KPMG promotes Bridget Beals to partner

KPMG has announced it has promoted Bridget Beals to partner in a bid to “strengthen and grow” its climate risk and decarbonisation expertise. In her new role, Beals, who currently co-heads the climate risk and decarbonisation strategy team with fellow partner Simon Weaver, will help to drive the firm’s 2021 growth strategy in the “climate resilience space”. Commenting on her promotion, Beals said that her partnership at KPMG “comes at an incredible time”, adding that the team has “never been busier”. She said: “With COP26 back on the cards for 2021 and an increasing political and public focus on climate, businesses are starting to understand that this goes way beyond a simple sustainability consideration. “Climate change creates profound risk and opportunities for businesses and it needs to be high on board room agendas. Recognising the threat and understanding the impact on your business is the first step, but it must be followed by a clear strategy, backed up with analysis and strong scenario planning.” She added: “Understandably, for many businesses in industries that haven’t thought about climate risk until now, the prospect of taking on such a profound project can be daunting. To meet the regulations, it’s essential that CEOs seek out expert advice and support and take a proactive approach today.”