Global professional services firm KPMG International announced today the appointment of John McCalla-Leacy as Global Head of ESG. In his new role, McCalla-Leacy will ensure that the firm delivers on its $1.5 billion ESG investment commitment, and accelerating global client solutions for ESG opportunities and challenges. 

KPMG unveiled its investment commitment in October 2021, launching a multi-year program aimed at accelerating global solutions for ESG issues, and supporting clients in their own sustainability efforts. The strategy includes plans to provide ESG training for all of the firm’s 236,000 employees, as well as the establishment of dedicated ESG hubs focused on global decarbonization, societal issues and solutions.

McCalla-Leacy said:

“KPMG made clear in 2021 that it was committed to invest in solutions for the many environmental, social and governance issues we face. We described our ambition to make ESG the watermark running through everything we do, and I firmly believe that we’re making amazing progress in ensuring that we rise to that challenge. But there is much more to be done, within KPMG and across society.”

The appointment also follows KPMG’s launch in early 2021 of its comprehensive ESG strategy, Our Impact Plan, consolidating its ESG commitments and initiatives, and classifying the firm’s sustainability programs and goals into four key categories, including Planet, People, Prosperity, and Governance.

McCalla-Leacy joined KPMG in 2018, and has been serving since 2021 as Head of ESG at KPMG UK, leading the delivery of ESG solutions, products and services to KPMG’s clients, and providing leadership to over 300 ESG specialists across the UK firm, and supporting the launch of the Our Impact Plan for KPMG UK. McCalla-Leacy will continue to serve in his UK role, in addition to his new responsibilities.

McCalla-Leacy added:

“I’m incredibly excited to take on the Global Head of ESG role at such a key time. Now, more than ever, businesses need to be at the forefront of delivering positive change. Leading by example, we can help to tackle the chronic problems that endanger our lives and hamper sustainable growth together.”