RSM UK bolsters restructuring offering in London with new partner

Leading audit, tax and consulting firm RSM UK has appointed Tom Straw as restructuring partner in its growing London team.

Tom joins RSM after spending nine years at Moorfields Advisory and over three years at BDO as a restructuring specialist. He has more than 15 years’ experience spanning debt advisory, M&A, financial advisory and restructuring, and a track record in steering stakeholders and businesses through complex restructuring challenges. 

During his career, Tom has advised many well-known brands including the sale of Liam Gallagher’s fashion entity Pretty Green to JD Sports; the restructure of toy wholesaler Tobar Group including retailer Hawkins Bazaar; and the wind down of UK operations of retailers, Toys R Us and Blockbuster.

In his new role at RSM, Tom will be working with the special situations team to provide services to buyers and sellers for corporates, lenders and other financial stakeholders. He will cover the London region and focus on key sectors including retail, manufacturing and financial services.

Tom Straw, partner at RSM UK, said: ‘The firm’s investment in advisory and restructuring, particularly its special situations and debt advisory offering, was a key reason for joining RSM. The opportunities to increase restructuring’s footprint in the mid-market and to build on the current growth curve of team is a great driver for me personally.’

Damian Webb, partner and head of restructuring at RSM London, said: ‘In the current economic climate, some businesses are seeking options for so called ‘specialist situations’ in order to help in times of significant upheaval or financial distress. More complex, advisory-led restructuring processes combining debt advisory, M&A and traditional restructuring processes are becoming increasingly relevant. This is where Tom’s track record will complement the existing team. We have our eyes firmly on the future and this is reflected in Tom being a senior hire and the fifth new team member to come on board this year.’