It’s the end of an era at KPMG after Chris Hearld announced his exit from the Big Four accountancy firm after 34 years.
Hearld will be succeeded as group managing partner by Vicki Heard on January 1, 2027.
The veteran has been with KPMG since graduating and has been a partner since 2004, working with a range of FTSE 100 companies across a number of sectors.
Explaining his retirement decision, he said: “After 34 incredible years working with a huge range of clients and many amazing colleagues, I’ve decided that the time is right for me to retire from KPMG next year.
“From starting out in Leeds and working in audit, financial services and as head of regions, to my current role as group managing partner, my KPMG journey has been diverse and incredibly rewarding.
“As I prepare for the next chapter in my career, I’m delighted that Vicki Heard will step into the role of group managing partner.
“Her leadership of our tax and legal services business and her deep understanding of our clients and our people means Vicki is brilliantly placed to support the continued success of our UK and Swiss Group and I look forward to seeing how she helps shape the next chapter of its growth.”
Heard added: “I’m incredibly honoured to have been selected to succeed Chris Hearld as KPMG’s group managing partner from January 1, 2027.
“I’ve been hugely fortunate to work closely with Chris over the past six years in my role as head of tax and legal services.
“His contribution to our firm cannot be understated and while we will miss him incredibly, our strength is a fitting legacy of his 34 years with the firm. I’m very excited to embark on this next step of my KPMG career.”