KPMG and HITEC Announce New Program Designed to Increase Diversity on Corporate Boards

KPMG LLP, the U.S. audit, tax and advisory firm, today announced the Emerging Director Board program in collaboration with the Hispanic Information Technology Executive Council (HITEC). This program can help HITEC’s C-suite level members deepen their boardroom knowledge and enhance their positioning as candidates for a corporate board.

“KPMG and HITEC understand the importance of attracting and empowering top talent and building a pipeline of emerging leaders – this was our motivation for creating the Emerging Director Board program,” said Manny Fernandez, KPMG Dallas Office Managing Partner and co-chair of KPMG’s Hispanic Latino Network. “The Emerging Director Board program is an immersive educational experience for C-suite level participants preparing for board service.”

The nine-month program builds on the on-going KPMG Board Fit program offered to HITEC senior executives by KPMG’s Board Leadership Center, including in-person educational sessions, bi-monthly virtual sessions and one-on-one mentoring by experienced board members. Board Fit workshops examine roles and responsibilities, how the expectations of investors impact boards, and tips on how to increase their visibility as a prospective board member.

“Boards today need diverse perspectives to guide companies into the future while providing strong oversight,” said Susan Angele, KPMG Board Leadership Center Senior Advisor. “We provide these talented executives with insights into the role of the board, leading practices in corporate governance and emerging trends and challenges.”

“We are proud to work with KPMG on this endeavor that will boost much needed diversity on public boards,” said HITEC Chairman Alberto Yepez. “We are excited to welcome the first class of participants in the Emerging Director Board program at HITEC’s Silicon Valley Leadership Summit hosted at Cisco in November and look forward to seeing them succeed as future board leaders.”Applications are only open to HITEC members that are C-suite level and have obtained a recommendation by a sponsor or the HITEC Board. A selection committee will choose participants.