KPMG has announced new leaders for PNG and South Pacific, effective from 1 April 2023.
Zanie Theron, who is currently the Managing Partner of KPMG PNG, will become the firm’s Partner in Charge of the KPMG South Pacific Practice which includes PNG and Fiji as large established offices, and other locations including Solomon Islands, Samoa, Tonga and Nauru where KPMG delivers services. She takes over from KPMG’s current South Pacific leader, Fiji-based Michael Yee-Joy, who retires after four decades of service.
PNG Partner and citizen, Ces Iewago, will take over from Zanie as KPMG PNG Managing Partner. Ces said he is particularly passionate about the development of local talent and will be the champion to progress citizen staff to senior leadership roles over the next few years.
Speaking about the appointments, Zanie said she was delighted and proud to have the opportunity to lead KPMG’s South Pacific Practice and hand the leadership of KPMG PNG to Ces.
She said: “I have been working in PNG for more than 17 years. KPMG has experienced significant growth in recent years, extending our client base and people numbers and providing strong value across sectors in PNG. Ces is very well known and respected here and will be able to build on our existing achievements in this next phase.”
Zanie has also worked closely with the KPMG Fiji firm on many client engagements and is passionate about growth in the South Pacific Practice.
“In my new role, I am looking forward to working with the people and cultures of our region and help support productivity and growth. I would also like to recognise the contribution made by Michael Yee-Joy who has overseen KPMG’s expansion across the South Pacific. This includes helping set up the Fiji Dynamix which now has more than 70 dedicated team members – and welcoming a record number of graduate hires to the firm in Fiji earlier this year.”
Ces Iewago joined KPMG PNG in September 2022 bringing with him an outstanding reputation. He offers skills across the resources, financial services, and government sectors as well as a very strong commitment to clients in vital areas of business concern including ESG.
Speaking about his appointment as head of KPMG PNG, Ces emphasised that he was looking forward to building on growth opportunities for clients.
“We are assisting clients across public and private sectors and, in particular, have been successful in providing support in the expanding area of ESG compliance.”
Paul Howes, National Managing Partner Enterprise KPMG Australia said that he was confident both Zanie and Ces would build on the successes of recent years in both PNG and the broader region to launch KPMG’s next chapter of growth in the South Pacific.
He said: “We have two experienced and able leaders in PNG and the South Pacific who have a focus on client needs and also enjoy outstanding connections. They both understand the need to deliver value. We are committed to assisting the businesses and people of the region.”
For further information
Marjorie Johnston
KPMG Corporate Affairs
M + 61407 329 430
E mjohnston4@kpmg.com.au
