KPMG New Zealand appoints new Executive Chairman and new CEO

Media Release

30 June 2011

KPMG New Zealand appoints new Executive Chairman and new CEO

KPMG New Zealand has appointed Ross Buckley as Executive Chairman and Paul Herrod as Chief Executive of the firm. They will succeed Jan Dawson, who indicated her intention earlier this year to leave KPMG in 2011 after more than 30 years with the company and six years as Executive Chairman and CEO.

“Succession planning is an integral part of our business and now is the right time to hand the baton to new leaders who will continue to build on the success of our business and our vision going forward,” said Jan Dawson.

Dawson will remain with KPMG in an advisory role until late 2011. She is also on the boards of Air New Zealand and Counties Manukau District Health Board (CMDHB).

Speaking about the new appointments, Jan Dawson said:

“I’ve worked with Paul and Ross for a number of years and have the utmost confidence in their leadership skills. They are outstanding professionals who bring a breadth of experience and energy to the roles. They have been integral to the development and execution of KPMG’s growth strategy and their appointment will ensure the momentum of this important focus for the firm.

Our appointment of 13 new partners over the last 12 months reflects our commitment to building the capabilities to advise our clients and to provide leadership to business in New Zealand. The growth in our business and the desire to continue to provide client-facing contact with our leaders led to the decision to create the two leadership roles.

In addition to their new roles, Ross and Paul will continue with their existing roles advising a number of our key clients.”

Ross commenced his career in Audit with KPMG in 1983 in Wellington and during this time he spent five years with KPMG in the Netherlands and Canadian firms. He is currently the National Managing Partner - Tax, having previously led the firm’s Audit service line and the HR team.

Paul joined KPMG in London in 1981 as an audit graduate and has been with KPMG in Auckland for 14 years. Paul is currently the National Managing Partner - Audit, National Risk Partner and a member of the KPMG Global Committee for Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Both Ross and Paul have been lead partners on significant New Zealand and multinational companies.

In a joint statement, Ross Buckley and Paul Herrod said:

“We are honoured to be elected to the roles of Executive Chairman and Chief Executive of KPMG New Zealand. Jan Dawson has provided exceptional leadership over the past six years, setting a strong strategic vision for the firm.

We have a solid financial foundation and infrastructure, the best team of professionals working for us and clients who value our advice and relationships. Our appointment as Official Suppliers of Accounting and Tax Advisory Services to the upcoming Rugby World Cup reflects our position in the New Zealand market place.

We are committed to building on that success and we are looking forward to working with Jan over the next six months to ensure a smooth transition of leadership of the firm.”

-Ends-

Ross Buckley – Bio:

Ross has been the National Leader of KPMG’s Tax practice for the past two years. He is the Chairman of KPMG’s Agribusiness Sector and is a member of New Zealand’s National Executive Committee.

Ross joined KPMG in 1983 in the Audit Division and became a Partner in 1994 based in Wellington. During his career, he has worked in KPMG’s Amsterdam, Toronto and International Offices and has been based in Auckland for the last three years.

Ross is very experienced, providing audit and advisory services to New Zealand and multinational companies. His clients range over a number of sectors, including retail and construction, telecommunications, the property and primary sectors, banking and finance, funds management and superannuation activities.

Ross is a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants and a FCPA.

Paul Herrod – Bio:

Paul is currently National Leader of KPMG’s Audit practice. He is also responsible for risk management within the firm and is a member of the New Zealand National Executive Committee. Paul was appointed as the ASPAC representative to the KPMG Global Committee for Professional Indemnity Insurance.

Paul joined the UK firm’s London office in 1981 after obtaining a BA in Physics from Oxford University. He transferred permanently to New Zealand in 1998 following a two year secondment in 1994. Paul is a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and a member of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants. Paul is also a member of the New Zealand Institute’s Practice Review Advisory Group and a Trustee of the TYLA (Turn Your Life Around) Charitable Trust, which works with troubled youths.

About KPMG:

KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. We operate in 144 countries and have 100,000 people working in member firms around the world.

In New Zealand, the firm operates nationally with offices in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Hamilton and Tauranga.

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