KPMG Australia appoints new CEO amid ongoing audit scandal

Key Points

John Sams has been named the new CEO of KPMG Australia, effective immediately.
The appointment follows the resignation of former CEO Andrew Yates in May 2026.
KPMG is currently navigating the fallout from allegations that staff misused confidential client data to win audit contracts.
The firm has recently imposed financial penalties on several staff members following an internal investigation.

Background History

KPMG Australia has been under intense scrutiny since March 2026, when whistleblower allegations surfaced claiming that staff used confidential information from clients like Lendlease and Optus to secure audit work with other major companies, including Westpac and Dexus. The firm has admitted that its initial internal investigations into these claims were inadequate, leading to a series of high-profile leadership departures and ongoing regulatory interest.

KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as its new chief executive officer, marking a significant leadership change as the firm attempts to move past a damaging scandal involving the misuse of confidential client information. Sams, who previously served as the firm's chief financial officer and chief operating officer, assumes the role immediately. His appointment follows a rigorous selection process overseen by the firm's independent chairman, Michael Ebeid, and comes two months after the resignation of former CEO Andrew Yates.