Clare Maio to head energy and natural resources for KPMG in UK & Switzerland

The UK and Swiss wings of KPMG have a new leader for their energy and natural resources sector. Clare Maio takes on the role from Simon Virley, who is set to retire in 2026.

Maio commented, “I’m delighted to be taking on the leadership of our Energy and Natural Resources sector across the UK and Switzerland alongside such an experienced team. Our clients are facing a complex agenda – delivering secure, affordable energy while accelerating the transition, modernising infrastructure and strengthening resilience, governance and sustainability. I’m looking forward to helping them navigate these challenges with confidence.”

KPMG provides audit, tax, and advisory services to UK and Swiss energy and natural resources clients, focusing on decarbonisation, digital transformation, and market volatility. The combined team was formed after a 2024 merger, in which the Big Four firm paired its UK and Swiss groups to better support sector leaders in oil and gas, mining, and renewables segments – with Simon Virley overseeing the practice.

Maio steps into Virley’s shoes, as he retires from the firm in October 2026, to take on a portfolio of non-executive roles in the energy sector. The pair will collaborate over the next few months to ensure a smooth handover of responsibilities and client relationships.

Maio brings over 20 years of experience in the energy and natural resources sector, having previously worked at Accenture and PwC – before joining KPMG’s partnership in 2022. She is currently global lead partner at KPMG in the UK, a role she will retain alongside her new responsibilities.

Virley, the outgoing UK head of energy and natural resources at KPMG, said, “I’m hugely proud of what our team has achieved in recent years, doubling in size over the past five years and being rated by our clients as the most authoritative advisory firm in the ENR sector. I am pleased to be handing over to Clare, who is ideally placed to lead the team, as I move into the next phase of my career.”