KPMG International names Bill Thomas global chairman

KPMG International has chosen Bill Thomas to lead the professional services company for the next four years, starting Oct 1.

He succeeds John Veihmeyer, who saw out his term and is retiring from KPMG.

Mr Thomas was previously chairman of KPMG's Americas region for three years. He was also CEO and senior partner at KPMG Canada from 2009 to 2016, during which time he was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal for significant contribution to Canada.

In a statement, Mr Thomas said he wanted to keep innovating and continue the work of his predecessor.

"I believe the transformation that will take place in business and our profession over the next five years will eclipse what we've experienced in the past 50 years," he said.