John McCalla-Leacy appointed Head of Global ESG, KPMG International

KPMG International announced the appointment of John McCalla-Leacy as Head of Global Environment, Social & Governance (ESG).

KPMGI announces the appointment of John McCalla-Leacy as Head of Global ESG.

KPMG International announced the appointment of John McCalla-Leacy as Head of Global Environment, Social & Governance (ESG).

A former UK Board member, he has held a number of global leadership positions in KPMG over the last 21 years, including Head of ESG in the UK firm, which he will continue to oversee as part of his new, expanded role.

As Head of ESG for KPMG in the UK John placed environmental, social and governance issues at the heart of the UK firm’s purpose and growth strategy, leading the delivery of ESG solutions, products and services to clients, and providing leadership to over 300 ESG specialists across the UK firm. A strong advocate for inclusion, diversity and social equality, he has supported a number of initiatives, including the launch of KPMG in the UK’s Our Impact Plan, and the publication of KPMG in the UK’s first ever black heritage pay gap report.

In his new global role, effective from 1 October 2022, John will work to ensure KPMG continues to deliver on its US$1.5 billion investment commitment, announced in 2021 and accelerate global client solutions for ESG opportunities and challenges.


The world is in a state of flux. It’s not an under-statement to describe the challenges we face today as a crisis. From climate change to cost-of-living, people and businesses in every country and territory on the planet are facing an unprecedented scale of issues.



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. I’m incredibly excited to take on the Head of Global 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.


John McCalla-Leacy
Head of Global ESG, KPMG & Head of ESG
KPMG in the UK


For media queries, please contact:

Brian O’Neill, Senior Manager, Global External Communications
+44 7823 668 689
Brian.O’Neill@kpmg.co.uk

About KPMG International

KPMG is a global organization of independent professional services firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. KPMG is the brand under which the member firms of KPMG International Limited (“KPMG International”) operate and provide professional services. “KPMG” is used to refer to individual member firms within the KPMG organization or to one or more member firms collectively.

KPMG firms operate in 144 countries and territories with more than 236,000 partners and employees working in member firms around the world. Each KPMG firm is a legally distinct and separate entity and describes itself as such. Each KPMG member firm is responsible for its own obligations and liabilities.

KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee. KPMG International Limited and its related entities do not provide services to clients.

For more detail about our structure, please visit home.kpmg/governance.

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