KPMG U.K. Boss Steps Aside After ‘Stop Moaning’ Comment (2)

KPMG LLP’s U.K. chairman Bill Michael has stepped aside after telling staff to stop moaning about working conditions during the pandemic.

“The firm initiated an independent investigation into the alleged comments in accordance with its usual procedures,” KPMG said in an emailed statement Wednesday. The top executive “has decided to step aside from his duties as Chair while the investigation is underway. We take this matter very seriously,” it said.

In a virtual meeting with KPMG’s financial services consulting team on Monday, Michael told staff to “stop moaning” and “playing the victim card” when staff voiced concern over ...