From audit leader to Africa CEO: The rise of Tola Adeyemi

Tola Adeyemi is the Senior Partner at KPMG in Nigeria and Chief Executive Officer of KPMG West Africa, with close to four decades of experience in audit, advisory and business leadership.

Over the years, he has built a reputation as a strategic thinker and transparent leader, guiding complex organisations across diverse sectors of the economy.

Background

Tola Adeyemi is an indigene of the Nigerian Yoruba tribe. He earned a First-Class Honours degree in Accounting from the University of Ife, now known as Obafemi Awolowo University.

His strong academic foundation set the stage for a distinguished professional journey in accounting and corporate governance.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria.

He is also a member of the Institute of Directors. Beyond his formal qualifications, he has strengthened his leadership capacity through executive programmes at Lagos Business School, Harvard Business School, Wharton School and INSEAD.

Professional Journey at KPMG

Admitted as a partner in 2000, Tola steadily rose through the ranks at KPMG.

Before assuming his current position, he served as Partner and Head of the Audit and Assurance Services division, where he led major engagements and advised clients on complex financial and operational matters.

With about 36 years of professional experience, he has worked with both local and international clients in financial services, consumer and industrial markets, energy and natural resources, telecommunications, and the public sector.

His expertise spans audit, process and control reviews, due diligence, financial reporting, and business restructuring.

As CEO of KPMG West Africa and Senior Partner in Nigeria, he provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the firm.

He works closely with partners and staff to drive growth, strengthen governance standards, and promote innovation across the network.

Board roles

Tola plays an active role in governance both within and outside KPMG. He is a member of the KPMG West Africa Board and the KPMG Africa Board.

Externally, he serves as a Board Member of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group and LEAP Africa, where he chairs the Finance Committee. He is also a member of the Audit Committee of Redeemer’s University.

His governance contributions also include previous service on the Board of the Audit Faculty of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria.

Family

Tola Adeyemi is happily married and blessed with children.

Achievements

Widely regarded as a collaborative and empathetic leader, Tola is known for promoting an inclusive and high-performing culture within the KPMG network.

He emphasises accountability, transparency and measurable results in business operations.

He has lived and worked in the United Kingdom, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing a broad international perspective to his leadership.

Passionate about improving standards in education and healthcare in Nigeria, he frequently speaks on governance, risk management and the evolving future of the accounting profession.

Appointment

Recently, KPMG announced his appointment as Chief Executive Officer for KPMG in Africa, further expanding his leadership responsibilities across the continent.

The firm also named Olayinka David-West and George Njenga as independent members of its Africa Governance Council, reinforcing its commitment to strong oversight and strategic growth.