Originally published at ey.com. EY is a Hall of Fame company.
Ernst & Young LLP announced that Kris Pederson will succeed Stephen Klemash as the Leader of the EY Americas Center for Board Matters, effective January 1, 2022. In this role, Pederson will guide engagement with boards, committees, directors and institutional investors. The firm also announced the formation of the Audit Committee Forum as part of the Center, led by Patrick Niemann, as the Center for Board Matters intensifies its focus on providing resources to assist with the growing needs of audit committees.
“Boards are operating in an increasingly complex and global environment. In this time of accelerated change, having effective governance and oversight processes in place is paramount,” said Kelly Grier, EY US Chair and Managing Partner and Americas Managing Partner. “Kris brings vast corporate and boardroom experience, which position her to produce immense value for clients’ boards as they continue to focus on a broad range of priorities and new topics, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategy, innovation, talent and board governance policy.”
Pederson has deep experience in management consulting, auditing and financial analysis, as well as significant board of director experience with corporate, private, association and not-for-profit boards. During her tenure at EY, Pederson has focused on the board agenda, including the board’s role in strategy definition, disruptive innovation, board performance, organizational culture and long-term value. Most recently, she served as the EY Americas Consulting Corporate Governance Leader. She previously led the EY Americas Strategy and Customer consulting practices and is one of the founders of the EY Purpose-Led Transformation organization.
Starting at EY in 1984, Klemash has served in a number of leadership roles during his career, including most recently as EY Americas Center for Board Matters Leader since 2017, following his role as Managing Partner — Accounts for the Central Region of Ernst & Young LLP. He has been named to the National Association of Corporate Directors’ list of the 100 most influential leaders in corporate governance for 2018-2021.
“Steve has helped elevate EY in the boardroom and with C-suite executives across the Americas over the course of his esteemed 37-year career with EY,” said Grier. “We are so appreciative of his leadership and commitment to EY, which will be a part of his ongoing legacy at the firm following his retirement.”
EY Center for Board Matters Launches Audit Committee Forum
The formation of the Audit Committee Forum is part of the organization’s commitment to support audit committees as they continue to create sustainable value; build resilience in a rapidly changing business environment; and traverse increasing responsibilities and commitments to diversity, equity and inclusion and ESG matters. Leveraging technology, data and analytics, the Audit Committee Forum will offer timely insights, best practices and bespoke education on corporate governance hot topics, tailored onboarding for new directors, convening and networking opportunities and an expanded library of audit committee thought leadership.
The Audit Committee Forum is led by Patrick Niemann, senior audit partner at Ernst & Young LLP, with more than 30 years of experience. Niemann has served clients of all sizes in various industries, working closely with audit committees and boards. Most recently, he was the long-time Office Managing Partner of the Greater Los Angeles practice of Ernst & Young LLP, where he led a team of more than 2,000 professionals.
