William B. Thomas, 49, has become Chairman of KPMG International (No. 11 on the Fair360, formerly DiversityInc Top 50 Companies list). He will lead the KPMG global network of professional services firms for a four-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.”
