KPMG finds new chief executive

The embattled consulting firm has named a new chief executive, choosing to promote from within after former chief executive Andrew Yates stepped down in June in the wake of the whistleblower scandal.

KPMG named chief financial officer John Sams as its new chief executive.

Sams, who has been in the role since October 2025, has also overtaken the role of the chief operating officer of the scandal-hit consulting firm. He has been a partner at KPMG for over a decade and has stepped into his new roles effective immediately.

KPMG independent chair Michael Ebeid said: "The board believes that John has the strong attributes required to be the firm's successful leader - including agility, courage and integrity."

"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."

KPMG national chair Martin Sheppard and chief executive Andrew Yates resigned from the firm after the consulting giant admitted its treatment of a whistleblower and investigation into their allegations fell short.

Allegations against KPMG by the whistleblower include misappropriation of confidential Lendlease board papers which were used by KPMG to pursue major audit tenders including Westpac and Dexus. There have also been serious concerns raised regarding independence and integrity during the pursuit of the Macquarie audit contract.

It has since detailed a governance overhaul and action plan to address integrity issues across the firm.

"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," Sams said.

"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."

Sams added he is optimistic about the future of the firm, and he would have never taken on this role otherwise.

"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," Sams said.

"I will lead the changes that will make us better, whatever that takes. My immediate focus is to provide confidence to our clients and people. I will provide clear leadership, deliver the Action Plan in full, make measurable progress on culture, integrity and transparency, and support our people through the change ahead."

He added KPMG will continue to engage openly and constructively with the Parliamentary Joint Committee and regulators.

"John has the board's full support to decisively deliver the Action Plan, announced in June to address governance and integrity issues and build a stronger, more accountable firm," Ebeid said.

The government has also opened consultation on a review of corporate whistleblowing laws in Australia to ensure they are working to effectively protect whistleblowers.

The consultation considers financial incentives for whistleblowers. Currently, the regime does not include financial incentives or rewards for whistleblowers as it relies on perceived moral and civic obligations.