KPMG elects global chairman

KPMG has elected a new chairman of KPMG International.

Bill Thomas will take up the position on 1 October 2017. He succeeds John Veihmeyer, who will retire from the firm at the end of September.

Thomas has spent 28 years with KPMG and is currently chairman of KPMG’s Americas region. He was CEO of KPMG in Canada between 2009-2016, and has been a member of the Global Board since 2009.

Veihmeyer said: “I am extremely proud to announce that Bill Thomas has been elected to succeed me as chairman of KPMG International. Bill brings an exceptional range of skills and experience that will benefit KPMG and the clients our professionals serve. As leader of KPMG’s Americas region and the Canadian firm, Bill has an outstanding leadership record of quality growth, innovation and collaboration. But what distinguishes Bill most are his qualities of integrity, sincerity, passion and personal commitment. I‘m confident that Bill’s authentic leadership will bring tremendous value to KPMG, our people and to clients.”

Thomas said: “It is a great honor to be elected Chairman of KPMG International. John Veihmeyer has been an exceptional leader and role model, who has strengthened KPMG immensely with his commitment to quality and integrity, and his focus on the culture of our global organization. I intend to build on the foundation John has put in place, and help KPMG’s 190,000 professionals around the world to fulfill their potential and bring their best in meeting the rapidly expanding needs of clients. I’m convinced the next few years will be among the most dynamic our profession has ever seen, and I’m excited about the opportunities that are in front of KPMG.”

This news comes as KPMG in the UK recently elected Bill Michael to succeed Simon Collins as UK chairman from October this year.