Isaac Juarez, Office Managing Partner, KPMG

April 2026 — In an interview with Invest:, Isaac Juarez, office managing partner at KPMG in Greater Orlando, discussed the firm’s strong growth, the strategic advantages of the region, and how technology, particularly artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, is reshaping corporate advisory services. “The pace of change is tremendous, and companies are trying to adopt new technologies in ways that are both strategic and sustainable,” Juarez said.

How would you describe the past year for KPMG in Greater Orlando, and what key milestones have shaped your operations?

If we look at the firm from a global, U.S., and local perspective, we experienced growth across the board last year. That growth was largely driven by technology and by embedding technology into everything we do. We also saw expansion across our services through strategic alliances in the marketplace that help complement the solutions we provide to clients.

That same momentum was reflected in Orlando. We experienced growth across our main service lines and had a strong year overall. We also expanded our team by bringing in additional professionals to support client demand.

KPMG has a significant presence in Central Florida. We operate three main locations in the region — a downtown Orlando office and two facilities in Lake Nona. One of those Lake Nona facilities is our national learning, development and innovation center, Lakehouse, where KPMG professionals from across the United States come for training. The second is a Center of Excellence where we provide tax and advisory support services that allow us to scale our work and support clients more efficiently. Taken together, those operations contributed to a strong year for the firm.

What strategic factors led KPMG to establish its Global Training and Innovation Center in Lake Nona?

Several factors made Orlando — and specifically Lake Nona — the right choice. First, there is the climate. We wanted a location where our facilities could operate year-round without disruption.

Second is connectivity. Orlando International Airport provides strong flight connectivity from across the United States, which is essential when you are bringing professionals in from all parts of the country for training.

Finally, Lake Nona itself is a rapidly developing innovation hub. It has built a strong brand around healthcare, technology, and research. The area hosts organizations focused on virtual reality, advanced technology, and innovation, which aligns closely with the way we approach our work. At KPMG, we continuously look for ways to improve how we serve clients through innovation and technology, so being located in that ecosystem was a natural fit.

When you put all those elements together — climate, accessibility, and a growing innovation environment — the decision made a lot of sense.

How has Central Florida’s economic growth affected demand for KPMG’s services?

I’ve witnessed firsthand how the remarkable growth in Central Florida has significantly increased the demand for our services. With more companies relocating or expanding into the region, we find ourselves at the forefront, providing essential support in audit, tax, and advisory services. It’s exciting to see our community flourish and to be part of its continued evolution.

Our professionals based here in Orlando are not limited to serving just the local market. We take pride in supporting clients throughout Florida and across the United States. Our teams include specialists in hospitality, cybersecurity, healthcare, financial services, industrial manufacturing, and other vital sectors. Their expertise is frequently sought for large, complex engagements, and I am consistently impressed by their commitment and adaptability.

Our growth is fueled by both welcoming new organizations to the region and by leveraging the talent of our Orlando-based professionals nationwide. This dynamic approach has been instrumental in driving sustained success. As a leader here, I am proud of the role we play in supporting businesses and communities, both locally and beyond, and look forward to continuing our journey together.

How is KPMG supporting companies navigating digital transformation and regulatory complexity?

Today’s organizations are navigating significant technological changes, which often bring complex regulatory and compliance demands. We’re committed to supporting our clients by delivering integrated, holistic solutions tailored to meet these unique challenges.

Take healthcare as an example: We are recognized as one of the leading Workday implementation partners in the United States. Our teams blend technology know-how with industry and operations experience to achieve improvement outcomes for our clients resulting in greater efficiency and cost reductions. When we partner with clients, we draw from a diverse pool of professionals across our firm. This means bringing together governance specialists, compliance authorities, technology implementation teams, and, when needed, experts in tax or audit. Our approach is designed to give clients well-rounded perspectives and solutions, not just quick fixes to isolated issues.

In the U.S., our KPMG team includes over 36,000 professionals. This extensive network enables us to match clients with specialists who have the precise expertise needed for virtually any challenge. As a result, our solutions reflect not only technical excellence but also a thorough understanding of each client’s unique operational environment.

What trends are you seeing in enterprise risk, cybersecurity, and governance advisory?

Today, organizations are more attuned to risk than ever before. The increasing use of digital platforms, greater dependence on third-party providers, and the complexity of modern technology ecosystems have all contributed to this heightened awareness. While these advancements have led to greater efficiency, they have also introduced new vulnerabilities that must be carefully managed.

Cybersecurity threats remain a top concern for many of our clients. As organizations continue to embrace technology, their exposure to cyber risks grows. At the same time, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of individuals and groups seeking to exploit these weaknesses.

In response, companies are taking a more proactive stance. Discussions about cybersecurity now take place regularly at the highest levels, including boards of directors, audit committees, and executive leadership teams. Many organizations are also partnering with firms like ours to develop robust frameworks for identifying, managing, and mitigating these risks.

While it may never be possible to eliminate risk entirely due to the ever-changing threat landscape, we have seen remarkable progress in recent years. Companies are making significant strides in strengthening their governance and cybersecurity measures, enabling them to respond to emerging risks with greater agility and confidence.

How is KPMG addressing talent development in such a competitive labor market?

At KPMG, our greatest strength lies in our people, and we are deeply committed to their growth and success. We take pride in the recognition our training programs have received, which demonstrates our unwavering belief that ongoing learning is vital in today’s fast-paced world.

KPMG Lakehouse stands at the heart of this commitment. Professionals from across the nation gather in Orlando to enhance their technical knowledge, leadership abilities, and future-ready skills—preparing them to deliver exceptional service to our clients. This immersive environment ensures our teams are equipped to meet new challenges as they arise.

We are dedicated to attracting top talent and empowering them with the tools they need to thrive. Continuous education is a cornerstone of our approach, enabling our professionals to stay ahead of rapidly changing technologies, regulatory shifts, and industry developments.

Our culture is another essential ingredient in our success. We strive to foster a workplace where everyone feels connected to a meaningful purpose, supported by comprehensive benefits, robust professional development, and thoughtful mentorship. 

What are the most pressing concerns facing your clients in today’s economic environment?

Cybersecurity remains a top priority for organizations across industries. Many companies are actively working to strengthen their defenses and manage cyber risks with greater effectiveness.

Geopolitical uncertainty also poses significant challenges, especially for businesses engaged in international trade. With changes in tariffs and evolving regulatory environments, organizations are re-evaluating their approaches to supply chain management and global operations. We frequently hear from clients who are considering whether to nearshore production, continue offshore operations, or bring activities back to the United States.

Building supply chain resilience is now a key strategic priority. Companies are seeking ways to balance efficiency, cost, and risk, all while staying compliant with ever-changing regulations.

Artificial intelligence is another frequent topic in our discussions with clients. Many organizations see the transformative possibilities of AI and are eager to use it responsibly. They are seeking guidance on how to integrate AI into their operations while maintaining strong governance, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Given the rapid pace of change, companies are exploring how to adopt new technologies in ways that are both strategic and sustainable. Our commitment is to support them through this journey, helping to implement solutions that align with their long-term vision.

Want more? Read the Invest: Greater Orlando report.