William B. Thomas was elected chairman of KPMG International. He will lead the KPMG global network of professional services firms for a four-year term, effective October 1, 2017, succeeding John B Veihmeyer, who is completing his term and retiring.

Thomas, who was elected to his new role by KPMG International’s Global Council, has served as chairman of KPMG’s Americas region since 2014 and has been a member of the global board since 2009.

Thomas was CEO and senior partner of KPMG in Canada from 2009 to 2016, leading the firm in achieving strong growth in the market, and making strategic investments that contributed to expanding the firm’s capabilities. In his 28 years with KPMG,Thomas has also held a number of leadership roles in the Canadian firm and within KPMG International, and has served as an audit partner for prominent clients in a variety of industries.

Veihmeyer said, “I am extremely proud to announce that Bill Thomas has been elected to succeed me as chairman of KPMG International. Bill brings an exceptional range of skills and experience that will benefit KPMG and the clients our professionals serve. As leader of KPMG’s Americas region and the Canadian firm, Bill has an outstanding leadership record of quality growth, innovation and collaboration. But what distinguishes Bill most are his qualities of integrity, sincerity, passion and personal commitment.”

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms providing audit, tax and advisory services operating in 152 countries with 189,000 people working in member firms around the world.