KPMG elected Tim Walsh as its next U.S. chair and CEO, and Atif Zaim as its next U.S. deputy chair.
Walsh will succeed Paul Knopp, and Zaim will succeed Laura Newinski, for five-year terms that begin on July 1. Knopp and Newinski's five-year terms end June 30.
"Tim Walsh and Atif Zaim's vision, integrity, strategic acumen and dedication to our clients will propel us forward as we compete and win in the market," Knopp said in a
Walsh has spent over 33 years at KPMG and is currently national managing partner of U.S. audit operations. He previously served as New York metro audit partner-in-charge, industry sector leader for the consumer products and retail businesses in the New York metro area, and lead partner-in-charge of the venture capital practice in New York. Walsh was also a reviewing partner for the firm's matters relating to the Securities and Exchange Commission.
"Our driving priority is ensuring that we're ready for that future — more agile, more strategic and more accountable than ever before," Walsh said in a statement to employees today. "This is our moment — to be the best at what we do, to offer the most exciting opportunities and most meaningful client work, and to invest in our collective growth."
"We will prioritize ensuring access to opportunity, offering enriching and career-defining experiences and lifelong learning, supporting your individual career journey, and fostering authentic connections and friendships," he added.
Zaim is currently KPMG's U.S. consulting leader and former national managing principal of the advisory practice. Previously, he was the national managing principal of the advisory practice and led the U.S. customer and operations service line for the firm's consulting practice. He joined KPMG in 1994 in London, moved to New York in 1998 and became a partner in 2003.
"We will be bold and agile in this moment of change," Zaim said in a statement. "KPMG will continue to offer clients access to the best people and services, and the new and necessary solutions to accelerate transformation. Tim and I are dedicated to engaging the C-suite to remain at the forefront of innovation, while continuing to foster a high-performance culture that supports all our people."
"This is the right team for this incredible moment for the firm," Newinski said in a statement. "Tim and Atif's commitment to culture and people, combined with their understanding of the market, has shaped a powerful vision for our firm that's truly exciting."
