KPMG in the U.S. has elected Paul Knopp to serve as its next chair and chief executive officer for a five-year term beginning July 1, 2020.
Knopp has been with the firm for 36 years and has extensive experience serving large multinational clients and leading several of the firm’s most complex global audit engagements across a variety of industries.
Laura Newinski has been elected to serve as the firm’s next deputy chair. She currently serves as vice chair of Operations and has held a variety of leadership roles in the firm’s Tax practice.
Together, Knopp and Newinski are committed to delivering the highest quality and excellence, continuing the firm’s focus on culture and values, fostering an inclusive environment, and driving innovation and growth.
Knopp and Newinski will succeed Lynne Doughtie and P. Scott Ozanus who have served as U.S. chair and chief executive officer and deputy chair, respectively, since 2015. Under Doughtie and Ozanus’ leadership, the firm made significant investments in quality, advanced the firm’s culture and values, and drove many strategic growth initiatives. Doughtie previously announced that she would not seek a second term and both she and Ozanus will retire from the firm later this year.
“Paul’s deep understanding of our business, proven track record serving clients undergoing complex change, and strong leadership skills make him the ideal choice to lead the firm,” said Doughtie. “I have had the pleasure of working closely with Paul for many years, and I can attest to his values-based leadership. He is a thoughtful, confident, and decisive leader who inspires people at all levels. Laura is a proven leader who has a long and successful track record driving operational excellence, transformative change, and growth for the firm.”
“Paul and Laura are excellent leaders who live our values and have the experience and expertise to drive our firm forward, instill trust with stakeholders, and strengthen our culture. They are absolutely the right leaders at the right time for our firm and our future.”
Knopp joined KPMG in 1983. Over the course of his career, he has focused on serving leading global companies in the manufacturing, life sciences, transportation, professional services, and technology industries. He has served on KPMG’s board of directors, including serving as lead director.
Newinski joined KPMG in 1988. As a member of the KPMG U.S. management team, she is responsible for technology and financial matters for the firm and oversees its operations. She also serves as chief operating officer for KPMG’s Americas region. Prior to her current role, Newinski served as the national managing partner of KPMG’s U.S. Tax practice and also held other regional leadership roles for the practice.
