Prof. Dr Christian Rödl, CEO, and Renata Kabas-Komorniczak, Managing Partner at Rödl & Partner, a global professional services firm with 116 offices in 50 countries, were in Cyprus recently and spoke to GOLD about the current state of the evolving professional services sector and the growing role of AI. They also shared their thoughts on what needs to be done to attract more international companies to the island.
As CEO of an integrated global professional services firm, how do you view the professional services sector at this moment?
Christian Rödl: Given the current geopolitical and economic developments, global professional services firms are undergoing accelerated transformation. Firms are leveraging AI and automation to boost efficiency, while navigating shifting client expectations, hybrid work models and growing demands for ESG accountability within the scope of EU regulations, to name a few key factors. Operational discipline, the ongoing war for talent as well as their retention, are as critical as ever as firms strive to remain competitive and resilient in an increasingly complex and intertwined world. Those that adapt quickly and provide truly innovative, integrated and cross-border solutions with added value are best positioned to lead.
Rödl & Partner has an office in Limassol with a longstanding local partner, so what is your view of the local professional services and business scene?
Renata Kabas-Komorniczak: Cyprus offers a highly attractive business environment, featuring competitive tax rates and an extensive network of double taxation treaties. The quality of local professional services is excellent and we’re proud to not only meet but exceed these standards. Within this framework, we support our clients in developing and utilising efficient operational structures and practices to thrive in a competitive market.
Are there specific actions that Cyprus could take to encourage further interest in collaborations with international companies such as yours?
R.K-K.: Over the years, Cyprus has earned a strong reputation for delivering high-quality professional services to entrepreneurs and investors. Progress is being made in modernising its infrastructure and embracing innovation and this momentum can be used to accelerate the country’s digital transformation and enhance efficiency – for example, in government services – as well as further strengthening the country’s role as a regional hub for international headquarters. At the same time, there is a growing opportunity to expand into specialised sectors beyond traditional accounting and legal services, such as cybersecurity, fintech and intellectual property. This can be supported by continuing to reduce bureaucracy, maintaining high regulatory standards and placing a stronger emphasis on ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) standards. The focus is no longer just on compliance but on building a sustainable and forward-thinking business environment.
Consolidation within the professional services sector currently seems to be a trend in many parts of the world and one of Rödl & Partner’s specialties is assisting clients with Mergers & Acquisitions. Do you consider the trend positive or negative? Would you consider such a move for your own company?
C.R.: You are right that one of our core service offerings is interdisciplinary and international M&A advisory. Last year, we supported 363 transactions in more than 30 countries, which we can handle efficiently and with consistent quality worldwide due to our special structure as one firm with our own offices. Since our founding in 1977, we have been growing from our own strength and by our own means, so we are not the product of mergers or takeovers and, going forward, this is neither on our agenda nor are there any plans for such a move! Sector-wise, the consolidation trend is a natural response to the current operating environment and increasing competitive pressures. Organisations are looking to trim fat, enhance their capabilities, expand market reach and create value.
What is Rödl & Partner’s outlook for the future of the company over the coming years? Are there any other developments you can reveal at this time?
R.K-K.: We are not a network and we’re quite proud of that. We are structured like our predominantly German-speaking clients and we are always on site where they need us. Our outlook for the coming years is marked by continued international expansion and strategic growth, on deepening our expertise – for example, through our Centre of Excellence for Intelligent Automation that we established last year. Dozens of bots have been developed to optimise and automate processes. Going forward, the initiatives are now being widely implemented – on the client side, too – and are an integral part of internal training and development programmes. It all boils down to better accompanying our growing client base, from family businesses to large publicly listed companies and blue chips. We support all our clients in strengthening their resilience and future-proofing their business models.
Technology, including but not limited to AI, is playing an increasing role in all sectors, including professional services. In your experience, what has the impact been so far and how do you expect it to develop?
C.R.: The pressure to adapt and the need for flexible, client-centric and scalable solutions as part of the digital transformation remain high. Technology and AI are streamlining workflows, enhancing data analysis, automating routine tasks and enabling more predictive, insight-driven advisory services. Tools like document reviews, compliance checks and AI-assisted tax, audit, accounting, payroll and reporting processes are improving efficiency and accuracy. Looking ahead, we expect AI to become even more embedded in core service delivery, but – and this cannot be stressed enough – not as a replacement for professionals but as a powerful augmentation. The firms that thrive will be those that combine technological innovation with deep human expertise – using technology to free up time for higher-value, strategic client work. While the sector is evolving rapidly, our core values at Rödl & Partner remain unchanged. We continue to focus on guiding our clients with foresight and integrated solutions, from a single source, worldwide – with consistent standards and personally on-site.
(Photo by TASPHO)
- This article was published in the July issue of GOLD magazine. Click here to view it.
