Cayman Islands (April 27, 2021) – KPMG in the Cayman Islands has announced six new Partner promotions. Joining the firm’s partnership are Cathy Houts (Tax), Jeffrey Stower (Restructuring), Ben Blair, Claire Griffin, Hellen Chemeli, and Rennie Khan (all Audit, Asset Management).

Cathy is an experienced leader within KPMG’s Tax function, leading the Firm through the continually evolving tax environment since joining in 2009 and now becoming the firm’s first female Tax Partner. She also works closely with Gender Equality Cayman and 100 Women in Finance locally.

Jeff has over 19 years of restructuring experience and has been with KPMG for over a decade. An instrumental part of the leadership team, Jeff has established an international network and was named in the Global Guide of Who’s Who Legal as a leading restructuring and insolvency practitioner.

Ben has over 17 years of audit experience across the UK, UAE and the Cayman Islands. He has an important role in the Global Asset Management working group, building up relevant functionality and creating a knowledge library for the Firm. 

Claire is a private equity specialist who leads some of the Firm’s key private equity relationships. She is also a member of Hedge Fund Care’s Hope of Cayman Committee and often presents to 100 Women in Finance on digitization.

An accomplished engagement leader, Hellen brings over 15 years’ experience to KPMG in hedge funds, private debt and credit and private equity. She plays an active part in the KPMG Junior Achievement program and the KPMG Money Talks program for local children. 

With over 20 years’ experience from Trinidad and Tobago and the Cayman Islands, Rennie leads the Firm’s audit relationship with the KPMG Hong Kong asset management practice, serves on the Cayman Islands Institute of Professional Accountants (“CIIPA”) Council and is Chair of the CIIPA Public Practice Committee.

“We are delighted to welcome Cathy, Jeff, Ben, Claire, Hellen and Rennie as Partners at KPMG. These promotions reflect their motivation to deliver the world-class service and advice that our clients and industry peers require. They are all great ambassadors for our firm, which is clear through the numerous initiatives and organizations they work with outside of the office,” said Andy Stepaniuk, Managing Partner at KPMG.

“Each new Partner brings their own individual skillsets and personalities to the role and we are excited to see what the future holds as they start this new chapter in their already well-distinguished careers.”