Consulting Articles > Consulting Firms > KPMG Strategy: Firm Overview

KPMG Strategy is the dedicated strategy consulting arm of KPMG, one of the world’s leading professional services firms. Known for its data-driven insights and practical strategic solutions, KPMG Strategy helps businesses navigate complex challenges in areas like corporate growth, mergers & acquisitions (M&A), digital transformation, and business model innovation.

History and Evolution of KPMG Strategy

Origins and Founding

KPMG Strategy is an integral part of KPMG’s global consulting practice, specializing in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), business transformation, and digital innovation. While KPMG itself has a history dating back to 1987 following the merger of Klynveld Main Goerdeler (KMG) and Peat Marwick International, its dedicated strategy consulting division evolved over time in response to growing market demand for high-impact business advisory services.

Unlike traditional strategy consulting firms that emerged independently, KPMG Strategy developed within a broader network of audit, tax, and advisory services, allowing it to leverage multidisciplinary expertise to provide end-to-end strategic solutions.

Growth and Expansion of KPMG Strategy

1990s – Early Strategic Advisory Services

Throughout the 1990s, KPMG strengthened its management consulting division, providing corporate clients with strategic insights focused on cost optimization, operational efficiency, and business expansion strategies. During this period, KPMG Advisory, which encompassed early versions of its strategy practice, expanded significantly across global markets.

2000s – Shift Toward High-Impact Strategy Consulting

The early 2000s marked a transformative period for KPMG’s consulting arm. The 2002 divestiture of KPMG Consulting, which became BearingPoint, led KPMG to reestablish and restructure its advisory services, placing greater emphasis on strategic consulting rather than general management consulting. This shift allowed KPMG to differentiate itself from traditional audit-driven advisory models and instead build a dedicated strategy practice that could compete with leading firms such as McKinsey, BCG, and Bain.

2010s – Establishing KPMG Strategy as a Dedicated Practice

Recognizing the increasing demand for M&A strategy, digital transformation, and business model innovation, KPMG formally launched KPMG Strategy as a separate consulting unit within its Advisory Services division. This move aimed to position KPMG as a top-tier strategy firm, competing with both pure-play consulting firms and Big Four rivals such as Deloitte Strategy & Operations, EY-Parthenon, and PwC Strategy&.

During this decade, KPMG Strategy also expanded its footprint through:

  • Acquisitions of boutique strategy firms to enhance capabilities in corporate finance, due diligence, and growth strategy.
  • Investments in AI, data analytics, and digital consulting, strengthening its ability to offer technology-driven strategy solutions.
  • Expanding its private equity and M&A consulting services, advising major global clients on transactions exceeding $1 billion in deal value.

Service Offerings and Industry Focus

Core Consulting Services

KPMG Strategy provides a wide range of strategic consulting services designed to help businesses navigate complex challenges, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth. With a focus on corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions (M&A), business transformation, and digital innovation, the firm offers advisory solutions tailored to organizations across multiple industries.

Corporate and Growth Strategy

KPMG Strategy assists companies in defining their long-term vision, identifying growth opportunities, and developing strategies to enhance market positioning. Services include:

  • Market entry strategy to help businesses expand into new geographies.
  • Competitive benchmarking and industry analysis to identify key differentiators.
  • Revenue growth strategies focused on product innovation, customer acquisition, and pricing optimization.
  • Portfolio management and business model transformation to align with evolving market dynamics.

Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Strategy

KPMG Strategy supports clients throughout the entire M&A lifecycle, from pre-deal strategy to post-merger integration. Services include:

  • Commercial due diligence to assess the financial and strategic viability of potential acquisitions.
  • Deal structuring and valuation analysis to ensure competitive advantages in transactions.
  • Post-merger integration to streamline operations, optimize synergies, and drive cultural alignment.
  • Divestiture and carve-out strategies for organizations restructuring their business portfolios.

Digital and Innovation Strategy

As companies increasingly embrace digital transformation, KPMG Strategy helps organizations integrate technology into their business strategies. Services include:

  • AI and automation strategy to enhance operational efficiency.
  • Data and analytics-driven decision-making frameworks.
  • Cloud transformation and IT modernization initiatives.
  • Digital business model development to support agile and scalable operations.

Business Transformation and Operational Strategy

KPMG Strategy provides advisory services to improve operational performance and organizational agility. These services include:

  • Cost reduction and efficiency programs to optimize resource allocation.
  • Supply chain and logistics strategy for resilience and sustainability.
  • Workforce transformation, including talent strategy and change management.
  • Enterprise risk and regulatory compliance strategy to navigate complex industry regulations.

Industry Focus

KPMG Strategy serves clients across a diverse set of industries, leveraging deep sector expertise to deliver customized solutions.

Financial Services

KPMG Strategy works with banks, insurance companies, and asset managers to develop regulatory-compliant growth strategies, risk management solutions, and fintech integration frameworks.

Healthcare and Life Sciences

The firm helps healthcare providers, pharmaceutical companies, and medical technology firms navigate industry shifts, implement digital health solutions, and optimize supply chain efficiency.

Consumer and Retail

Advisory services in this sector focus on market expansion, e-commerce strategy, customer experience optimization, and pricing strategy for consumer goods and retail brands.

Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT)

KPMG Strategy supports technology firms, media companies, and telecom providers with digital transformation, cybersecurity strategies, and market entry planning.

Energy and Utilities

With an increasing focus on sustainability and energy transition, KPMG Strategy provides advisory services for renewable energy adoption, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure modernization.

Industrial Manufacturing and Automotive

The firm advises manufacturing companies on supply chain optimization, automation strategies, and the shift toward electric and autonomous vehicles.

By combining strategic expertise with industry-specific insights, KPMG Strategy enables organizations to stay competitive, drive growth, and adapt to rapidly changing market conditions.

Global Presence

Extensive International Network

KPMG Strategy operates as part of KPMG’s global advisory network, spanning over 145 countries and territories. With a strong presence across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America, the firm leverages its international expertise to provide tailored strategic solutions that address regional market challenges while aligning with global business trends.

By integrating insights from its vast network of professionals across audit, tax, and advisory services, KPMG Strategy ensures that clients benefit from localized knowledge combined with global best practices.

Key Regional Hubs and Market Coverage

North America

KPMG Strategy has a well-established footprint in the United States and Canada, offering corporate strategy, digital transformation, and M&A advisory services to Fortune 500 companies, startups, and private equity firms. Major offices in New York, Chicago, Toronto, and San Francisco serve as strategic hubs for industry-leading clients across financial services, technology, healthcare, and consumer markets.

Europe

With a strong presence in the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and the Netherlands, KPMG Strategy plays a key role in advising European businesses on cross-border mergers, regulatory compliance, and business model innovation. The firm also supports multinational corporations looking to expand their European market presence or navigate complex EU regulations.

Asia-Pacific

As businesses in Asia continue to undergo rapid digital transformation, KPMG Strategy has strengthened its presence in key financial and technology hubs, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney. The firm works with multinational corporations, government entities, and high-growth companies to drive expansion strategies and operational efficiencies across emerging and mature markets.

Middle East and Africa

KPMG Strategy has expanded its advisory services in major markets such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa, helping businesses navigate economic diversification initiatives, infrastructure investment strategies, and digital economy shifts. The firm provides advisory services on public sector transformations, sustainable energy investments, and large-scale privatization initiatives.

Latin America

KPMG Strategy operates in key Latin American markets, including Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, and Chile, assisting companies in economic recovery efforts, market entry strategies, and operational cost efficiencies. The firm has also played a role in M&A transactions, private equity investments, and corporate restructuring in the region.

Leveraging Global Expertise for Local Impact

KPMG Strategy’s global reach allows the firm to provide multinational corporations, governments, and regional businesses with:

  • Cross-border strategy consulting to support international expansion and global supply chain optimization.
  • Localized insights on regulatory and tax implications, ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions.
  • Real-time market intelligence and data analytics for informed decision-making.
  • Industry-focused expertise tailored to regional economic and technological trends.

By maintaining a balance between global insights and local expertise, KPMG Strategy continues to serve as a trusted advisory partner for businesses looking to navigate complex market dynamics across multiple regions.

Notable Projects and Clients

High-Impact Client Engagements

KPMG Strategy has played a pivotal role in helping multinational corporations, private equity firms, government agencies, and emerging businesses execute complex strategic initiatives. Through its deep expertise in corporate strategy, M&A, digital transformation, and operational efficiency, the firm has successfully delivered impactful solutions across industries. While confidentiality prevents the disclosure of specific client names, several high-profile engagements illustrate KPMG Strategy’s value in driving business success.

Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory for a Global Financial Institution

KPMG Strategy supported a leading global bank in executing a multi-billion-dollar cross-border merger. The engagement involved:

  • Commercial due diligence to assess the target company's financial health, market positioning, and synergy potential.
  • Regulatory compliance strategy to navigate complex international financial regulations.
  • Post-merger integration planning, ensuring seamless alignment of technology infrastructure, workforce, and operational processes.
  • Cost synergy realization, leading to an estimated $500 million in operational savings over three years.

This project solidified KPMG Strategy’s reputation as a trusted partner for high-stakes M&A transactions within the financial services sector.

Digital Transformation for a Fortune 500 Retail Chain

A global retail company engaged KPMG Strategy to modernize its operations and adopt a digital-first business model. The transformation strategy focused on:

  • E-commerce and omnichannel strategy development, aligning brick-and-mortar stores with digital platforms.
  • Data analytics and AI-driven consumer insights, enabling personalized marketing and customer engagement.
  • Supply chain optimization and automation, reducing logistics costs by 15 percent while improving inventory accuracy.
  • Cloud migration and IT infrastructure modernization, enhancing operational efficiency and cybersecurity.

The project led to a 25 percent increase in online sales and a significant improvement in customer retention rates, demonstrating KPMG Strategy’s capabilities in retail digitalization.

ESG and Sustainability Strategy for an Energy Conglomerate

As part of a global sustainability initiative, a major energy company sought KPMG Strategy’s expertise in aligning its business model with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles. The firm delivered:

  • Decarbonization strategy, helping the client transition to renewable energy sources.
  • Sustainable investment roadmap, outlining green energy projects and financial incentives.
  • Regulatory risk assessment, ensuring compliance with global climate policies.
  • Stakeholder engagement strategy, positioning the company as an ESG leader in its sector.

The strategic plan resulted in a 30 percent reduction in carbon emissions within five years, reinforcing KPMG Strategy’s leadership in sustainability consulting.

Market Entry Strategy for a Global Technology Firm

A fast-growing tech company sought to expand into the Asia-Pacific region. KPMG Strategy provided:

  • Market opportunity assessment, identifying key regional growth drivers.
  • Competitive benchmarking, positioning the company against established local players.
  • Regulatory and tax strategy, ensuring smooth entry into complex markets.
  • Partnership development support, securing alliances with local distributors and vendors.

This approach enabled the client to successfully launch operations in three new markets, achieving a 40 percent increase in regional revenue within two years.

Strategic Turnaround for a Healthcare Provider

KPMG Strategy assisted a leading healthcare network in navigating operational and financial challenges. The engagement focused on:

  • Cost reduction initiatives, streamlining administrative expenses and optimizing resource allocation.
  • Process reengineering, improving patient care delivery through digital health solutions.
  • Revenue cycle management optimization, leading to a 20 percent improvement in cash flow.
  • Workforce transformation, ensuring talent retention and leadership succession planning.

The successful execution of this strategy led to a stronger financial outlook and enhanced patient care efficiency, further establishing KPMG Strategy as a trusted advisor in healthcare consulting.

A Trusted Advisor Across Industries

KPMG Strategy’s extensive track record spans multiple industries, including:

  • Financial services – M&A, risk management, and digital banking transformations.
  • Retail and consumer goods – Omnichannel strategy, supply chain optimization, and brand repositioning.
  • Technology and telecommunications – Digital strategy, AI-driven business models, and cybersecurity advisory.
  • Healthcare and life sciences – Operational efficiency, regulatory compliance, and digital health innovation.
  • Energy and utilities – ESG strategies, decarbonization planning, and infrastructure investment.

With its multi-disciplinary expertise and global reach, KPMG Strategy continues to support organizations in achieving long-term growth, operational resilience, and competitive advantage in an evolving business landscape.

Culture, Values, and Career Opportunities

Commitment to a Strong Organizational Culture

KPMG Strategy fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and integrity, emphasizing both professional excellence and social responsibility. As part of KPMG’s global network, the strategy division upholds the firm’s long-standing commitment to ethical business practices, continuous learning, and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The culture at KPMG Strategy is built on the principles of teamwork, leadership development, and a problem-solving mindset that empowers consultants to deliver value-driven solutions to clients.

The firm encourages a dynamic and inclusive work environment, where employees are given the opportunity to take on challenging projects, develop their expertise, and engage in thought leadership within the consulting industry. KPMG Strategy’s strong emphasis on mentorship, feedback, and career growth ensures that professionals receive the necessary support to excel in their roles.

Core Values That Drive KPMG Strategy

KPMG Strategy’s work is guided by fundamental values that define its approach to consulting, client engagement, and corporate responsibility. These core values include:

  • Integrity – Upholding the highest ethical standards in all client engagements and business operations.
  • Excellence – Delivering high-quality strategic insights and solutions based on deep industry expertise and data-driven methodologies.
  • Collaboration – Encouraging teamwork, knowledge sharing, and partnership both internally and with clients.
  • Innovation – Embracing technology, analytics, and new business models to drive transformation and competitive advantage.
  • Diversity and Inclusion – Creating an equitable work environment that values different perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences.
  • Corporate Citizenship – Supporting environmental sustainability, social impact initiatives, and responsible business practices.

Career Opportunities at KPMG Strategy

KPMG Strategy provides a wide range of career opportunities for professionals at different stages of their consulting journey. The firm offers structured career paths, mentorship programs, and skill development initiatives to ensure employees have the resources they need to grow and succeed.

Entry-Level Opportunities

Recent graduates and early-career professionals can join KPMG Strategy through structured programs such as:

  • Associate Consultant – Focused on research, data analysis, and supporting strategy development for client engagements.
  • Analyst Programs – Designed to provide hands-on consulting experience, including industry research, competitive benchmarking, and financial modeling.

Mid-Level Roles

Professionals with consulting experience or relevant industry expertise can take on more strategic responsibilities, including:

  • Consultant/Senior Consultant – Leading workstreams, engaging with clients, and developing strategic recommendations.
  • Manager – Overseeing multiple consulting engagements, managing client relationships, and mentoring junior team members.

Leadership and Partner-Level Positions

Experienced professionals and industry leaders can advance to senior leadership roles within KPMG Strategy, including:

  • Director – Responsible for leading consulting teams, developing business strategies, and driving client impact.
  • Partner – Leading business development efforts, overseeing large-scale consulting projects, and shaping KPMG Strategy’s long-term vision.

Work-Life Balance and Professional Development

KPMG Strategy places a strong emphasis on work-life balance while maintaining the high standards expected in the consulting industry. The firm offers flexible work arrangements, wellness programs, and initiatives designed to promote mental health and overall well-being.

To support professional growth, KPMG Strategy provides:

  • Continuous Learning and Training – Access to leadership development programs, technical training, and industry certifications.
  • Global Mobility Opportunities – International assignments and cross-border collaboration for exposure to diverse markets and business environments.
  • Mentorship and Career Coaching – One-on-one mentorship programs to help employees navigate their career paths.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Initiatives

KPMG Strategy is dedicated to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. The firm has implemented various DEI programs, including:

  • Employee resource groups (ERGs) for underrepresented communities.
  • Sponsorship and mentorship programs to support career progression for diverse talent.
  • Global initiatives focused on gender equity, disability inclusion, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.

A Rewarding Career Path with Long-Term Impact

With its strong values, inclusive culture, and investment in employee development, KPMG Strategy offers a compelling career path for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in the consulting industry. The firm’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and ethical leadership ensures that employees not only contribute to business success but also play a role in shaping the future of strategy consulting.

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