The 2021 Women Leaders In Consulting: Carole Streicher

Carole Streicher is KPMG in the U.S.'s Deal Advisory & Strategy Service Group Leader as well as the Americas Regional Head of Deal Advisory. Carole specializes in advising corporate, private equity and public organizations on all aspects of the M&A transaction lifecycle from deal strategy to diligence to post-close value creation. Her integrated team has a client-centric approach, aligned with deep industry expertise and technology to deliver data-driven insights. Carole previously led the U.S. firm's Healthcare and Life Sciences Deal Advisory & Strategy practice and has extensive transaction experience across all facets of the Healthcare and Life Sciences industries. Carole also has significant cross-border experience executing deals in markets across Europe, Asia, Latin America and Canada. Carole's mission is to foster a diverse and inclusive team culture while providing best-in-class services to the world's leading organizations.

Carole Streicher broke a long-standing glass ceiling in 2020 when she became the first woman lead partner of KPMG's Deal Advisory and Strategy (DAS) practice. In addition to being the first woman to hold this position at KPMG, Carole is the only woman leader of an M&A practice at any of the 'Big 4' accounting firms.

Carole took the reins of DAS during the height of Covid-19. It was a precarious time with the near stoppage of the M&A and IPO markets along with the prospect of shifting the client facing work of DAS to an all virtual environment. Carole's exemplar leadership kept DAS moving forward and when the M&A market came back, DAS took full advantage. The practice is having one of its best years ever in 2021.

While amazing, it's not surprising that Carole achieved this first in DAS given she ran the very successful DAS Healthcare and Life Sciences practice—in her last two years Carole grew the practice almost 40%.

A mentor to many, Carole is passionate about developing people and championing KPMG's commitment to diversity, equity & inclusion. She has created one of the most inclusive and diverse senior leadership teams in KPMG, half of whom are from underrepresented groups.

Carole's philosophy of career development is simple yet effective. "Dream big. If you don't see your role model, then become your role model and help others."

What do you consider your greatest personal or professional achievement?

"Becoming the first woman to lead KPMG's Deal Advisory and Strategy practice and the only woman to lead an M&A practice at any of the Big 4."

What's the best advice—consulting or otherwise—you've ever received?

"The breaks on a car don't slow you down, they keep you on the road going fast. Taking time for yourself and your family is not selfish, it keeps you balanced, and balance is needed for the marathon of your career."

What advice would you give to a female consultant just beginning her career?

"Anything is possible – go ahead and dream big. If you don't see that person, that role model, above you, that doesn't mean you can't do it. Push the boundaries and pave the path forward. Look for great mentors and sponsors (male or female) who can help you achieve your path."

What does being recognized as a Consulting Woman Leader mean to you?

"There are a lot of amazing women leaders doing incredible work in consulting and it is a tremendous honor to be counted among them."