KPMG International has appointed 49-year-old William (Bill) Thomas as chairman. Thomas will head up the KPMG global network of professional services firms for a four-year term, effective 1 October 2017. He takes over from outgoing chairman, John Veihmeyer.
Thomas said:
"It is a great honour to be elected Chairman of KPMG International. John Veihmeyer has been an exceptional leader and role model, who has strengthened KPMG immensely with his commitment to quality and integrity, and his focus on the culture of our global organisation. I intend to build on the foundation John has put in place, and help KPMG's 190,000 professionals around the world to fulfill their potential and bring their best in meeting the rapidly expanding needs of clients. I'm convinced the next few years will be among the most dynamic our profession has ever seen, and I'm excited about the opportunities that lie ahead of KPMG."
Thomas, who was elected to his new role by KPMG International's Global Council, has served as Chairman of KPMG's Americas region since 2014 and has been a member of the Global Board since 2009. He was CEO and Senior Partner of KPMG in Canada from 2009 to 2016, leading the firm in achieving strong growth in the market, and making strategic investments that contributed to expanding the firm's capabilities. In his 28 years with KPMG, he 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.