KPMG International has named Michael J. Andrew, who has been leading the firm in Australia and the Asia Pacific region, as its new global chairman.
He will succeed Timothy P. Flynn as global chairman in October. Flynn announced in January that he would retire at the end of September when his term expires after 32 years at KPMG.
Andrew will be based in Hong Kong and is currently chairman of KPMG Asia Pacific and KPMG Australia. He was elected to his new role unanimously by KPMG International’s Global Board and Council. In his 27 years with KPMG, Andrew has had broad experience in emerging markets, both in Eastern Europe and Asia Pacific, and has been a key driver of the Australian firm’s robust growth. In recent times, he has been one of the architects of KPMG’s global strategy.
“It is a great honor to be elected chairman of KPMG International,” Andrew said in a statement. “Tim Flynn has provided superb leadership these past four years and I look forward to building on his record of achievement. Under Tim’s leadership, KPMG launched an ambitious growth strategy in 2010, and with our strategic blueprint firmly in place it’s now about execution and winning in our key markets. I am passionate about KPMG and its capability for growth. Our key strength is the strong collaborative relationships KPMG member firms have with their clients. My primary focus will be developing and empowering our people so they can execute on our strategy and help KPMG’s clients succeed in this increasingly complex world.”
Flynn was named chairman and CEO of KPMG’s U.S. firm, KPMG LLP, in 2005, and was named global chairman in 2007 for a four-year term. John Veihmeyer succeeded Flynn as chairman and CEO of the U.S. firm in 2010.
“I take great pride in announcing that Michael Andrew has been elected to succeed me as chairman of KPMG International,” Flynn said in a statement. “Michael is an outstanding professional who brings an exceptional breadth of experience to the position, not only through his leadership role in Australia but with his expanding influence throughout the Asia Pacific region. As the first chairman of KPMG International from ASPAC, he reflects the increased importance of that region in the global economy. Without question, Michael will bring the knowledge and perspective that will continue to increase the ability of the KPMG network to meet the needs of clients around the world.”
