Bill Thomas, chairman of KPMG International’s Americas region, was elected as the Netherlands-based firm’s global chairman, KPMG announced on Thursday.

Thomas, who’s 49 years of age and a Vancouver resident, will serve in this capacity for a four-year term, heading KPMG’s global network of professional services, effective Oct. 1.

“Bill brings an exceptional range of skills and experience that will benefit KPMG and the clients our professionals serve,” says John Veihmeyer, outgoing global chairman of KPMG International, in a statement. “As leader of KPMG’s Americas region and the Canadian firm, Bill has an outstanding leadership record of quality growth, innovation and collaboration.”

Over the course of Thomas’s 28-year career with KPMG, he has held several leadership posts. He has served as a member of the global board since 2009 and previously held the role of CEO and senior partner with KPMG LLP in Canada from 2009 to 2016.

“I intend to build on the foundation John has put in place, and help KPMG’s 190,000 professionals around the world to fulfill their potential and bring their best in meeting the rapidly expanding needs of clients,” Thomas says.

Photo copyright: KPMG LLP