KPMG South Africa has confirmed the appointment of Joelene Pierce as the incoming Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 March 2026. This leadership transition follows the impending retirement of the current CEO, Ignatius Sehoole, who will step down after a six-year tenure marked by a focus on ethical leadership, transformation, and organisational stability. The decision was formalised on 31 July 2025, following a partner vote.
Pierce, who currently serves as Head of Financial Services at KPMG South Africa and is a member of the firm’s Policy Board, brings with her more than two decades of experience in the professional services industry, including 19 years as a partner. Over her 26-year career at KPMG, she has advised a broad portfolio of high-profile clients, particularly within the financial services domain. Her expertise encompasses retail banking, corporate treasuries, securities trading, and asset-based securitisation structures—areas that remain central to the financial services sector’s operational complexity in South Africa.
Her appointment is seen as a continuation of the firm’s strategy to blend operational excellence with a values-driven approach to leadership. Pierce is recognised for her deep understanding of the regulatory and macroeconomic environment in which the firm and its clients operate. In addition, she has demonstrated a strong capacity for aligning business strategy with long-term transformation objectives and ethical governance—core pillars of KPMG’s public mandate.
Outgoing CEO Ignatius Sehoole, who also serves as Chairman of KPMG Africa, noted that leadership in the professional services space demands not only technical proficiency but also the ability to foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders across the public and private sectors. Under Sehoole’s leadership, KPMG South Africa has undertaken significant reform efforts aimed at restoring public trust following challenges earlier in the decade. His tenure is widely acknowledged for reinforcing the firm’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and market excellence.
Speaking on the announcement, Sehoole stated that he was “honoured to hand over to not only a highly skilled, responsible leader, but one whose career has been underpinned by driving the core principles which we, as a business, are passionate about and actively drive within the sector.” He further emphasised that the incoming CEO’s appointment aligns with the firm’s broader agenda of embedding next-generation thinking alongside a disciplined focus on ethical governance.
In response to her appointment, Pierce expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to continuing the legacy of ethical practice and transformation. “I am extremely grateful and honoured to take on this new role and build on the strong foundations created during Ignatius’ tenure. I am committed to remaining focused on transformation and ethical practice, as well as embedding critical thinking into the business,” she noted. Her vision also includes further expanding the firm’s influence in social and economic development and supporting the ongoing development of its people and culture.
A formal handover process between Sehoole and Pierce will take place over the coming months to ensure continuity in strategic direction and operational performance. This transition is intended to preserve institutional knowledge while equipping the leadership team to address future challenges within the South African and broader African economic contexts.
Professor Wiseman Nkuhlu, Chairman of KPMG South Africa, extended thanks to Sehoole for his leadership, stating: “His contribution has been exceptional, and he has led this business with the highest level of ethics, transparency and diligence, with a solid commitment to transformation and market excellence.”
The announcement marks a significant chapter for KPMG South Africa as it seeks to consolidate its leadership position in the region while maintaining a clear focus on public trust, innovation, and inclusive economic development.
