KPMG ousts consulting boss after conduct probe

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LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 02: The KPMG offices stand in 15 Canada Square, Canary Wharf on October 2, 2018 in London, England. The government has called for a review of the British auditing industry after a series of scandals including the collapses of Carillion and BHS revealed serious failures in the auditing process. The 'Big Four' accounting firms, which are Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young (EY) and KPMG audit the large majority of the UK's largest listed companies. (Photo by Jack Taylor/Getty Images)

KPMG has ousted the head of its financial services consulting division following an investigation into his conduct.

The Big Four accounting firm last night confirmed to reporters that Tim Howarth has left the company.

“We hold all of our people to a very high standard and take swift and appropriate action against any individual whose behaviour contravenes the firm’s values,” KPMG said in a statement.

“We can confirm conduct issues have been raised related to a partner and following an internal investigation and disciplinary panel, that partner has left the firm.”

KPMG said Howarth, whose profile has been removed from the company website, has appealed the decision. The firm did not comment further on the nature of the alleged misconduct. 

Howarth told the Financial Times, which first reported the story, he was “surprised” at the announcement as the decision was under appeal.

“I did not believe that the process was fair or would lead to a just outcome. There is no complainant and there were no formal allegations pursued by anyone,” he said.

Main image credit: Getty