KPMG Australia appoints John Sams as CEO to lead post scandal rebuild

KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as its new Chief Executive Officer. Marking a pivotal leadership change as the professional services firm works to rebuild trust after an audit leak scandal triggered intense scrutiny from government, regulators and clients.

According to the KPMG Australia official website, Sams appointment takes effect immediately following a rigorous selection process that assessed candidates from within KPMG Australia, across the firm's global network and externally. The process was overseen by an independent panel comprising Mike Ebeid AM, Jennifer Westacott AC and Kerry Schott AO.

He succeeds interim CEO Stan, who stepped into the leadership role following the governance crisis that prompted a broader overhaul of the firm's leadership and accountability measures. His appointment comes as KPMG continues implementing an action plan announced in June to address governance and integrity concerns.

Having served as Chief Financial Officer since October 2025 and Chief Operating Officer since June 2026, Sams brings more than two decades of experience spanning tax, corporate finance and infrastructure advisory. 

A KPMG partner for over 10 years, he began his career with KPMG UK before relocating to Australia, where he advised on major infrastructure projects before leading the firm's infrastructure business and later assuming its finance leadership.

Board backs leadership reset

Michael Ebeid AM, Independent Chairman said, "The Board believes that John has the strong attributes required to be the firm’s successful leader – including agility, courage and integrity. 

He added, “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.

"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,” he concluded. 

Focus on culture and accountability

Sams acknowledged, "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. 

“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,” he further said. 

"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,” Sam also mentioned.

He added that restoring confidence among clients and employees would be his immediate priority.

“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. We will continue to engage openly and constructively with the Parliamentary Joint Committee and our regulators."

Ebeid also acknowledged the contribution of outgoing interim CEO Stan.