Challenge: Lateral Partner hiring at scale
KPMG identified that traditional retained search for lateral Partner hires was often commercially inefficient—delivering limited market coverage and restricted insight in a highly competitive talent market. KPMG wanted a more flexible, insight-led model that improved candidate access, qualification quality, and ROI.
Solution
Championed by KPMG’s National Head of Talent Acquisition, Hemisphere was engaged on a pilot basis by KPMG Tax (Brisbane) to:
- Map the local Partner talent market with precision
- Engage and rigorously qualify high-calibre candidates
- Deliver an immediate Partner appointment while building a sustainable pipeline
Scaling impact
Following the pilot, the model was adopted across KPMG nationally, supporting Partner-level mapping, pipelining, and hiring across multiple service lines including People & Change, Strategy & Consulting, Deals, Tax & Legal, Risk & Compliance, Real Estate Advisory, Data & Analytics, and KPMG Enterprise. The model was later extended to Director and Associate Director hiring with similar outcomes.
Long-term partnership
Hemisphere has continued to support KPMG for more than a decade, reflecting consistent outcomes across quality, speed and commercial control.
Client
KPMG Australia
Brief description
KPMG wanted a more flexible, insight-led model that improved candidate access, qualification quality, and ROI
Outcome
Hemisphere delivered a successful Partner hire while also establishing a robust pipeline of future talent. The initial engagement delivered a ~70% reduction in comparative search costs versus a traditional retained Partner placement fee, alongside improved market intelligence and stronger candidate cut-through.
