With millennials in mind, KPMG Denver opened a new downtown office Thursday that looks nothing like a place where stodgy tax accountants work. Called , the collaborative space for employees and clients is meant to inspire innovation with its dry-erase walls, game tables and a moss wall — “feel free to mist,” says a sign.
“Denver is a tech hub. It has a vibrant IT community. It’s the number one destination for millennials,” said Mike Bearup, managing partner of KPMG’s Denver office. “We’re looking for employees and an ecosystem that supports innovation.”
KPMG already has hired 60 people and expects to have 100 by the end of the year. The consulting firm, which employs 550 in a nearby building, was lured to Denver with city incentives worth $350,000. About $249,000 of that is contingent on KPMG hiring 166 workers, according to the city.
Lou Trebino, KPMG’s director of technology enablement, said the company needs data scientists, cloud technologists and other skilled workers. Ultimately, about 225 people will work at the KPMG Denver Ignition, 1001 17th St. — a former Quiznos headquarters. KPMG plans to open Ignition centers in San Diego, Atlanta, Seattle and Grand Rapids, Mich., by 2016.
Tamara Chuang: 303-954-1209, tchuang@denverpost.com or twitter.com/Gadgetress
