At the time, the accounting giant had operations in 100 countries—many of which were significantly affected, one way or another, by the downturn. “The U.S. [and] Continental Europe were hurt significantly, the UK not quite as badly, but places like Australia [and] Canada were doing fine—and China was still booming,” he recalls. “It impacted different countries in different ways, and dealing with that from a global perspective was challenging.”
Still, by 2012, the accounting powerhouse was logging a 10.4% growth rate. Revenues continued to climb in 2013 with a jump of 8.1% to $4.5 billion, affirming Grant Thornton as the fastest-growing accounting firm in the world for two years running. Under Nusbaum’s tenure, it also extended its global reach. Today, the firm operates in more than 130 countries with offices outside the U.S. accounting for about 71% of revenues.
Given his success steering the company toward stronger revenues and a larger global footprint, Nusbaum’s unanimous reappointment to a second three-year term by the firm’s board of governors back in March came as little surprise. However, the pressure is on to continue the firm’s global growth path.
“I think the biggest concern of companies right now is that the world is in such flux, nobody knows if the recovery is real, how long it will last and what the implications are,” says Nusbaum. “For example, there are clear signs of recovery even in places like Spain and Greece, but a lot of uneasiness [exists] about how resilient that recovery is and how long it will last. And, of course, everybody’s worried about whether or not they should be investing more in Asia.”
Chief Executive Group exists to improve the performance of U.S. CEOs, senior executives and public-company directors, helping you grow your companies, build your communities and strengthen society. Learn more at chiefexecutivegroup.com.
0
1:00 - 5:00 pm
Over 70% of Executives Surveyed Agree: Many Strategic Planning Efforts Lack Systematic Approach Tips for Enhancing Your Strategic Planning Process
Executives expressed frustration with their current strategic planning process. Issues include:
Steve Rutan and Denise Harrison have put together an afternoon workshop that will provide the tools you need to address these concerns. They have worked with hundreds of executives to develop a systematic approach that will enable your team to make better decisions during strategic planning. Steve and Denise will walk you through exercises for prioritizing your lists and steps that will reset and reinvigorate your process. This will be a hands-on workshop that will enable you to think about your business as you use the tools that are being presented. If you are ready for a Strategic Planning tune-up, select this workshop in your registration form. The additional fee of $695 will be added to your total.
2:00 - 5:00 pm
Female leaders face the same issues all leaders do, but they often face additional challenges too. In this peer session, we will facilitate a discussion of best practices and how to overcome common barriers to help women leaders be more effective within and outside their organizations.
Limited space available.
10:30 - 5:00 pm
General’s Retreat at Hermitage Golf Course
Sponsored by UBS
General’s Retreat, built in 1986 with architect Gary Roger Baird, has been voted the “Best Golf Course in Nashville” and is a “must play” when visiting the Nashville, Tennessee area. With the beautiful setting along the Cumberland River, golfers of all capabilities will thoroughly enjoy the golf, scenery and hospitality.
The golf outing fee includes transportation to and from the hotel, greens/cart fees, use of practice facilities, and boxed lunch. The bus will leave the hotel at 10:30 am for a noon shotgun start and return to the hotel after the cocktail reception following the completion of the round.
