Williams named KPMG's real estate head

Greg Williams has been named national leader of professional services firm KPMG's Building, Construction, and Real Estate (BC&RE) practice, according to an announcement from the global audit, tax and advisory firm. 

In his new role, Williams, who is based in the Dallas office, will be responsible for running and expanding the BC&RE practice, which advises real estate investment trusts, real estate investment funds, engineering and construction firms and hospitality companies. 

“I'll be helping our clients navigate the challenges in these markets as we come out of this financial crisis,” Williams told PERE, referring to the above-mentioned real estate and construction markets. He added that the firm has been expanding its BC&RE practice by ‘adding people from the partner to staff levels across the US and globe’ over the past six months. The firm is continuing to hire new staff members. 

Williams succeeds Ray Milnes, who is expected to retire from the firm later this year. Scott Marcello, national leader of KPMG’s Financial Service practice said in a statement that Milnes “is working closely with Greg to ensure a smooth leadership transition”.

Previously, Williams served as the national account leader for the BC&RE practice focused on expanding the portfolio of services offered to the practice’s non-audit clients.  He also has served as a Real Estate and Private Equity leader for the Southwest region in the US and led the Financial Services practice for the Dallas business unit, which includes Dallas, Fort Worth and Oklahoma City.

Prior to joining KPMG as a partner in 2002, Williams joined Chicago-based accounting firm Arthur Andersen in 1987. He was elected an Andersen partner in 1998. Currently, he serves on the board of directors for The Real Estate Council in Dallas.