Dr. Andrew Forde is a Partner in KPMG Canada’s Technology Strategy and Digital Transformation practice and the firm’s inaugural Head of AI Research, a nationally mandated role established to build dedicated in-house AI research capacity and strengthen KPMG’s leadership in AI research, application, and policy influence.
As a Partner, Andrew works with boards and senior executives across governments, energy and utilities, healthcare, telecommunications, financial services, and diversified enterprises to drive large-scale business transformation and operational optimization through technology. He helps organizations redesign operating models, modernize legacy environments, rationalize application portfolios, and implement data and AI strategies that improve performance, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. His work spans enterprise AI strategy, cloud and platform transformation, intelligent automation, cost optimization, and governance modernization, ensuring technology investments translate into measurable business outcomes.
In his role as Head of AI Research, Andrew leads KPMG Canada’s national AI research capability, ensuring the firm is actively shaping how artificial intelligence is researched, governed, commercialized, and trusted in response to real client challenges and Canada’s broader economic priorities. His mandate spans both internal enablement and external market influence. He oversees client-focused AI research, builds strategic partnerships with leading universities and AI research labs, and has established a structured research-to-market pipeline that translates emerging breakthroughs into practical guidance across Advisory, Tax, and Audit. He also serves as the firm’s national AI research voice in academic, industry, and public policy forums.
Andrew holds a PhD in Engineering from the University of Toronto and started his career as a NASA research scientist. His specialization includes applied AI, data and analytics strategy, engineering ontologies, unsupervised learning, preprocessing, and algorithm development. He is recognized for bridging academic rigor with enterprise execution—turning complex technological innovation into scalable, commercially viable transformation.
He is also an Adjunct Professor of Applied Science and Engineering at the University of Toronto, where he teaches innovation, systems thinking, and the responsible deployment of emerging technologies. Recognized as a Top 40 Under 40 emerging leaders, Andrew is a frequent speaker on digital transformation, enterprise optimization, and the evolving role of AI in shaping competitive advantage.