Leadership reshuffle, workforce cuts: KPMG Australia enters another phase of change

KPMG Australia is altering its senior leadership team while preparing to eliminate up to 400 additional roles, as the professional services firm navigates governance scrutiny, restrictions on federal government contracts and mounting cost pressures.

Chief executive John Sams has appointed Gayle Dickerson as chief operating officer (COO) and chief financial officer (CFO) as first reported by AFR.

The appointments come as the firm moves ahead with a broader restructuring aimed at managing costs and rebuilding institutional trust.

Dickerson will take on the combined responsibilities of COO and CFO, filling the finance leadership position previously held by Sams before he became chief executive. She also replaces Eileen Hoggett as COO.

Ben Travers, KPMG's Asia-Pacific Head of Tax and Legal, has also taken on an expanded role within the firm's core executive leadership group. Travers was previously among the finalists considered for the CEO position in 2026.

The leadership reshuffle follows the high-profile dismissal of former COO Eileen Hoggett, who was fired over allegations that she shared confidential Lendlease board documents to secure audit contracts. Hoggett has repeatedly denied the allegations and has since filed a lawsuit against KPMG.

The appointments follow the departure of Hoggett, who was dismissed by KPMG over allegations that she shared confidential Lendlease board documents to secure audit contracts. Hoggett has denied the allegations and has launched legal action against the firm.

Alongside the leadership changes, KPMG is preparing to eliminate up to 400 additional roles as it seeks to manage costs following the loss of federal government work.

The planned reductions would add to workforce cuts implemented earlier in the year. The firm is also facing an extended federal government contract bidding ban, limiting its ability to secure public sector work.

The latest workforce changes reflect the financial and operational pressures facing the business as it adjusts to the impact of the restrictions.

Governance overhaul aims to rebuild trust

The executive appointments form part of a wider governance overhaul at KPMG Australia following scrutiny over its handling of confidential information and internal accountability.

In June 2026, the firm appointed Michael Ebeid AM as its first independent chairman, with a remit to strengthen oversight of ethics and whistleblower processes.

The leadership changes also coincide with a transition at the global level. Former KPMG Australia CEO Gary Wingrove assumed the role of global chairman and CEO on 1 October 2026.

With further job cuts planned and its governance under scrutiny, KPMG Australia faces the challenge of stabilising its operations while restoring confidence among employees, clients and other stakeholders.