Kpmg Appoints Gauthier Acket As Head Of Global Esg

• KPMG names longtime executive Gauthier Acket as Head of Global ESG, succeeding John McCalla-Leacy after more than two decades with the firm.
• Leadership change comes as corporate demand for ESG advisory, climate strategy, and sustainability reporting continues to accelerate globally.
• Appointment reinforces KPMG’s focus on helping companies manage climate risk, regulatory pressure, and the transition to a low carbon economy.

Leadership Shift At A Critical Moment For Corporate ESG

KPMG International has appointed Gauthier Acket as Head of Global ESG, placing a nearly three-decade veteran of the firm at the helm of its sustainability advisory strategy as corporate climate and governance pressures intensify worldwide.

The move follows the retirement of John McCalla-Leacy, who led KPMG’s global ESG practice since 2022 and spent 25 years with the firm. During his tenure, McCalla-Leacy played a central role in integrating sustainability considerations across KPMG’s advisory, assurance, and tax services while expanding the firm’s global ESG capabilities.

Acket steps into the role at a time when multinational corporations face mounting scrutiny from regulators, investors, and customers over climate disclosures, supply chain transparency, and broader sustainability performance.

“I’m honored to be stepping into the role of Head of Global ESG at KPMG International, following the retirement of John McCalla-Leacy after a distinguished 25-year career with the firm,” Acket said in a LinkedIn post announcing the transition.

Nearly Three Decades At KPMG

Acket brings almost 30 years of experience within the KPMG network. Most recently he served as Global ESG Chief Operating Officer and Client Lead Partner, where he focused on helping multinational clients accelerate their sustainability strategies and embed ESG considerations into core business operations.

His career within the firm spans several senior leadership roles, including Global Head of Market Development and Head of Markets and High Growth Markets at KPMG France. Those positions gave him oversight of global growth strategies and emerging market expansion, areas increasingly tied to climate transition investment and sustainability advisory.

Having worked directly with corporate boards and executive teams navigating sustainability transitions, Acket has been closely involved in advising companies on ESG governance frameworks, regulatory compliance, and climate risk management.

Reflecting on the leadership transition, Acket said he intends to build on the foundation established by his predecessor.

“Having served as Global COO for KPMG’s ESG business since 2022, I’m excited to build on the strong momentum we’ve created and to help further accelerate our impact in the immediate interim.”

He also acknowledged McCalla-Leacy’s role in expanding the firm’s sustainability capabilities.

“A heartfelt thank you to John for his outstanding leadership in strengthening and expanding our global ESG and sustainability capabilities, and for inspiring so many of us through his passion and dedication. I’m grateful for the strong foundation we have built and the momentum John leaves behind.”

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ESG Advisory Becomes Core Corporate Priority

The leadership change reflects the rapid evolution of ESG advisory within the professional services sector. Over the past five years, sustainability consulting has shifted from a niche advisory offering into a core service area for global accounting and consulting firms.

Companies now face complex regulatory frameworks such as Europe’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive, the International Sustainability Standards Board disclosure standards, and expanding climate risk reporting expectations across major financial markets.

For multinational corporations and institutional investors, ESG strategy is increasingly tied to access to capital, regulatory compliance, and long-term resilience.

Large advisory firms like KPMG have responded by expanding dedicated ESG practices covering climate strategy, decarbonization pathways, sustainable finance, supply chain risk, and governance frameworks.

Acket emphasized that the firm’s next phase will focus on translating sustainability commitments into measurable business outcomes.

“Looking ahead, I’m excited to work closely with colleagues across our global network to drive sustainability-focused outcomes for clients around the world. By drawing on the full breadth of our capabilities, we will continue to focus on delivering sustainable value, enhancing resilience, managing risk and supporting the transition to a just, low-carbon economy.”

What Executives And Investors Should Watch

For corporate leaders and investors, the appointment highlights how deeply sustainability has become embedded in the strategy of global advisory firms that guide corporate transformation.

Professional services networks increasingly serve as critical intermediaries between regulators, financial markets, and multinational companies navigating climate and ESG obligations.

KPMG’s decision to elevate a long-serving internal leader with operational ESG experience reflects the growing complexity of sustainability advisory work, which now spans governance reform, financial risk modelling, decarbonization investment planning, and evolving disclosure frameworks.

As global climate policy tightens and investors intensify scrutiny of corporate sustainability performance, firms like KPMG are positioning their ESG practices as central to corporate strategy, risk management, and capital allocation decisions across industries.

Acket’s leadership will shape how the firm supports companies navigating those pressures while scaling sustainability advisory services across its global network.

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