Redundancies might have dented morale at KPMG in the UK, but that didn't stop Paul Henninger, head of technology and data, from sharing some positive personal news with the troops: he's being promoted.
Late last week, as staff awaited confirmation of redundancies, Henninger emailed his staff to share the update before KPMG announced it to the wider business.
He confirmed he had been asked to take on the new role of group head of consulting.
"In this role, I will lead our Consulting practice and, along with my leadership team, focus on strengthening our proposition-led go-to-market approach, accelerating our AI-enabled capabilities, and developing specialised sales, technical and delivery career pathways."
In the short term, the newly promoted exec will hand over current duties and help the team "prepare for the transition."
"I recognise that this news comes at a challenging time, as many colleagues continue through the consultation process. I know that uncertainty can be difficult, and I do not underestimate the impact this period is having on individuals and teams. Please continue to support one another and make use of the help available."
On October 9, KPMG notified Tech and Data staff selected for redundancy, with the cuts affecting around 4 percent of the division. Some called the pay-off terms insulting, and were angry at the £100 offered to those leaving in exchange for their silence and a promise not to bring claims against KPMG.
"For now, there are no changes to reporting lines or business priorities, so please remain focused on delivering for our clients and supporting each other."
Henninger signed off by saying: "Although my role is changing, I will remain closely connected to the Tech & Data team and look forward to continuing to work with many of you. It has been a real privilege to lead the Tech & Data Super Service Line and I am proud of what we have achieved together."
Not everyone will share those sentiments. Around 200 people in the division's AI, Cyber, SAP, and Testing teams are losing their jobs before Christmas.
One KPMG insider claimed: "By pairing his executive promotion with staff redundancies, this email exemplifies 's traditionally tone-deaf approach to vulnerable employees.
"Timing these layoffs just before the holidays, while simultaneously withholding hard earned bonuses and offering an insulting £100 to waive legal rights, demonstrates a severe erosion of corporate ethics," they told .
According to results for 2025, KPMG said its UK and Swiss business increased revenue by 2 percent year-on-year to £3.6 billion. It reported a profit before tax of £576 million, up 14 percent.
"Despite the difficult market, we have continued to invest in our brilliant people, their skills, and our talent pipeline with more promotions, increases in colleague bonus spend of 18 percent across the Group and by boosting our learning offer," said Jonathan Holt, group chief exec of KPMG in the UK and Switzerland, and a UK senior partner.
A spokesperson at KPMG, told on Wednesaday: "Paul Henninger is a highly respected industry leader and has brought innovation, tech and AI to the heart of our consultancy services.
"Given the changing needs of clients, with innovation ever increasing in demand, it is natural that we would elevate our expertise in this area to lead our consulting business at this time." ®