William Thomas elected new global chairman of KPMG International
The new global executive takes responsibility for steering KPMG to meet the fast paced, changing and challenging needs of clients, as well as further developing the firm’s professional talent base globally. The role has an initial term of four years, and sees him succeed John Veihmeyer, who joined the firm in 1977 and who retires from the accounting and consulting firm following the handover on 1 October 2017.
Veihmeyer has been at the helm since February 2014, when he succeeded Michael Andrew, who held the job since May 2011 and retired after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition. Under Veihmeyer's direction, KPMG managed to grow its global revenues from $24.8 billion to $25.4 billion, an expansion which was driven by the firm's Advisory arm.
"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 organisation", says Thomas.
He states that he finds it a "great honour" to be elected Chairman of KPMG International, adding "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." His main priority when he formally takes over later this year will be to attract the best and the brightest people in order to drive the firm forward.
Remarking on his successor, Veihmeyer, says: "William 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, William has an outstanding leadership record of quality growth, innovation and collaboration. But what distinguishes William most are his qualities of integrity, sincerity, passion and personal commitment. I‘m confident that William's authentic leadership will bring tremendous value to our people and to clients."