RSM UK appoints new head of customs and international trade
Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has appointed Becky Okuda as head of customs and international trade. Her appointment is testament to the growth and future ambition of RSM’s indirect and wider tax practice.
Becky has more than 19 years’ experience in customs and international trade, most recently within her own advisory business, and previously as partner at a Big Four firm. She began her career as an HMRC customs officer, before taking on international trade roles at Defra.
Based in RSM’s London office, and advising businesses across the UK, Becky brings significant sector experience including retail, manufacturing, automotive and aerospace, with particular focus on customs compliance, technology-led transformation and ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) migration.
In her new role Becky will help businesses with complex international operations manage the cross-border movement of goods through advisory, compliance and technology solutions. She will support organisations in transforming their customs functions to reduce administration, strengthen governance and deliver cost efficiencies.
Becky Okuda, Head of Customs and International Trade, RSM UK, said: “The current geopolitical landscape means importing and exporting has never been more complex. Changing regulations, rising costs and growing trade volumes are increasing risks and pressures on customs teams. Often, experienced professionals are drawn into administration and coordination, leaving less time for complex regulatory work and fewer opportunities to deliver duty and cash savings.
I understand how frustrating these challenges can be, so I’m delighted to join RSM where I can help organisations overcome them. Technology will be central to this, combining specialist advice, streamlined processes and better use of data to enable customs teams to focus on high value work.”
Rowena Clifton, Head of Indirect Tax at RSM UK added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Becky to the RSM team. She is one of the most highly regarded customs and international trade professionals, with an outstanding track record of advising some of the UK’s most complex businesses. Demand for support in this area continues to grow, particularly around technology, systems, risk and governance. Becky’s market-leading experience will enable us to further expand our services and grow the team over the coming months.”