CHICAGO--()--Grant Thornton, one of America’s largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, has appointed Michael Kempe as its new chief information officer (CIO).

With more than two decades of experience driving digital transformation, global business strategy and operational excellence, Kempe will play a pivotal role in strengthening Grant Thornton’s technology operations and strategy execution.

“At Grant Thornton, we are fully embracing the digital transformation that is critical to our profession’s future and our clients’ success,” said Seth Siegel, CEO of Grant Thornton Advisors LLC. “Mike’s proven track record and impressive credentials will ensure our technology infrastructure is secure, scalable and aligned with our business objectives, and he will help us to deliver even greater value and quality to our clients.”

Siegel also explained that Kempe is joining the firm as it prepares to combine its advisory and tax businesses with those of Grant Thornton Ireland.

“We just announced a transformational global partnership between Grant Thornton in the U.S. and Ireland — at the very moment we’re celebrating Grant Thornton’s 100th U.S. anniversary,” commented Siegel. “I couldn’t think of a more opportune time for Mike to join our firm.”

Prior to his new role with Grant Thornton, Kempe spent 12 years at KPMG LLP in various senior technology leadership roles, including regional and international CIO. In these roles, he focused on driving revenue growth and increasing operational efficiencies through large-scale digital transformation programs leveraging innovative Cloud and AI solutions.

"Grant Thornton’s growth strategy and personalized client service are greatly appealing to me,” said Kempe. “I am excited to help propel the firm’s technological infrastructure forward and further enable the high-quality service Grant Thornton’s talented professionals deliver every day.”

Based in New York City, Kempe holds a business degree, with a specialization in logistics and information technology, from Hanze University of Applied Sciences in Groningen, the Netherlands.

About Grant Thornton
“Grant Thornton” is the brand for two professional-services entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. With revenues of $2.4 billion for the fiscal year that ended July 31, 2023, and dozens of offices nationwide, Grant Thornton represents a community of almost 10,000 problem solvers, relationship builders, and industry specialists who know that how we serve matters as much as what we do.

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.