KPMG consulting promotion coincides with redundancy threat to 200 tech staff
KPMG UK technology and data chief Paul Henninger told his staff he had been promoted to group head of consulting while about 200 colleagues in his division were facing redundancy. The timing drew criticism from an employee who described the message as insensitive during a period of job uncertainty and consultation.
The cuts affect around 4 per cent of the Tech and Data division, including staff in AI, Cyber, SAP and Testing, and are expected to take place before Christmas. Some employees objected to terms including £100 offered in exchange for silence and waiving legal claims; KPMG said an interim leader would oversee the division and described Henninger as an experienced leader whose promotion reflects growing client demand for technology and AI. KPMG’s UK and Swiss business reported 2025 revenue of £3.6 billion, up 2 per cent, and pre-tax profit of £576 million, up 14 per cent.
- KPMG’s technology and data chief is promoted amid planned redundancies.
- Around 200 staff face job losses before Christmas.
- An employee criticised the timing and reported exit terms.
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KPMG is one of the large professional services firms, advising organisations on areas such as technology, data and business change. Its UK Tech and Data division includes teams working in artificial intelligence, cyber security, SAP software and testing.
Redundancy is the loss of a job because an employer says the role is no longer needed. In the UK, employers must consult affected staff in certain large-scale redundancy programmes, and employees may be offered terms to leave.
The reported job cuts affect about 4 per cent of the division, while KPMG has also announced a senior consulting promotion. The situation matters to staff facing uncertainty and raises questions about how major employers communicate during restructuring.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
KPMG could argue that promoting an experienced leader reflects client demand for technology and AI, and that announcing the appointment need not be delayed by a separate restructuring process. It may also say the proposed cuts affect a relatively small share of the division and that an interim leader will manage the team through the transition.
The case against
Employees could argue that announcing a senior promotion while about 200 colleagues face possible redundancy showed poor judgement and a lack of sensitivity to their uncertainty. They may also see the proposed £100 payment in exchange for silence and waiving legal claims as inadequate or pressuring, especially given the firm’s reported rise in profit.
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Originally published by The Register as “KPMG tech and data boss tells staff facing the boot he’s getting promoted”.