KPMG International announced several global and regional leadership appointments on June 17, including Will Williams taking over as the Big Four accounting firm’s global chief operating officer beginning Oct. 1.
Williams succeeds Gary Wingrove, who was appointed as KPMG’s next global chairman and CEO, effective Oct. 1. Wingrove will take over the seat held by Bill Thomas since October 2017.
Williams currently serves as chair of KPMG’s Americas region and previously held the role of COO for the Americas and vice chair of operations for KPMG US. Across these leadership positions, he has played a key role in shaping strategy, strengthening operational excellence, advancing regional integration, aligning investments and supporting the responsible adoption of emerging technologies, including AI, to enhance both client outcomes and firm performance, KPMG says in a media release.
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As global COO, he will work closely with Wingrove and the Global Management Team, with responsibility for driving execution of the firm’s strategy, aligning technology and investment priorities, accelerating transformation initiatives, and overseeing key global capabilities across the KPMG network.
“Will is a highly respected leader with deep operational experience and a strong track record of turning strategy into execution,” Wingrove said in a statement. “His understanding of our clients, our people, and our global network, combined with his focus on performance, innovation, and collaboration, makes him exceptionally well-suited to the global COO role as we continue to transform and strengthen the firm.”
Walsh elected chair, Zaim elected deputy chair for the Americas region
Tim Walsh has been elected chair of KPMG’s Americas region, succeeding Williams, effective July 1. Walsh will continue to serve as chair and CEO of KPMG US, alongside his regional responsibilities.
In addition, Atif Zaim has been elected deputy chair of the Americas region and will join the KPMG Global Board, also effective July 1. Zaim will continue to serve as deputy chair and managing principal for the U.S. firm.
Together, Walsh and Zaim bring deep experience working with complex, multinational clients and a strong track record of leading at scale, KPMG says. They are known for setting clear strategic direction, driving disciplined execution, and fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and accountability. With a shared focus on agility, innovation, quality, and growth, firm officials say they are well-positioned to lead the Americas region and contribute meaningfully to the next chapter of KPMG’s global strategy.
“Tim and Atif are outstanding leaders with complementary strengths and a strong shared focus on clients, people, and performance,” Thomas said in a statement. “I am confident they will continue to build momentum across the Americas region and represent it strongly at the global level.
Becker re-elected chairman of EMA region
KPMG International also announced that Klaus Becker has been re‑elected as chairman of the Europe, Middle East and Africa region for an additional three‑year term, effective Oct. 1.
The re‑election was ratified by the EMA Board, reflecting continued confidence in Becker’s leadership of the firm’s largest and most diverse region, spanning more than 100 countries. During his first term, Klaus played a key role in advancing the firm’s global strategy, known as KPMG’s Collective Strategy, across the region, particularly in areas such as AI‑enabled transformation, cybersecurity, alliances‑driven growth, and cross‑border services.
“Klaus has led the EMA region with impact and purpose, strengthening collaboration and positioning the region to capture emerging opportunities while navigating increasing complexity,” Thomas said. “I am delighted that he will continue in this role and remain a strong contributor to our global leadership.
Thomas has led KPMG through a period of significant transformation and global growth, positioning the firm as the fastest growing of the Big Four global accounting firm networks for the past two years. Under his leadership, global revenues have increased by 55% since 2017 (on a constant‑currency basis), and the firm has grown to more than 276,000 people worldwide.
Thomas is credited with creating and embedding KPMG’s global strategy, aligning member firms behind shared priorities, refreshed governance, and a unified global ambition. He also oversaw the firm’s multibillion-dollar global investment program and deepened KPMG’s alliances with partners, such as Microsoft, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle, and ServiceNow, to deliver AI‑enabled solutions to clients.
Photo caption: Will Williams
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