Paul Henninger, KPMG's UK head of technology and data, emailed his team last week to announce he is being promoted to group head of consulting. The message arrived as around 200 staff in the division's AI, Cyber, SAP, and Testing teams were awaiting confirmation of redundancy, with cuts affecting about 4 percent of the unit.
Some staff reacted angrily, describing the timing as tone-deaf. The redundancy package includes a £100 payment for those who agree to waive legal claims and keep silent, which some called insulting. One insider said the email exemplifies KPMG's approach to vulnerable employees.
KPMG defended the move, saying Henninger is a respected leader who has brought innovation and AI to consulting, and that elevating him is natural given client demand. The firm also pointed to increased revenue and profit, and said it has continued to invest in people, with bonus spend up 18 percent.