KPMG to kick-off process to elect its next global chair

KPMG is preparing to launch an election process to appoint its next global chair, with succession plans expected to be announced in the first half of 2026, according to Sky News.

UK chief executive Jon Holt is considered a strong internal candidate to succeed Thomas.

Holt, who took over the UK role in 2021, is understood to have stabilised the firm’s financial performance and governance following a period of regulatory fines and audit failures.

While the firm has not disclosed details of the process, previous appointments have been made by KPMG’s global council, which includes representatives from all member firms.

Past leaders, including former global chair Mike Rake, have held both the role of a chair and their domestic positions concurrently, but it was unclear whether future chairs would continue the same.

In a statement issued to Sky News, a KPMG International spokesperson said: “Bill Thomas’s term as KPMG Global chairman and CEO runs to September 30 2026.

“KPMG has an established process for electing a new global chairman and we expect to announce succession plans in spring 2026.”