NEW YORK (REUTERS) - KPMG International, the world's fourth-largest accounting and consulting network, said its United States firm's chief executive, Mr John Veihmeyer, will become the group's next global chairman.

He will succeed Mr Michael Andrew, who has held the job since May 2011 and is retiring after being diagnosed with a serious medical condition to focus on his recovery, KPMG said in a statement on Thursday.

The change will take effect when Mr Veihmeyer's appointment is ratified, which is expected at the March meeting of senior partners, a spokesman said.

Mr Veihmeyer has been chairman and chief executive of KPMG's US firm since 2010. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, he is a member of the Business Roundtable, the US-India Business Council and the Business-Higher Education Forum.