KPMG names global COO Gary Wingrove as next chairman and CEO

KPMG has appointed Gary Wingrove as its next Global Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, marking a leadership transition at one of the world’s largest professional services networks.

The firm said on Wednesday that Wingrove, currently Global Chief Operating Officer, will assume the role on 1 October 2026 for a four-year term. He was nominated by the Global Board and elected by KPMG’s Global Council.

He will succeed Bill Thomas, who has led the organisation since 2017.

Internal successor with operational track record

Wingrove’s appointment signals a continuity-led transition, with the firm opting for an internal candidate closely involved in shaping its current strategy.

As global COO and a member of the Global Management Team, Wingrove has played a central role in executing KPMG’s “Collective Strategy”, overseeing efforts to align member firms, expand alliances and scale delivery capabilities.

The firm said he has also been closely involved in driving digital transformation and the adoption of AI-enabled solutions across its global network.

Prior to his global role, Wingrove served as CEO of KPMG Australia between 2013 and 2021, where the firm said he led a period of growth in revenue, profitability and headcount.

Leadership change after growth phase

Wingrove takes over at a time when KPMG has reported sustained expansion under Thomas’s leadership.

According to the firm, global revenues have increased by 55% since 2017 on a constant-currency basis, while its workforce has grown to more than 276,000 people across over 140 countries and territories.

Thomas also oversaw a multi-billion-dollar investment programme and expanded partnerships with technology firms including Microsoft, Google Cloud, SAP, Oracle and ServiceNow.

In a statement, Thomas said Wingrove’s appointment reflects his long-standing leadership within the organisation and his role in shaping its current trajectory.

Focus on technology and global alignment

Wingrove indicated that technology, particularly AI, will remain central to KPMG’s strategy, alongside efforts to strengthen collaboration across its global network.

He said the firm would continue to focus on helping clients navigate complexity and risk, while scaling digital capabilities and maintaining a people-led culture.

The emphasis reflects broader trends across the professional services sector, where firms are investing heavily in AI, automation and advisory capabilities to respond to evolving client demands.

Competition among the Big Four

The leadership change comes amid intensifying competition among the Big Four accounting and consulting firms — Deloitte, PwC, EY and KPMG — particularly in advisory and technology-driven services.

The Wall Street Journal has previously reported that global accounting firms are under pressure to diversify revenue streams and expand consulting capabilities, even as they navigate regulatory scrutiny and structural debates around audit independence.

In this context, leadership continuity and execution capability are seen as critical.

Looking ahead

Wingrove’s tenure is expected to focus on scaling KPMG’s global strategy, deepening technology integration and maintaining growth momentum.

The transition also underscores a broader shift within the sector, where operational leadership and digital capability are increasingly central to top roles.

As KPMG enters its next phase, the challenge for its new chief will be to sustain growth while navigating a rapidly changing professional services landscape.

Appointments