KPMG UK confirms that Bill Michael, its chair and senior partner, has resigned and will leave the firm at the end of this month
The announcement follows the fallout from an online meeting with the consulting team earlier this week where Michael told staff to stop ‘moaning’ about lockdown working conditions.
Michael said: ‘I love the firm and I am truly sorry that my words have caused hurt amongst my colleagues and for the impact the events of this week have had on them.
‘In light of that, I regard my position as untenable and so I have decided to leave the firm. It has been a privilege to have acted as chair of KPMG. I feel hugely proud of all our people and the things they have achieved, particularly during these very challenging times.’
In line with the firm’s governance protocols, Bina Mehta, as senior elected board member, has stepped in as acting chair of the board and Mary O’Connor, head of clients and markets has assumed Bill’s day-to-day executive responsibilities as acting senior partner.
Bina Mehta, acting chair of the board of KPMG UK said: ‘Bill has made a huge contribution to our firm over the last thirty years, especially over the last three years as chairman, and we wish him all the best for the future.’
The firm will undertake a leadership election in due course.