Leading professional services firm KPMG announces a change in its top role, with André Zarb being appointed as the firm’s senior partner as from October 2020.
André Zarb will be succeeding Tonio Zarb, who led the firm during a significant period of investment and growth, with the firm doubling its revenue and investing in one of the broadest multi-disciplinary teams on the island.
Commenting on the appointment, Tonio Zarb stated “I am pleased to see André take over with a solid team backing the next chapter of growth, initiatives and overall leadership, which André will undoubtedly bring to the firm”.
André joined KPMG in 1986 and he took over responsibility for the tax function in Malta in 1993. He was appointed partner in 1994 and was instrumental in driving significant developments within the tax function. For almost three decades he has been advising leading local businesses, international clients, multinationals and private equity firms on various tax matters. André has also regularly advised the public sector on major changes in tax legislation, and has closely contributed into developments which helped establish Malta as a financial centre. In addition, following Malta’s accession to the European Union, he has regularly advised on EU related fiscal matters.
Commenting on his election, André Zarb said “I am excited to take over from Tonio and to continue to build on the strong fundamentals, in particular our talented and committed 500+ team, our solid leadership group, and most importantly our clients and other stakeholders who place their trust in us. We are relentless in our drive to be the most trusted and trust-worthy multi-disciplinary professional services firm.”
Tonio, who has been with the firm since 1979, barring a short three-year stint overseas, became partner in 1989 and led the advisory function before being appointed Senior Partner in 2012. Tonio now looks forward to returning to a client-facing role as a partner within the Advisory Function.
In a message to all staff of KPMG in Malta, Tonio Zarb stated “I believe that I’m leaving behind me not only a very strong firm with the potential for a great future ahead of it, but also a very committed and capable management team that will deliver on this promise”.
As André moves into his new leadership role, Anthony Pace has been appointed Head of Tax as from October 2020. Anthony brings three decades of professional services experience, crafted principally within the tax function of the firm where he has led numerous direct and indirect tax advisory engagements in banking and financial services, telecommunications, gaming, real estate and family businesses. He has also led several tax due diligence engagements.
In welcoming him into his new role, André commented “Working over the years with Anthony within the Tax function, I have witnessed first-hand his skills and incisive approach and I am delighted that he has taken over the leadership role. He has a lot to offer to the tax practice and indeed to the wider firm.”