Elio is a visionary leader whose career has significantly shaped the accounting profession, business education, and Canada’s broader corporate landscape.
As CEO and senior partner of KPMG from 2016 until his retirement in 2024, he championed innovation, diversity, and technological transformation while leading more than 1,000 partners and 11,000 employees across 40 Canadian offices. He also served as one of 18 global board members for KPMG International.
Among his accomplishments, Elio oversaw 35 acquisitions to develop new business areas, expanded KPMG’s partnership by more than 50%, and doubled revenue. He also advanced the firm’s capabilities in AI, machine learning, robotics, and data analytics, and strengthened its digital infrastructure through Lighthouse, the firm’s data science and software development arm. In addition, he helped create KPMG’s Digital University at SFU, enabling CPAs and others to gain skills and credentials in digital analytics; this program was subsequently adopted nationally by CPA Canada.
A strong advocate for equity and inclusion, Elio introduced partner diversity KPIs and increased the representation of women and people of colour in leadership roles. He also pioneered mental health leadership by appointing a chief mental health officer in 2017.
Elio’s influence extends well beyond KPMG. As a current director for TD Bank and Tolko Industries, he offers expertise in global markets, geopolitical risk, and operational excellence. His volunteer leadership includes chairing the Canadian Centre for Audit Quality since 2022, past service on the board of governors for the Canadian Tax Foundation, and contributions to CPA Canada’s Tax Advisory Committee. In the community, Elio has helped advanced health-care innovation at Unity Health Toronto, championed gender equity as a member of the board of Catalyst Canada, and strengthened financial oversight and governance at the Conference Board of Canada. His contributions have been recognized with an honorary doctor of laws from SFU and multiple awards for business excellence and community impact.
“Elio has a deep sense of honesty, integrity, and humility, and these attributes are his superpowers. They help him build trusted relationships with clients, colleagues, and peers, motivate and encourage the people around him, and lead every initiative he takes on with great passion and compassion.”
– William B. Thomas, FCPA, Global Chair and CEO, KPMG International
“I believe Elio has made positive and lasting impacts on everything he’s touched: KPMG in Canada and the businesses and clients he advised, including mine; the community organizations he serves; and his family. For me, Elio is the gold standard that others should emulate and he is a true inspiration as a leader.”
– Ryan Beedie, President, Beedie