KPMG’s Strategic C-Suite Moves Set Stage for AI-Driven Advisory Leadership

CEO Insider C-Suite Shakeup: KPMG’s New Appointments Signal Aggressive Global Advisory & AI Strategy

In a time marked by ongoing technological shifts and economic uncertainty, professional services firms face a clear choice: adapt or fall behind. KPMG International, a leader in audit, tax, and advisory services, has made decisive moves to stay ahead. The firm appointed Rob Fisher and Steve Chase to key leadership roles, signaling a strong focus on expanding its global advisory business and accelerating its artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives.

These appointments reflect more than a change in leadership—they represent KPMG’s strategy to place AI at the heart of its services and operations. For executives and investors, this is a clear message: advisory services will increasingly depend on data-driven insights and AI-powered solutions.

Rob Fisher: Leading KPMG’s Global Advisory

Rob Fisher steps in as KPMG’s Global Head of Advisory, overseeing a network of over 100,000 professionals. His mission is straightforward: deliver impactful client solutions, foster innovation, and uphold high standards worldwide.

Fisher brings 30 years of experience and a strong background in technology-driven business transformation. Previously Vice Chair of Advisory at KPMG US, he played a central role in growing the firm’s risk and regulatory practices, helping clients tackle complex regulatory environments. His expertise sets the stage for integrating technology deeply into KPMG’s advisory services.

Fisher succeeds Carl Carande, who retires after 25 years with KPMG. Carande expanded consulting and deal advisory services and built a strategic alliance ecosystem. Fisher’s challenge is to build on this foundation by embedding technology and innovation throughout the advisory business.

Steve Chase: Driving AI and Digital Innovation

Steve Chase takes on the expanded role of Global Head of AI and Digital Innovation, reflecting KPMG’s commitment to leading with AI. Chase’s task is to scale AI-powered solutions for clients and accelerate internal transformation.

With over 20 years in consulting and leadership, Chase’s focus has been on technology and business transformation. As Vice Chair of AI and Digital Innovation at KPMG US, he led enterprise-wide AI integration and expanded partnerships with tech giants like Google and Microsoft. These partnerships support KPMG’s AI platforms and infrastructure.

Chase follows David Rowlands, KPMG’s first Global Head of AI, who laid the groundwork for AI integration. Chase’s expanded role marks a shift from foundational implementation to scaling AI for tangible business outcomes.

The Intersection of Strategy and Technology

The appointments of Fisher and Chase underline KPMG’s approach: combining deep industry expertise with advanced technology. The firm’s investments in platforms like KPMG Workbench enable “agentic capabilities” across client delivery systems such as KPMG Digital Gateway (Tax), KPMG Clara (Audit), and KPMG Velocity (Advisory).

This approach goes beyond speeding up existing processes. It reshapes how work is done, empowering professionals to deliver faster, smarter, and scalable solutions. For executives and investors, KPMG positions itself as both a trusted advisor and a technology-forward partner capable of delivering exceptional value.

Executive Takeaways

• The appointments of Rob Fisher and Steve Chase are more than routine leadership changes—they signal a strategic pivot for KPMG.
• KPMG’s future success depends on integrating human expertise with AI, moving from advising on digital transformation to actively transforming itself.
• Investment in internal AI platforms like KPMG Workbench reflects a commitment to generating value through technology.
• The dual leadership—one focused on advisory business, the other on AI innovation—offers a model for executives aiming to stay competitive in a shifting market.

KPMG’s leadership changes make it clear: the coming years will belong to firms that align expertise with AI-driven innovation. For CEOs, CFOs, and investors, this is a call to recognize and adapt to this evolving landscape.