Business

KPMG is the smallest of the Big Four professional services firms. KPMG has a new boss. On October 1, Gary Wingrove took over as global chairman and CEO of the Big Four accounting and consulting firm, succeeding Bill Thomas after an eight-year tenure. Wingrove joined KPMG in 2000 and most recently held roles as CEO of KPMG Australia from 2013 to 2021 and international COO. He now oversees more than 276,000 employees across KPMG's member firms. The firms operate as a global network of legally separate firms rather than as a single company, making the role of global chair different from that of a typical corporate CEO. Big Four leaders typically spend decades building the trust, personal networks, and credibility needed to win an internal election — the way Big Four firms choose their heads. Once in the role, they are responsible for holding the network together across geographies, monitoring its performance, and stepping in during high-stakes crises. KPMG did not respond to a request for comment for this story. When Wingrove's appointment was announced in March, he said that he would aim to create an environment where KPMG employees could thrive.

Instinct users flagged unsolicited shopping recommendations, raising questions about how personal AI agents will monetize their platforms. If Instinct has suddenly texted you a shopping list you never asked for, you're not alone. Three early users, among dozens of X users, told Business Insider that the personal AI agent sent them unsolicited product recommendations based on details from earlier conversations. Shruti Gandhi, a general partner and founding engineer at AI-focused venture firm Array Ventures, said Instinct sent her a shopping list despite not requesting one. "I didn't ask for anything," Gandhi told Business Insider, adding that the agent knew she had a trip coming up. Screenshots Gandhi shared on X show Instinct using details about her upcoming conference and keynote to create a five-item list, including a $250.75 carry-on suitcase, sunscreen, and a power bank. The recommendations — reviewed by Business Insider — come as Instinct expanded its shopping tools through a Shopify partnership and began rolling out Instinct Selections, a feature that Shinn says draws on recommendations curated by chefs, designers, architects, and local guides.

Affordability issues and more restrictive immigration laws have forced a Canmore boutique and gift store to close its doors next month and move its operations online. "I guess in the end it doesn't really feel like it was my decision at all," said Laura Bodell, owner of Alberta's Own Marketplace, which sells locally produced fine art, souvenirs, Indigenous blankets, bath and body items, men's grooming products, jewellery and apparel. Bodell has been searching for a manager since March. In the past six months, the store received only five applicants, all of whom weren't qualified for the job. "Even with my team having made over $30 an hour this summer, we were only getting high school student applicants," Bodell told Postmedia. "So heading into fall, that level of availability just can't keep us going. "Her team has shrunk to three staffers, most of whom are immigrants. One is from Ukraine and is trying to bring her husband to Canada. Bodell said the staffer has decided to move back to her country because Canada's stricter rules would not allow her husband to immigrate here.

Meta is betting that its AI agent can help consumers find better product listings. A CEO said that's already changed how he shops with Amazon. Meta's AI agent, Muse, has been going shopping for Leif Abraham. With Amazon blocking the AI agent from placing orders, Abraham says that means fewer purchases from Amazon. Abraham, the cofounder and co-CEO of investing platform Public, told Business Insider he's turned to Muse to purchase mostly niche, hard-to-find products — skincare, vintage wines, a German creatine product, discontinued Levi's jeans. "Since the thing came out, I've been buying so much stuff," he said. "I literally just have to approve the payment, and that's it. "Muse is Meta's bet that customers will entrust AI agents to handle internet errands, like booking a restaurant reservation for friends or finding their next outfit. It's an early hit, rocketing to the top of the App Store charts shortly after its launch last month. On Sunday, Abraham posted about his Muse experience on X, calling Meta and Shopify's recent integration a "win for Shopify. ""The amount of purchases I've made with Muse that I used to have gone to Amazon for," he wrote.

HOUSTON — Chevron Chief Financial Officer Eimear Bonner will become president of its oil, products and gas business, the company said on Monday. Jeff Gustavson, currently president of Chevron’s new energies business, will succeed Bonner as CFO. Both moves are effective January 1. The executive reshuffle comes as the second-largest US oil major is preparing for CEO Mike Wirth to hand over the reins. In December, Wirth said he was in discussions with the board about succession planning and did not expect to serve more than 10 years in the role. Bonner and Gustavson are both seen as potential candidates for CEO, several investors have told Reuters. Wirth has led the company for more than eight years. Latest updates on company news here“Chevron maintains a robust succession planning process overseen by the board. We have strong leadership across the company and a deep bench of experienced executives prepared to lead the business,” a company spokesperson said. The oil major also said Mark Nelson, currently head of the oil, products and gas business, will leave the role on January 1 but remain vice chairman and oversee strategy and business development.

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The United States on Monday warned foreign financial institutions that if they conducted any business with Iran or its banking sector they could be sanctioned by Washington. "Foreign financial institutions continuing to transact with sanctioned Iranian financial institutions could be targeted at any time without advance notification and should take immediate action to terminate such activity and relationships," the US Treasury said in an "alert" statement.

AtlanticNova ScotiaNew BrunswickPrince Edward Island Newfoundland and LabradorCalgaryLethbridgeKitchenerGuelphNorthern OntarioSudburyNorth BaySault Ste. MarieTimminsOttawaKingstonBrockvillePembrokeReginaYorktonSaskatoonPrince AlbertTorontoWatchWeatherPeelHamiltonDurhamYorkHaltonNiagaraQueen's ParkToronto City HallIn PicturesVancouverVancouver IslandCanadaLocal SpotlightRoyal FamilyPoliticsNanosPower PlayQuestion PeriodFederal Election 2025WorldMideast ConflictRussia-Ukraine WarWatchLatestCaptured on CameraPoliticsLifestyleConsumerHealthExplainedEntertainmentTechnologyDeception DecodedAutosEnvironmentBusinessInflationReal EstateAutos