently completed a six year term as a member of the Canadian Auditing and Assurance Oversight Council as well as a term as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Audit and Accountability Foundation. Acting as a consultant to IAASB, Jim provides advice on auditor reporting implementation around the world, having also served as co-chair of the working group.

Fatima joined Russell Bedford as a research intern in January 2023. She recently finished a research-based master's degree in Language Sciences in Reading, UK.

Although her original plan was to work in education, she decided to follow her passion for research, pursuing it as her chosen career path. She is working hard on her research and data analysis skills in support of this career change, which led her to taking an internship at Russell Bedford. Fatima is very dynamic and has insightful knowledge of doing background research and conducting surveys, leading to quality collection and compilation of factual data. This helped her manage several projects completed towards her educational degrees and assist in the completion of an international project at the University of Reading as part of her masters.

She hopes that her approach to managing projects, being an intern, and learning programming languages independently will help her in her career and achieving her goals and dreams.

Chelsea joined Russell Bedford as a research intern in January 2023. She completed a Bachelors degree in International Relations in Nottingham, UK.

Through this internship, Chelsea is hoping to learn more about the process of research and data analysis and is excited to take on new challenges and develop her professional skills.

Ultimately, she is excited to participate in projects and gain real-world experience that she hopes will aid her in her future endeavours.