MUMBAI: The Chairman of KPMG Australia, Peter Nash, today announced the board of KPMG Australia will appoint Gary Wingrove as its new CEO effective 1 July 2013.

Following the successful completion of two terms as CEO, Geoff has advised the board of his decision to step down at the end of June 2013 to take up a new regional role effective 1 October. Geoff will take up the position of KPMG’s Asia Pacific Regional chief operating officer – a significant role in the region. His extensive experience will continue to play an important part in the evolution of KPMG in the Asia-Pacific.

Nash said, "Geoff has provided outstanding leadership since being appointed in early 2008 and has led the firm through a challenging economic climate, ensuring that KPMG implemented the strategic direction and robust operational platform necessary to deliver our strong performance in a difficult environment. His skill and knowledge will now play an important part in guiding KPMG’s strategic direction in one of the key regions of the world. We are looking forward to a smooth, effective transition that allows our incoming CEO to be in place at the start of the new financial year – one in which we anticipate positive change in the global financial environment."

Introducing the new CEO appointment, Nash said Gary Wingrove was currently the national managing partner of KPMG’s Advisory practice in Australia and a member of KPMG's national executive committee. He is also deputy leader of KPMG’s advisory practice in Asia-Pacific.

Nash added, "Gary Wingrove has a strong grasp of the key challenges and opportunities facing our clients, excellent people skills, and a strategic vision for the future of professional services firms. The role of professional services firms within a global business environment has never been more critical. KPMG’s audit, tax and advisory services bring capability, objectivity, and integrity – key factors for delivering confidence in the financial markets."

He said Gary's role as the National Managing Partner of Advisory had given him overall responsibility for three of the firm’s major businesses: Transactions & Restructuring, Management Consulting, and Risk Consulting.

"He will bring a range of highly relevant skills to the CEO position and a clear vision and action plan to support the next phase of growth for KPMG in Australia – and the region," said Peter Nash.

Wingrove has overseen the successful expansion of KPMG Australia’s Advisory practice. "The KPMG Advisory business is the largest of its kind in Australia and under Gary’s stewardship it has been the fastest growing part of the firm delivering strong growth over the last four years," he said.

Wingrove said he was proud to have been appointed CEO of KPMG Australia and was looking forward to the challenges and opportunities of the new role. "One of my first priorities will be to spend time with the firm's major clients and with our people, as well as with our broader group of stakeholders including regulators, and important community groups. The firm has a clear strategy centred on the needs of our clients, people and other stakeholders and I will be focused on driving implementation of that strategy,” he said.

Wingrove acknowledged the significant contribution Geoff Wilson had made to the firm. He added, “Geoff has provided KPMG with a client-focused strategy and a strong operational platform. I’m looking forward to working closely with him to ensure we continue to drive execution of our strategy with a smooth leadership transition.”

In announcing the leadership change today, Nash said that succession management was one of the most important responsibilities for any Board and something actively managed by the firm. "We have enjoyed the benefit of Geoff's leadership since his appointment as CEO. Geoff has laid a strong foundation for our future growth of which he can be very proud," Nash added.

Wilson said he felt his significant achievements included the development and implementation of a highly client focused strategy that had seen KPMG broaden its service offering and the breadth of its client portfolio. This had resulted in a market leadership position for the firm and a financially robust operating platform.

"With the firm well positioned in Australia, I am now excited about the opportunities to contribute to our growth in one of the fastest growing regions in the world," he said. "Having worked closely with Gary for many years I have no doubt he is the right person to guide future growth for KPMG."

In conclusion, Nash said he was looking forward to working with the firm’s new CEO and strengthening KPMG Australia’s leadership positioning in what both he and Wingrove see as an exciting new era of opportunity in the professional services sector.