Ignatius Sehoole has taken up his role as Chief Executive Officer of KPMG South Africa. He is an experienced leader in the accounting profession, having served a successful two-term role from 2000-2009 as the Executive President of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA). A CA (SA), he has worked in leadership positions in the auditing, cellular, food services, and insurance sectors.
KPMG SA Chairman Wiseman Nkuhlu said: “Ignatius will play a critical role in taking forward the renewal of KPMG following the far-reaching changes we have made over the past 18 months to enhance the quality of our work and address the challenges of the past.
“We have already started to see recognition for the remedial efforts we have made, with our re-admittance to Business Leadership South Africa and SAVCA, re-appointment by many clients and securing new clients. But we know we have a way to go to rebuild trust in KPMG both internally and externally, and this will be a key focus area for Ignatius.”
Sehoole said: “This is such an important time for the firm, and the broader industry. The changes we have made were difficult but necessary, and I have been impressed with the amount of work that has been done.
“The renewal journey has certainly begun but it is far from over. I am privileged to lead a firm of excellent people and have the support of many clients. My main task is to work with all my colleagues, clients and key stakeholders to help take us to the next stage of restoring trust and returning the firm to growth.”
Sehoole’s appointment had originally been announced in November 2018 and, according to local press reports, he had been due to start on 1 May. He replaces Ms Nhlamulo Dlomu, as CEO who was moved over to a new global role focusing on organisational culture change and ethical leadership in October 2018. At the time, KPMG South Africa issued a statement saying: “Given the scale of the reputational challenges facing both KPMG and the industry, the Board has decided that a new chief executive from outside the firm, with strong industry experience, will optimise prospects of rebuilding trust.”
