KPMG's Bermuda operation has appointed Stephen Caton to the newly-created position of chief operating officer.

In making the announcement KPMG managing partner Neil Patterson said: "We have been looking for a COO for some time and we are delighted that Stephen has accepted our offer.

"Stephen brings a great deal of knowledge and experience to his new role. He also knows our firm, our senior management team and many of our clients. He is the perfect candidate for this position."

As COO, Mr. Caton will be responsible for the internal operations of the firm, including administration, finance, information technology and certain aspects of marketing and communications, allowing Mr. Patterson and the partnership team to focus on business development and client care.

Mr. Caton is no stranger to KPMG having initially joined the firm as a staff acountant in 1992. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, Stephen moved quickly though the ranks rising to the position of senior manager before leaving the firm in 2000.

Prior to rejoining KPMG, Mr. Caton served as the head of operations for Citi Hedge Fund Services Ltd., Bermuda and more recently as Citi-Bermuda's global head of quality assurance for their worldwide Hedge Fund Services division.

Mr. Caton is also well known for his community service, having recently concluded 17 years of part-time service with the Bermuda Regiment retiring at the rank of Major. As the Regiment's special projects officer, Major Caton was responsible for staging the very successful 400th Anniversary Tattoo in Dockyard last October.

Amongst other community activities, Mr. Caton has also served as volunteer, council member and treasurer of the Bermuda National Trust and also served his profession through a six-year term on the Council of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Bermuda (ICAB).

"I am excited to return and look forward to the opportunities ahead," Mr. Caton said. "KPMG is uniquely positioned in the marketplace to provide a range of services to varied clients and I am committed to ensuring that the Firm's infrastructure supports our superior client care."