Jill Scalzo Niland

The message from LPs is clear: sharpen your edge or get left behind. The latest KPMG US Private Markets Survey signals a shift in what matters most. Capital deployment still matters, but strategy, stability, and clarity are now leading the conversation. Artificial intelligence is now a top investment priority. Cybersecurity is a baseline expectation. And governance is under real scrutiny. PE firms that lead in innovation and accountability will be the ones who win long-term trust and capital. The rest will have to explain why they didn’t see the shift coming. Read the full survey here: https://lnkd.in/g8pQQFRD. #KPMGPrivateEquity #AI #Cybersecurity #PrivateMarkets #Governance #LPExpectations #ValueCreation #KPMGInsights

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The role of the CRO has shifted. KPMG US released From Reaction to Readiness, examining how Chief Restructuring Officers are evolving from reactive firefighters to proactive strategists. The data tells the story. 66% of organizations cite persistent financial distress as the top reason to hire a CRO. Yet early engagement delivers significantly better outcomes. Most companies still wait too long. 60% of respondents expect global economic volatility to increase demand for CRO services. Private equity firms are especially concerned at 65%. What's changed: Modern CROs need digital fluency, sophisticated management capabilities, and an understanding of global market dynamics. The skill set has broadened beyond traditional turnaround expertise. Organizations that engage restructuring leadership early position themselves to address challenges before distress becomes acute. Waiting until crisis mode limits options and outcomes. Read the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eY4BJ98t #KPMGStrategy #Restructuring #Leadership #Transformation

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PwC Overhauls US Advisory Structure to Double Down on Industry Specialization PwC is expanding its US advisory segments from four to eight, integrating managed services across all platforms to deliver more industry-specific, cohesive client support. The revamp, part of US leader Paul Griggs’ broader efficiency strategy, comes amid a push to strengthen capabilities in areas like IT, HR, and e-commerce while continuing a major hiring effort. https://lnkd.in/e8ACfzqC #PwC #AdvisoryTransformation #ConsultingStrategy #ManagedServices #DigitalTransformation #ProfessionalServices #PwCNews #BusinessStrategy #Ecommerce #WorkforceTransformation

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RSM is making a $1 billion investment over the next three years to expand and accelerate its AI strategy—driving next-level innovation and delivering transformative value for the firm’s clients and people. This bold step integrates agentic AI—intelligent systems that autonomously perform complex tasks alongside humans—into the heart of RSM’s operations and services. It’s a major milestone in the firm’s digital journey toward delivering smarter, faster and more strategic solutions, all while building an empowered workforce. Learn more: #DigitalFirst #BeDigital #RSM #AI #AgenticAI #DigitalInnovation https://rsm.buzz/4kHOq9V

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With the rise of AI and GenAI, SaaS companies face a pivotal moment: adapt or fall behind. A new EY article, authored by my colleague, Michael Stricklen, outlines six strategic steps SaaS leaders can take today to future-proof their product and engineering teams, from embedding AI expertise to fostering a culture of experimentation. The key takeaway? Thriving in an AI-first world isn’t just about tools, it’s about transforming people, teams, and culture. https://lnkd.in/g66zKi6h #AI #SaaS #GenAI #Leadership #FutureOfWork #EY Barak Ravid Sam Peterson Gerohn Lanns Jake Plumer Amanda Donohue

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Volatility continues, but dealmakers aren’t pausing. With a third shock to M&A, veteran executives are still making moves. Get the details from Bain in our M&A Midyear Report.

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From poor data quality to loss of IP, BDO breaks down the top 5 AI-related risks currently facing the manufacturing industry: https://lnkd.in/ggpX6wm4

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As part of Protiviti’s 2026 Private Equity Insights, we examine where private equity and portfolio company leaders anticipate the most significant growth opportunities over the next two to three years. Our analysis also highlights how these leaders are responding to the accelerating impact of artifical intelligence (AI), addressing emerging risk exposures, and reshaping their near‑term investment priorities to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market landscape.

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