KPMG bets big on India growth story, plans to expand manpower

KOLKATA: Global consulting firm KPMG looks to grow its manpower by a three-fourth in the next three to four years to seize opportunities that may come in its way when the Narendra Modi government begins to put the announced policy reforms on ground.

The $27-billion firm has projected 35 per cent year on year growth in the next three years in India.

"The reason why a country like India is very important for us is that most MNCs are in India and they need to be serviced. India is a great talent hub for the talent that gets built out here," KPMG’s chief executive officer in India Richard Rekhy told ET in an interview.

KPMG India has 10,000 people while KPMG Global Services, its capability platform to provide professional services to KPMG member firms globally, has another 7,000.

The firm look to have a total of 30,000 people over the next three to four years.

"The growth story continues for India. India now technically becomes the fastest growing large economy in the World. This needs to be sustained," Rekhy said.
KPMG is looking at hiring a huge number of audit partners and also senior tax partners. "Hopefully in another three to four months we will be able to a few make big announcements. We are talking to them," Rekhy said, adding that the firm would also look at small acquisitions in IT and human capital space.
A major chunk of consulting firms such as KPMG’s revenue comes from advisory. It is looking at digital as well with Modi’s Digital India campaign beginning to make an impact.

"Digital a new area where revenue may not be very big today but that is the future and we are investing in the future," Rekhy said.

KPMG India also work in the middle-east, Africa and Asean countries. There are member firms in these countries and the firm carries out business in these countries through member firms.