John Griffith-Jones named Chairman of KPMG’s EMA region

John Griffith-Jones has been appointed as Chairman of KPMG’s EMA (Europe, Middle East, Africa and India) region.

EMA is the largest of KPMG’s three regions, comprising more than 3,000 partners and 55,000 staff in 105 countries.

John, who will also continue in his role as joint Chairman of KPMG Europe LLP, said:

“I am looking forward to the challenge of ensuring that KPMG continues to expand in a region that includes some of the world’s fastest growing economies.

“At a time when the global business environment is changing so rapidly, part of my role will be to help member firms’ clients benefit from KPMG’s increased international capability and increase their awareness of our services and insights.

“I will also continue to maintain my focus on the UK marketplace - meeting our senior clients, regulators and opinion formers.”

John joined KPMG in 1975, and held senior positions in the Audit and Corporate Finance practices. He was CEO of KPMG in the UK for four years, and was appointed Chairman and Senior Partner of KPMG’s U.K. member firm in 2006.

John takes over from Ben van der Veer, who is also retiring as the Senior Partner of KPMG’s member firm in the Netherlands. He was EMA region Chairman for three years and successfully led EMA through a period of unprecedented growth and change.

KPMG has also appointed Alan Buckle as head of its Global Advisory practice, which accounts for more than 30,000 professional partners and staff in KPMG member firms globally. Advisory works with clients to help them grow their businesses, improve their performance while enhancing governance and risk management.

Alan was previously Chief Executive of KPMG’s Advisory practice in Europe, and led KPMG Consulting in Europe, prior to its separation and sale. His clients have included global corporates and government agencies.

Alan said:

“This is a tremendously exciting time to be asked to lead KPMG’s Advisory business, with fundamental changes occurring to economies and businesses globally. The shift of industrial activity and capital flows further east and south are changing the nature of the market for advisory services - both the demand from our firms’ clients and our own internal delivery models.

“Key themes for the next few years will include unparalleled focus on the fastest growing Eastern markets; the completion of the integration of our mature Western practices; and harnessing the ever increasing power of technology.”

Tim Flynn, Chairman of KPMG International, said:

“In this time of unprecedented change for businesses globally, it is critically important that KPMG continues to advance leaders who have extensive international experience. John Griffith-Jones and Alan Buckle are outstanding professionals who are well suited to lead in this rapidly changing world, and I am proud to welcome them as they join our global executive team.”