Partner Karen Shires has been with PwC for more than 33 years and became a partner in 2003.
From left: Keren Blakey, Karen Shires, and Andrew Holmes.
PwC New Zealand partner Karen Shires has been elected as chair of the New Zealand firm, effective October 1, 2024.
Shires is a partner in assurance, focused on financial services and audits of large and complex organisations. She has been with PwC for more than 33 years and became a partner in 2003. She has worked in both our Pōneke (Wellington) and Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland) offices, in addition to several years with PwC in London. Shires is currently a member of the executive leadership team (ELT) as the firm’s chief risk and reputation officer (CRRO), responsible for the risk and quality functions, regulatory relationships, brand engagement, and enterprise risk framework. As is best practice for governance roles, Shires will step down as CRRO on the ELT effective immediately to focus on her transition to chair.
Shires succeeds Keren Blakey who concludes her term after four years in the role.
“We are delighted to welcome Karen as our next chair. Having worked closely with her over the years, I am confident that her leadership and dedication to excellence will bring her every success in this role. Her commitment to strong governance and fostering collaboration will undoubtedly guide our firm as we move forward,” said Blakey.
Shires said she was looking forward to working with the CEO and board.
“I am honoured to take on the role of chair of PwC New Zealand. I look forward to working with Andrew in his role as CEO, and our dedicated team to ensure robust governance and strategic oversight, as we deliver sustainable growth and value for our clients across Aotearoa, New Zealand”.
Chief executive and senior partner Andrew Holmes said: “Keren has made a significant contribution as chair over the past four years. She stepped into the role during a period of significant disruption and complexity and has since been instrumental in helping our firm and clients navigate ongoing change. I have greatly valued Keren’s support and guidance during my first few months as CEO.
“I’m … looking forward to working with Karen as our new chair. Her deep understanding of the important role governance plays within an organisation will make her an outstanding chair … Karen’s governance experience and industry expertise will be invaluable to our leadership team, partnership and firm.”
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