PwC has picked the head of its international advisory business, Mohamed Kande, to be its next chairman, putting the big four accounting firm in the hands of a consulting partner for the first time.

According to people familiar with the internal message, it will need to be ratified by member firms in individual countries in the coming weeks, after which Mr. Kande would take over from current chairman Bob Moritz, whose tenure expires in June.

Mohamed Kande holds the title of vice-chairman of the US consulting business as well as global advisory leader. Previously, he was Consulting Leader for the technology, media, telecommunications and hospitality industries at PWC in the United States and globally. His areas of expertise include operational strategy, technology development, mergers and acquisitions, and operations management.