Micheal Burch – ‘Driving a single-minded association’ at BKR International
BKR International’s incoming CEO, Micheal Burch, speaks to IAB Editor-in-Chief, Zoya Malik, about his plans for driving growth and change across regions with a unifying approach.
Zoya Malik (ZM): What made you want to put yourself forward as BKR International’s new CEO?
Micheal Burch (MB): I am very familiar with BKR based on my days as a partner with Welch LLP. Welch LLP is a member firm of BKR in the Americas Region. I was also heavily involved with BKR in our efforts to create the Centre of Excellence. This experience left me with an intimate knowledge of the organisation. For that reason, I believe they reached out to me to see if I would consider filling the role. I saw it as a great opportunity and challenge and gladly accepted.
ZM: What are your priorities as you map out your vision for BKR International? What are your immediate next steps?
MB: We have a relatively new executive staff at BKR. As a group, we wish to follow up on the strategic plan laid out by my predecessor, Tim Morris. Continuing with the plan, we have met to set out the specific steps we need to take in the next 12 months to achieve our strategic objectives.
Our main objective is to operate as a single association. Historically, we have operated as somewhat autonomous regions. We recognise our real strength will be in operating as a single-minded association. Secondly, we want to ensure that we are keeping up with the changes in our dynamic profession and providing our members with the services and resources they require to excel in their respective practices. Finally, we will continue growing our association to ensure we provide the global coverage our members require.
ZM: What do you see as the main challenges and opportunities for the association?
MB: We are a diverse group, which makes it very difficult to find perfect alignment amongst all of our members. We have board members from all of our regions who are committed to the continued success of BKR. In this regard, we need to make sure that we understand the various regions’ specific needs and include them in our global strategic plan. My role is to provide consistency and support to our regional directors and to fulfill the mandate of our board. We are a cooperative group that remains focused on the needs of our members.
Scholarship presentation at our Americas conference.
ZM: What is your vision for the organisation in terms of brand positioning?
MB: To a certain extent, I see BKR as a great untold story. We are a strong and cohesive group that has kept a relatively low profile. I look forward to enhancing this profile and providing a better platform to both our members and their clients. Ultimately, we do better as our member firms do better, and they do better as their clients do better. We will rely on our new communications strategy to get the word out in a way that resonates with all our constituents.
ZM: Since taking up the role, what have you identified as the immediate needs of member firms across regions?
MB: As I mentioned, I have noticed different focuses for different regions. Our EMEA Region is very focused on collaboration and the creation of business. Our Americas Region is very focused on best practices and building capacity. All regions are heavily hit by the talent shortage, which is twofold. Fewer graduates entering the profession and the global trend to work-life balance have both affected our members. We need to be aware of the opportunities that exist to provide our staff with a great environment in which they can continue their careers. This will trickle down to the new graduates as they see a different way of doing business at our member firms.
ZM: How will you lead the new generation of Gen Z accountants at BKR International? What strengths will they bring to the organisation in a changing market?
MB: We are establishing a specific practice group for our young and emerging firm employees/leaders. This will be, in part, how we hope to engage with our staff to meet their goals and aspirations. This practice group is supported by a strong Emerging Leaders Programme in all regions.
Main image: Micheal Burch, CEO, BKR International, exchanging ideas with our members.