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FinanceKPMG Australia appoints John Sams as new CEO after whistleblower scandal
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KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as its new CEO, effective immediately, following the resignation of former chief Andrew Yates in May over mishandled whistleblower claims. The decision was made by a panel that reviewed internal candidates, global executives, and external applicants. Independent chairman Michael Ebeid stated that Sams has a clear mandate to strengthen leadership and culture, improve confidence with stakeholders, and focus the firm on key contributions. Sams, who has been KPMG Australia's CFO since October 2025 and COO since June 2026, has over 20 years of experience in tax, corporate finance, and infrastructure advisory. He acknowledged the firm's failures and committed to taking tough decisions to restore trust and improve governance.
Source report
KPMG Australia has named John Sams as its new CEO, with the appointment taking effect immediately.
The decision was finalized after a selection panel reviewed internal candidates, executives from KPMG's global network, and external applicants.
Sams takes over the leadership role after former chief Andrew Yates resigned in May over mishandled whistleblower claims.
Board Endorsement
KPMG independent chairman Michael Ebeid, who served on the selection panel, said:
"The Board believes that John has the strong attributes required to be the firm's successful leader – including agility, courage and integrity.
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"John has a clear mandate from the Board: to strengthen leadership and culture, improve confidence with our people, clients, regulators, government and the Parliament, and focus KPMG on the areas where it can make the greatest contribution to our clients, people and stakeholders."
Background and Experience
- Sams has served as KPMG Australia's Chief Financial Officer (CFO) since October 2025.
- From June 2026, he also held the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO).
- He has been a partner at the firm for more than ten years.
- Sams began his career at KPMG UK before relocating to Australia.
- He has over 20 years of experience spanning tax, corporate finance, and infrastructure advisory.
- He developed extensive experience advising on major infrastructure projects, providing commercial and financial guidance.
CEO's Statement
Sams commented:
"I do not underestimate the task ahead but commit to our clients and people that I am prepared to be courageous, take the tough decisions and lead the changes we need to set us on the right path.
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"The firm fell short of the standards rightly expected of us, and the accountability for these failures will continue to be implemented. We have serious work to do on our culture, our leadership and our governance and it will take resolve and endurance.
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"Despite everything we have faced so far, I am optimistic about the future, otherwise I would never have taken on this role. While the challenges are real, so too are the strengths of this firm and I am equally clear about the opportunities to strengthen KPMG for the future."
"KPMG Australia appoints new CEO" was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.
Source
Yahoo FinanceWestern
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