KPMG adds 102 directors in UK, one-third are female

Accounting and consulting firm KPMG has announced the promotion of 102 directors in the UK. With the latest round of promotions the total number of directors in the Big 4 professional services firm stands at 871 – a 13% increase from 2013. 

“Across the full spectrum of audit, tax and advisory services such as M&A and strategy, I am confident that this year’s director promotions further strengthens our position to address the business issues and opportunities our clients want to tackle most,” says Colm Coffey, UK Head of People at KPMG. A fifth of the new directors are based in KPMG’s Audit practice, according to Coffey a reflection of the “tremendous success the firm has enjoyed in securing high profile tenders” such as Unilever and Royal Mail.” 

Diversity
In line with its objective to boost diversity in its senior ranks, the accounting and consulting firm has revealed that one-third of the newly promoted directors are women, bringing the total share of female directors up to around 25% of the population. “The ratio of female directors is a positive sign for the future make up of our partnership; which currently stands at 15% women,” explains Coffey. Although he is overall pleased with past years’ performance, he does however acknowledge that there still is a long way to go. “We need to ensure we pull down the barriers that prevent anyone from fulfilling their potential and reaching the highest levels of our business.”

Partner promotions
Recently KPMG also announced the appointment of new 52 partners: 29 were promoted from within the firm, while 23 partners were attracted from outside. Professional services rival EY promoted more partners, 68, although a smaller percentage was female (13; 20%).