KPMG in New Zealand will welcome Evan Bateup as its new chief people officer on 6 December, bringing with him a "commercial focus" in formulating HR strategies that "match business objectives".

Bateup's track record as a talent leader spans over 15 years, including his most recent role as chief people officer at media group Vista, where he helped "maintain a culture that supports innovation and success".

The incoming KPMG leader sees himself as a "strategically minded individual who provides long-range vision and retains the ability to work through detail where required while working on the 'big picture.'"

Bateup aims to deliver the "right fit" solution according to the firm's business needs.