Oster most recently served in the Obama administration as a senior appointee at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the agency’s top communications and public affairs official.
In that role, he was a chief advisor to EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson and a member of her senior management team.
At KPMG, he will oversee all corporate communications, directing the firm’s internal and external communications activities, strategies and staff.
“We’re delighted to welcome a senior-level communications executive with the breadth of experience that Seth Oster brings,” said John B. Veihmeyer, KPMG LLP Chairman and CEO. “In the dynamic and challenging business environment that exists today, where the capital markets and our clients depend on our services and expertise more than ever, the impact and importance of strong, effective communications has never been greater.”
“Seth’s background and skills will be a significant asset to the firm”, said Henry Keizer, KPMG LLP Deputy Chairman and COO. “He will take our communications, both with our people and the broader marketplace, to the next level of excellence.”
Oster said, “I am excited to join KPMG and lead the firm’s internal and external communications efforts. My business priority will be to ensure that KPMG’s communications help drive the firm’s strategic priorities of professionalism, growth, people and global strength.”
Oster has nearly two decades of experience in senior-level communications positions in both the public and private sectors, including prior work in government, entertainment, organized labor, and the high-tech industry. At the EPA, Oster played a key role on high-profile issues ranging from climate change to vehicle efficiency standards to next-generation energy development. He also has managed crisis communications in numerous national and international incidents.
Prior to the EPA, Oster served as executive vice president for global communications at the Motion Picture Association of America. He has also held senior communications positions at the Screen Actors Guild, Napster, and the American Film Institute, and is a former top communications aide to U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein.
A New York native, Oster is a graduate of The George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
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 145,000 people, including more than 8,000 partners, in 152 countries.
Contact:
Tim Connolly
KPMG LLP
(201) 307-8393
Jim McGann
KPMG LLP
(202) 533-5783