NEW YORK, April 17, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Consulting magazine has named KPMG LLP Advisory Director Keaton Miller and Managing Director Olli Valikangas winners of the magazine's inaugural "Rising Stars of the Profession Awards." Both were featured in the March issue of Consulting along with a select group of other talented and accomplished consultants under the age of 35 who have distinguished themselves as young leaders in the profession.
Miller, who was selected for excellence in Operations Management, and Valikangas, honored for his work in Strategy Consulting, will also be recognized at a Consulting magazine event on April 24 in Chicago.
"Keaton and Olli are great examples of the highly-skilled, talented and accomplished individuals that are helping distinguish KPMG's Advisory team during this time of accelerated growth for the firm," said Lynne Doughtie, vice chair for Advisory at KPMG. "Both have achieved exceptional success within their respective teams and stand out for their contributions to the firm. Their focus on clients, their drive, and their dedication represent the qualities we encourage and value at KPMG, and we are pleased they have been recognized for their achievements."
Miller, a charter member of the firm's Procurement Consulting group, helped fuel significant growth of that business in the last five years. Based in Dallas, Miller has been instrumental in driving KPMG's position as a leader in cloud procurement and building the firm's first cloud procurement alliance. He is also a recent recipient of the KPMG National Chairman's Award for High Performance.
"It is a tremendous honor and a humbling distinction to be recognized for my contributions to KPMG's clients, and be part of such a special community of aspiring professionals," said Miller. "I am proud to be surrounded by dynamic leaders, inspirational mentors, and caring professionals who have supported me, pushed me to new heights, and helped me realize my potential."
Valikangas, who began his KPMG career in the UK in 2004, played a leading role in starting its Operations Strategy and performance-improvement business. Since relocating to the U.S., Valikangas has had a significant impact by extending global relationships and targeting new strategic clients. Now based in Chicago, Valikangas mentors numerous KPMG professionals and takes pride in working with other talented individuals who have played an important role in his success.
"I feel fortunate to be able to shape some of the largest global consulting engagements for KPMG and assist worldwide organizations with their profitability and growth agendas, which has led to huge learning opportunities for me," said Valikangas. "The teamwork at KPMG enlivens my professional experiences and I credit much of my success to the invaluable support provided by my colleagues, leaders and mentors throughout my consulting career."
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (www.kpmg.com/us), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International Cooperative ("KPMG International"). KPMG International's member firms have 155,000 professionals, including more than 8,600 partners, in 155 countries.