Stephen Hamlet was recruited as Russell Bedford International’s CEO in May 2017. With more than twenty years’ experience in professional services, Stephen moved rapidly into business development roles with increasing responsibility, building a track record in re-energising, enhancing and expanding global membership organisations.

Having previously held leadership positions at international accounting associations, Stephen gained expertise in developing global organisations, with proven skills in building international relationships, consolidating membership in key business locations, and creating an expanding range of practical benefits and service offerings.

Stephen is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, having trained and qualified with a Top 20 accounting firm in London, after graduating from the University of Exeter with a degree in Law.

As Chief Executive, Stephen assumes responsibility for developing Russell Bedford on a global scale, including maximising membership benefits, focusing on strengthening the network, at the same time as maintaining its high reputation of quality.

Stephen provides strategic direction to the International Board, applying leadership and communicating with various cultures; engaging with existing member firms across several countries. In facilitating cross-border cooperation, as well as ensuring Russell Bedford continues to expand by acquiring additional quality firms throughout the world, Stephen helps encourage the generation of new business opportunities for member firms, assisting the network to increase commerce for members and their clients. 

A vital part of the CEO's role is visiting offices of member firms, presenting to their teams, and understanding more about their practices. In this way, we can ensure our members gain the most from their membership, taking full advantage of the network's global capabilities; adding greater value for their clients. Stephen enjoys writing articles about his travels and experiences, promoting the quality, positivity and energy throughout the network, and these can be viewed on the activity pages of his LinkedIn profile, with several also published here within BLOGS.

Stephen led Russell Bedford to the prestigious 'Network of the Year' award in 2019, whilst in the same year achieving individual recognition by being awarded with 'Personality of the Year'. Most recently, Stephen was named 'Accounting Leader of the Year' at the International Accounting Awards of 2024.

Stephen is passionate about music, travelling and keeping fit.