RSM UK, the audit, tax and consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Jon Cowen as a partner in its business transformation team as it expands its data and AI advisory capabilities. The appointment matters to the sector because Cowen will advise clients on turning data and AI investments into measurable results, such as better customer insight, lower costs or support for growth plans.

As stated in RSM UK’s technology and data page, its business transformation team, led by partner and head Joel Segal, supports enterprise-wide digital transformation and offers an AI Quick Start programme to identify and prioritise high-value AI use cases. The firm has also announced a partnership with AI consultancy IntellixCore and an AI Lab as part of its move towards an AI-centric operating model.

As reported by International Accounting Bulletin, Cowen has more than 15 years of experience across Big Four firms, boutique consultancies and in-house roles, including positions as risk and controls analytics lead at Barclays and financial services analytics lead at Accenture Digital. He has led teams in the UK and internationally, with experience in developing scalable data platforms and implementing AI use cases across different sectors.

According to his professional profile, Cowen has also led Slalom’s UK data capability and helped scale a £15 million consulting business, with work spanning the UK, US and India and a focus on financial services.

Jon Cowen said: “Successful transformation must go beyond the theoretical concepts and models to deliver solutions that make a meaningful difference to businesses.”

He added: “I look forward to joining a strong and growing team at RSM and using my expertise to help clients move at pace, unlock growth and create lasting value for their businesses and customers.”

Joel Segal, RSM UK Business Transformation partner and head, said: “His outcomes-focused approach and strong track record in data and AI transformation will help us to support more clients with innovative, technology-driven solutions that drive improved performance and sustainable business growth.”

The structural driver is client demand to convert data and AI investment into measurable results, which is pushing advisory firms to add senior partners with hands-on data platform and AI delivery experience.

For the sector, the appointment shows audit, tax and consulting firms building data and AI advisory benches alongside their AI-centric internal operating models.