KPMG International has
become the first Big Four network to appoint a global chairman from
the Asia-Pacific region. Michael Andrew, the KPMG Australia
chairman, will succeed Timothy Flynn when steps down at the end of
September.
Andrew has led KPMG in
Australia since 2007 and has led the network’s Asia-Pacific region
since April. He is involved with the corporate governance, strategy
and risk management advice to large Australian companies.
Based in Hong Kong, Andrew said his primary
focus as KPMG International chairman will be “developing and
empowering our people so they can execute on our strategy and help
KPMG’s client’s succeed in this increasingly complex world”.
“Under Tim’s leadership, KPMG launched an
ambitious growth strategy in 2010, and with our strategic blueprint
firmly in place it’s now about execution and winning in our key
markets,” Andrew said. “I am passionate about KPMG and its
capability for growth. Our key strength is the strong collaborative
relationships KPMG member firms have with their clients.”
Flynn said Andrew’s appointment reflects the
growing importance of Asia-Pacific to the global economy.
“Michael is an outstanding professional who
brings an exceptional breadth of experience to the position, not
only through his leadership role in Australia but with his
expanding influence throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” he
said.
A decorated
career
Prior to leading KPMG
Australia, Andrew was the managing partner of KPMG’s Melbourne
office for six years and deputy chair of KPMG Australia from 2001
to 2007.
Between 1992 and 1994,
Andrew was partner in charge of the international tax centre and an
executive of the global tax steering group in Amsterdam. During
that time, he was a member of the East European steering group
responsible for opening offices and establishing tax practices in
Warsaw, Moscow, Budapest and Prague. He also oversaw the
development of the KPMG’s Asia-Pacific tax strategy, and was a
member of the Audit Fee Sharing Taskforce.
Outside of KPMG, Andrew is
heavily involved in business and community. For example, he is a
member of the Business Council of Australia and a council member of
the Australian Business Arts Foundation and two prominent cancer
charities.
Andrew graduated with a
combined law and commerce degree from Melbourne University and is a
qualified barrister and solicitor of the Supreme Court of Victoria.
He is also a fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of
Australia.
Andrew begins his new term
on 1 October when Flynn retires after 32 years at KPMG.
