KPMG announced this afternoon that Paul Knopp will become the new U.S. chairman and CEO and Laura Newinski the new deputy chair of the firm on July 1. Both will serve five-year terms. KPMG partners gave their blessing to the promotions in a vote completed yesterday.
Knopp and Newinski seem pretty happy with the outcome of that vote:
“I am honored by this opportunity to serve KPMG at this pivotal time in our firm’s history. We have a tremendous opportunity to bring value to our various stakeholders through our one-firm approach during these transformative times,” said Knopp. “I am privileged to work alongside Laura as we work together to write this next chapter for the firm, inspiring confidence in our people, clients, the capital markets, and the communities we serve.”
“The best part about working at KPMG is our remarkable people,” said Newinski. “Our people serve our clients with excellence, support one another and their communities, and find solutions that have impact. I look forward to working alongside our partners and teams to drive continued growth for our firm.”
Knopp is an audit guy who wasn’t on our radar when we guessed possible candidates to replace Lynne Doughtie, but he probably should have been:
Knopp has been with the firm for 36 years and has extensive experience serving large multinational clients and leading several of the firm’s most complex global audit engagements across a variety of industries.
Knopp joined KPMG in 1983. Over the course of his career, he has focused on serving leading global companies in the manufacturing, life sciences, transportation, professional services, and technology industries. He has served on KPMG’s Board of Directors, including serving as lead director. Knopp holds B.B.A. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Texas in Austin; is a licensed CPA in New York, Missouri, and Texas; and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
Knopp says on his LinkedIn profile that since 2000 he has served as engagement quality control review partner for KPMG audits of numerous Fortune 500 companies. According to the PCAOB’s Auditor Search database, Knopp was the lead engagement partner of KPMG’s audits of Emerson Electric Co. and Pfizer Inc.
Newinski, who is currently vice chair of operations and has held a variety of leadership roles in KPMG’s tax practice, will succeed P. Scott Ozanus, who is retiring this summer.
A KPMGer since 1988, Newinski is responsible for technology and financial matters for the firm and oversees its operations. She also serves as COO for KPMG’s Americas region. Prior to her current role, Newinski served as the national managing partner of tax and has also held other regional leadership roles for the tax practice.
Congrats to Paul and Laura. I’m sure they’ll be spending lots of time at Kamp KPMG, loading up on Hot Pockets and Mountain Dew. OK, Klynveldians, how do you feel about Knopp as your new leader? Share your thoughts with us.
