KPMG US has elected Paul Knopp as chair and CEO. The Big Four accounting and consulting firm also elected Laura Newinski as deputy chair.
Knopp has been with KPMG for 36 years, and begins his five-year term beginning July 1, 2020.
Knopp and Newinski will succeed Lynne Doughtie and P. Scott Ozanus, respectively, who will be retiring later this year after long careers at KPMG. Doughtie, who was the company’s first female CEO, had previously announced that she would not be seeking a second term as CEO.
In his long tenure at KPMG, Knopp has served many large multinational clients and led complex global audit engagements across a range of industries. He previously served as global lead audit engagement partner and Engagement Quality Control Review partner for KPMG audits of numerous Fortune 500 companies. Knopp also previously served on the KPMG US board of directors, including as lead director.
He holds a BBA and MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, and is a licensed CPA in New York, Missouri, and Texas.
“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 Lynne Doughtie, KPMG US Chair and CEO. “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.”
Newinski joined KPMG in 1988 and currently serves as vice chair of operations, overseeing shared services such as finance and accounting, IT, operations services, and internal audit. She was previously national managing partner for tax and West regional managing partner for tax. Newinski became a tax partner in 1997.
She holds a master’s degree in business taxation from the University of Minnesota and a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the University of Iowa. Newinski is a licensed CPA in New York and Minnesota.
“Laura is a proven leader who has a long and successful track record driving operational excellence, transformative change, and growth for the firm,” Doughtie said.