KPMG UK unveils executive committee reshuffle

KPMG UK has announced a raft of new executive committee appointments, effective 1 October, which will reportedly support its strategy and growth under Jon Holt’s leadership.  

COO Tim Jones will retire in the new year after 32 years at the firm. KPMG said he has been “instrumental” in its transformation over the last three years and played a critical role in helping it navigate the pandemic. Jones will step down as COO at the end of September.

Meanwhile, Chris Hearld, the firm’s CFO, has been appointed to a newly created role of chief operating and financial officer.  

Dan Thomas has been appointed as head of Markets. This brand-new role will see him lead the firm’s client engagement activity across all sectors, helping them with their growth and transformation strategies. Thomas is currently the firm’s head of Corporates and advises the boards of KPMG‘s major clients on their strategic objectives. 

Suzanne Shenton will take on responsibility for the UK firm’s enterprise-wide transformation, in addition to her role as head of KPMG Business Services, while Lisa Heneghan has been promoted to a senior role at KPMG International and completes her term on the UK executive committee at the end of September. 

In her role as chief digital officer, Heneghan has led the successful transformation of the UK firm’s digital capability and oversaw the launch of the firm’s 28,000 sq ft Ignition centre, a new technology and innovation hub located in the firm’s headquarters in Canary Wharf.  

Finally, Kevin Hogarth, chief people officer, will be leaving the firm at the end of September. After a long executive career, Hogarth intends to focus on developing a portfolio career over the next few years. His permanent successor will be announced in due course.  

Jon Holt, CEO of KPMG UK, said: “Since coming into role, my priority has been to put our firm on a stronger and more sustainable footing for the future. We’ve already taken important steps on our transformation journey; including announcing a £300m investment in growth priorities over the next three years and bolstering our core multi-disciplinary services for our clients.

“I would like to congratulate Chris, Suzanne and Dan on their new roles within the Executive team and look forward to working with them to deliver our strategy and priorities for the future and growing our business while ensuring we continue to build trust with our clients and the wider public. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank Tim, Lisa and Kevin for their service to the firm and wish them the best for the future.” 

The new executive committee will consist of 11 partners from across the firm and comprise 45% women and 20% from a lower socio-economic background.