Fired KPMG auditor of Herbalife and Skechers is identified
Several sources have identified an audit manager of accounting giant KPMG’s Los Angeles office as the executive at the center of an insider-trading investigation that involved shares of Herbalife Ltd. and Skechers USA Inc.
Scott London, partner-in-charge of KPMG’s audit practice in Southern California, oversaw audits of both Herbalife and Skechers, the sources said. He has worked with KPMG since 1984, according to his profile on Linkedin.com.
Officials with Skechers and Herbalife said KPMG resigned as the companies’ auditor after learning that a manager had provided non-public information about the companies to a third party, who then used the information in stock trades.
Skechers spokeswoman Jenn Clay said in an email that London was the person who handled the company’s audit. Sources familiar with the matter confirmed the audit official who was involved was London.
London could not immediately be reached for comment.
In addition to his role with KPMG, London has served as chairman of the L.A. Sports Council, a nonprofit organization that promotes spectator sports in Southern California.
The group announced London’s election as chairman of the group in 2011, saying in a news release that London grew up in the San Fernando Valley and played baseball at Cal State Northridge, graduating in 1984 with a degree in accounting.
Full coverage: KPMG auditor accused of insider trading
He remains active in baseball, pitching batting practice for his son’s high school team and signing up annually for a Dodgers’ fantasy camp. London and his wife have two children and live in Agoura Hills.
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