Bill Thomas becomes Global Chairman of KPMG International

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, William B Thomas, 49, has become Chairman of KPMG International. He will lead the KPMG global network of professional services firms for a 4-year term, succeeding John B Veihmeyer, who completed his term as Chairman and is retiring from KPMG. 

Bill previously served as Chairman of KPMG's Americas region since 2014 and has been a member of the Global Board since 2009. He has been a leader in defining KPMG's global strategy and is a champion in promoting an inclusive and high-performing culture throughout the KPMG network.

Bill was CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada from 2009 to 2016, achieving strong growth in the market, and making strategic investments that contributed to expanding the firm's capabilities. In his 28 years with KPMG, Bill has also held a number of leadership roles in the Canadian firm and within KPMG International, and has served as an audit partner for prominent clients in a variety of industries.

Bill Thomas said: 
"I'm excited and honored to succeed a leader I admire as much as John Veihmeyer to take on the role of Chairman of KPMG International. We have been driving innovation across all parts of our business and I intend to continue and accelerate that trend. I believe the transformation that will take place in business and our profession over the next 5 years will eclipse what we've experienced in the past 50 years and I'm convinced the opportunities for KPMG will be greater than ever.

"KPMG is well placed to be at the heart of this transformation. Just in the past year, KPMG has been recognized by industry analysts for our leading capabilities in data & analytics (D&A) and cyber security. We also launched KPMG Clara, our smart audit platform that enables bringing enhanced D&A and cognitive capabilities to the audit.

"Our commitment to quality will continue to underpin everything we do, and I intend to focus on the culture of our global organization to enhance the capabilities of KPMG's extraordinary professionals around the world to bring their best in meeting the rapidly expanding needs of clients."

About KPMG International
KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 152 countries and have 189,000 people working in member firms around the world. The independent member firms of the KPMG network are affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"), a Swiss entity. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such.  

William B Thomas: Biography
William B Thomas became Chairman of KPMG International on 1 October 2017. Bill was previously the Chairman of KPMG's Americas region, a position he held from March 2014 to March 2017. In addition, Bill served as the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada from 2009 to 2016.

As a member of KPMG's Global Board and Executive Committee since 2009, Bill has been a leader in defining KPMG's global strategy. As CEO of KPMG in Canada, he provided leadership and direction for the firm's business across the country, working with partners and staff to drive KPMG's strategy and growth. Bill is also a champion in promoting an inclusive and high-performing culture throughout the KPMG network.

Bill holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia and achieved his Chartered Accountant designation in 1992 from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of British Columbia. He was named a Fellow of the Institute in 2008.

Bill is a past recipient of Business in Vancouver's Forty-under-Forty award, which recognizes British Columbia's top 40 outstanding young entrepreneurs, executives, managers and professionals. In 2012, he was honored with the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for his significant contribution to Canada. In 2015, Bill was named a Catalyst Canada Honours Champion in recognition for his leadership in building a diverse and inclusive culture across the firm. Bill is married with three children.

For further information: Brian Bannister, Head of Global Communications, KPMG International, +44 7919 393753, Brian.Bannister@KPMG.co.uk