KPMG UK has kicked off the race to succeed Bill Michael as chief executive after he resigned over a backlash to him describing unconscious bias as “complete crap” in an online meeting early February.
The Big Four firm said it would split the role of chair and chief executive and hold an election for the latter post beginning this month and concluding in April.
The new chief executive will serve until the end of September 2025.
READ Video of rant by KPMG chair Bill Michael: ‘Unconscious bias is complete crap’
Interim chair Bina Mehta will continue in the role for the next 12 months and oversee the election.
Mary O’Connor, head of clients and markets, will remain interim chief executive during the election process.
Mehta said: “The board has acted to ensure we continue to provide clear, long-term leadership for the firm as we deliver the next stage of our growth strategy and support our clients as the country emerges from the pandemic.
“During the appointment process, Mary will continue to lead the firm on an interim basis. She is doing a tremendous job leading the firm during what has been a challenging period.”
READ Bill Michael’s harrowing exit rocked KPMG — here’s what happens next
KPMG confirmed on 12 February that Michael had resigned and would leave the firm at the end of the month.
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