Aiming to strengthen its IT advisory practice, KPMG has appointed two star recruits in 2008 with the appointment of former senior vice president at Gartner, Bob Hayward.

The former research fellow officially began working at KPMG this month and will be joined by Peter Mercieca in May 2008.

Peter Mercieca is a leading global consultant to the information, communication and entertainment industry, having spent the last eight years providing technology and other advisory services to corporates in Silicon Valley, the UK and Europe.

He will be leader of KPMG's IT Advisory Information, Communication and Entertainment line of business.

KPMG's IT advisory partner in Charge, Ian Hancock said the appointments respond to growing market demand for highly skilled IT advice.

Prior to joining Gartner, Hayward set up a number of ICT businesses across the Asia Pacific and has advised hundreds of enterprises on their strategies during his 29-year career.

He will take on the role of director at KPMG focussing on assisting clients with ITA strategy and performance.