Gary Wingrove takes helm of KPMG, faces AI, integration and audit scandal challenges
Gary Wingrove became KPMG's global chairman and CEO on October 1, inheriting a 276,000-person network and a range of strategic and reputational issues.
On October 1, Gary Wingrove succeeded Bill Thomas as global chairman and CEO of KPMG, a Big Four firm with more than 276,000 employees across independently run member firms. Wingrove’s background includes heading KPMG Australia from 2013 to 2021 and serving as the network’s chief operating officer, positioning him to tackle both global integration and rapid AI adoption. The firm sees AI as a major growth engine but also a threat to traditional junior-level consulting work, prompting a need to redesign talent development and service models.
KPMG’s U.S. arm has launched a Client Technology & Innovation group to deliver AI-native solutions, while overall revenue grew 5.1% to $39.8 billion in 2025, driven mainly by audit and tax. Wingrove also faces the fallout from a 2026 Australian audit-confidentiality scandal that sparked resignations, regulatory scrutiny and a modest staff reduction, underscoring the importance of governance and brand reputation.
Why it matters
KPMG’s new leader must steer a global firm through AI disruption, market pressure and a recent scandal that could affect client trust.
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