KPMG Leader appointed as Development Commissioner in Southern Iraq

Michael Wareing, Chief Executive of KPMG International, has been appointed as Commissioner within the new Basra Development Commission. The BDC will be a high-level, over-arching body which will bring national, regional and international business knowledge together to advise on investment and growth for the province. Its strategy is to develop a plan for economic development involving both the public and private sectors, and regional and international stakeholders.

Michael Wareing said:

“I am delighted to accept this new position heading-up international input to the Basra Development Commission. There are enormous opportunities for business and enterprise, and as Commissioner I am excited by the prospect of helping to achieve economic growth which will benefit not only the people of Basra and Southern Iraq, but also the entire region.”

The Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, Barham Saleh, said:

“The Basra Development Commission will bring together business leaders from across Basra, Iraq and the international community to help stimulate growth in Basra. I am happy that Michael Wareing will take up his role as one of the international advisers on the Commission and help Basra reach its full potential as Iraq’s economic gateway.”

Douglas Alexander MP, U.K. Secretary of State for International Development, said:

“With the provisional development strategy now in place, the foundations have been laid for even greater economic progress in Basra, using regional, national and international expertise. I welcome the news that Michael Wareing has agreed to join the Commission to help expand the economic opportunities that exist in Basra and to provide support as it enters a new phased of its development.”
Mike Wareing is Chief Executive Officer of KPMG International. Mike was previously Chief Executive of KPMG’s Europe, Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, a position he held since 2002.

Mike joined KPMG in 1973 and was articled as an accountant in Birmingham. He rose to Deputy Senior Partner in Birmingham, and has also held a number of senior national positions for the UK firm. He has been the lead partner for a number of KPMG’s major clients.

Mike has been closely involved in work for a number of U.K. charities and public bodies. He is currently a Board member of Business Action on Homelessness and joint Chairman of Project Compass which aims to help homeless ex-Armed Services personnel return to full time work. He has recently been appointed as Chairman of the Global Partner Network, which is lead by Business in the Community and which seeks to bring together NGOs charities and companies in the Corporate Social Responsibility area globally.