KPMG Canada has appointed Andrew Forde as its first AI Research head, a new position that the company describes as a first within Canada’s professional services sector.
Forde is a partner in KPMG Canada’s Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation practice, where he focuses on using AI to address complex organisational issues.
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In his new capacity, he will be responsible for drawing on current advances in Canadian AI research to address practical business problems and enhance collaboration across industry, academia and the public sector.
The role also includes developing ties with Canadian universities and AI laboratories. He will also serve as KPMG’s primary representative in discussions on AI research and commercialisation in both public and private settings.
KPMG Canada Digital and Transformation Canadian managing partner Stephanie Terrill said: “Our clients are looking for AI solutions that are grounded in evidence, not hype.
“With this dedicated AI research leadership role, we are bringing scientific rigour directly into how we solve complex business problems and turning evidence‑based research into useful, made-in-Canada solutions that help our clients unlock greater value while strengthening our country’s competitiveness in the process.”
Forde began his professional career as a scientist conducting research for Nasa and has since worked in academic, public sector and private sector roles.
Commenting on his appointment, Forde said: “Canada helped pioneer modern AI research, but we have struggled to turn that leadership into globally competitive companies and products.
“We want to connect world-class Canadian research with the problems our clients are trying to solve.
“This role is all about taking ideas out of the lab and turning them into the frameworks, tools and approaches that organisations can actually use.”
In May last year, KPMG Canada acquired the assets and technologies of LlamaZOO Interactive, bolstering its digital twin offerings.
