Leadership

Elena Richards

Elena Richards is a Principal and Chief Culture & Inclusion Officer at KPMG LLP. She is also an accomplished HR and talent management professional with deep knowledge of the professional services industry. In her role, she leads the firm’s national Culture & Inclusion team, works closely with the KPMG U.S. Management Committee and the Board of Directors to advance the firm’s strategy to attract and retain high-performing talent, and fosters an inclusive work environment.

With over 20 years of experience, Elena’s North Star is to create psychologically safe workplaces and consistent experiences for everyone at KPMG. She has championed KPMG for being a signatory on pledges with organizations that support an inclusive workforce. And in 2021, she received the NJCPA Ovation award, which recognized her for her passion and contributions toward promoting inclusion across the finance and accounting profession.

She currently serves as a board member for the KPMG U.S. Foundation, Inc. and the Community Foundation of New Jersey; is on the Board of Advisors for Catalyst; is a member of the Boston College Center for Work & Family Advisory Board; and is a member of Seramount’s Diversity Best Practices Collective. She is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ National Diversity & Inclusion Commission.

Elena earned her B.A. in criminal justice at the University at Albany, State University of New York, and is a certified executive coach.