KPMG Australia Names John Sams CEO After Whistleblower Scandal
KPMG Australia has appointed internal candidate John Sams as chief executive, tasking him with repairing the firm's reputation and restoring confidence among regulators and clients following a predecessor's resignation over mishandled whistleblower claims.
KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as its new chief executive, effective immediately. The promotion concludes a search process that evaluated internal staff, executives from the firm's global network, and external applicants. Sams succeeds Andrew Yates, who stepped down in May after mishandling whistleblower claims.
The leadership transition is a critical step for the firm as it attempts to stabilize its market position and manage regulatory scrutiny. Independent chairman Michael Ebeid, who served on the selection panel, noted the board chose an insider with a specific mandate. "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," Ebeid said.
Sams brings over two decades of experience in tax, corporate finance, and infrastructure advisory to the role. He began his career at KPMG in the UK before relocating to Australia, where he built a track record advising on major infrastructure projects. He has been a partner at the firm for more than ten years, serving as chief financial officer since October 2025 and adding the chief operating officer role in June 2026.
The new chief executive acknowledged the depth of the governance issues he must address. "The firm fell short of the standards rightly expected of us, and the accountability for these failures will continue to be implemented," Sams said. "We have serious work to do on our culture, our leadership and our governance and it will take resolve and endurance."
Despite the fallout from the previous regime, Sams signaled his intent to retain and build client relationships. "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," he said. "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."
