John Bennett
Chief Risk Officer
Professional Overview
John Bennett is an accomplished finance and operations executive with over 15 years of experience across the technology and media industries. As the Chief Risk Officer at KPMG, he is responsible for leading the firm's enterprise risk management strategy, ensuring robust controls and mitigation plans are in place to safeguard the organization's assets and reputation.
Experience Summary
Current Role
As the Chief Risk Officer at KPMG since 2020, John is instrumental in driving the firm's risk management agenda. He oversees the development and implementation of comprehensive risk frameworks, policies, and processes to identify, assess, and manage both strategic and operational risks. John works closely with senior leadership to foster a strong risk-aware culture and ensure the firm's risk posture aligns with its overall business objectives.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, John served as the Chief Operating Officer (Audit) at KPMG UK, where he was responsible for streamlining operations and driving efficiency improvements within the firm's audit practice. He also held the position of Chief Transformation Officer, leading the execution of KPMG's digital transformation initiatives and ensuring the successful integration of new technologies and ways of working.
Earlier in his career, John was a Partner in KPMG's Technology and Media practice, advising clients on complex transactions and strategic initiatives. He also gained valuable experience in Transaction Services at Ernst & Young, where he provided due diligence and advisory services to clients during mergers and acquisitions.
John has also contributed to the broader industry through his role as a member of the Financial Reporting and Review Panel (FRC) from 2016 to 2020, where he provided expert guidance on financial reporting and regulatory compliance matters.
Academic Background
John holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Cambridge, where he graduated with honors.
Areas of Expertise
- Enterprise risk management
- Operational and strategic risk assessment
- Internal control frameworks and compliance
- Business transformation and change management
- Financial reporting and regulatory compliance
- M&A due diligence and transaction advisory
Professional Impact
Throughout his career, John has demonstrated a strong track record of delivering measurable improvements in risk management and operational efficiency. As the Chief Risk Officer at KPMG, he has been instrumental in enhancing the firm's risk posture, contributing to its reputation as a trusted advisor to clients and a leader in the professional services industry.
Conclusion
With his extensive experience in finance, operations, and risk management, John Bennett is well-positioned to continue driving value for KPMG and its stakeholders. His strategic vision, technical expertise, and collaborative leadership style make him a valuable asset as the firm navigates the evolving risk landscape.
