KPMG LLP, one of the largest professional services firms in the world, has announced the appointment of Timothy J. Walsh as Chair and Chief Executive Officer, and Atif Zaim as Deputy Chair, effective July 1, 2025. This leadership transition marks a strategic move to steer the firm through a rapidly evolving business landscape, with an increasing focus on technological innovation and digital transformation. Walsh and Zaim’s appointment comes at a pivotal moment as KPMG seeks to strengthen its position in the marketplace and enhance its capabilities in key areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), digital consulting, and talent development.
Timothy Walsh’s Leadership Experience
Timothy Walsh, who previously served as the national managing partner of audit operations at KPMG U.S., brings a wealth of experience in audit, advisory, and corporate governance. His tenure at KPMG has been marked by a commitment to operational excellence and a focus on delivering value to clients. Walsh’s leadership in expanding KPMG’s audit practice has been instrumental in positioning the firm as a trusted advisor to some of the world’s largest corporations.
In his new role as Chair and CEO, Walsh is expected to drive KPMG’s vision of becoming a global leader in the digital transformation space. He is a strong advocate for the integration of advanced technologies like AI into the firm’s services, and he has a clear focus on leveraging these technologies to help clients navigate complex challenges in an increasingly digital world.
Atif Zaim’s Vision for the Future
Atif Zaim, KPMG’s newly appointed Deputy Chair, has a long history of leadership within the firm. As a partner in KPMG’s advisory practice, Zaim played a critical role in helping clients achieve growth and innovation through the application of cutting-edge technologies. His extensive experience in technology consulting, combined with his deep understanding of the evolving business landscape, makes him well-suited to help guide KPMG through the next phase of its transformation.
Zaim’s leadership will be instrumental in furthering KPMG’s strategic goals, particularly in the areas of AI and digital innovation. Under his guidance, KPMG is positioning itself to meet the increasing demand for AI-enabled solutions that help clients improve efficiency, reduce costs, and drive sustainable growth.
KPMG’s Focus on AI and Digital Transformation
As businesses increasingly turn to AI and other digital technologies to stay competitive, KPMG is committed to enhancing its capabilities in these areas. Under Walsh and Zaim’s leadership, the firm has formed a new management committee that will oversee AI & Digital Innovation, Advisory, Audit, Tax, Clients & Markets, and Talent & Culture. This structure reflects KPMG’s holistic approach to digital transformation, ensuring that the firm is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs of its clients.
The firm’s focus on AI is particularly noteworthy. KPMG has already made significant strides in integrating AI into its services, offering clients AI-powered solutions for tasks ranging from risk management to fraud detection. Additionally, KPMG has been a pioneer in the development of AI-driven audit tools, which enable the firm to conduct more efficient and accurate audits.
Leadership’s Emphasis on Talent Development
In addition to technology, KPMG’s leadership team is placing a strong emphasis on talent development. With the rapid pace of technological change, businesses must ensure that their employees have the skills necessary to thrive in a digital-first environment. KPMG is investing heavily in its people, offering programs to help employees develop the skills needed for the future of work. This includes training in areas like AI, data analytics, and digital consulting.
Walsh and Zaim’s commitment to talent development is a key factor in KPMG’s ongoing success. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, the firm is positioning itself as an employer of choice for top talent in the tech industry. This focus on talent will ensure that KPMG remains agile and able to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the marketplace.
Conclusion: Navigating the Future of Professional Services
As KPMG ushers in a new era of leadership, the firm’s focus on innovation, technology, and talent development will be central to its continued success. Under the guidance of Timothy Walsh and Atif Zaim, KPMG is poised to lead the professional services industry in the digital age. With a strong emphasis on AI and digital transformation, KPMG is not only adapting to the evolving needs of its clients but also positioning itself as a global leader in the next wave of business innovation.