KPMG appoints John Sams as new CEO
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The news: KPMG Australia has appointed John Sams as its next chief executive, effective immediately.
The context: Sams has been the consulting firm’s chief financial officer since October 2025 and chief operating officer since June 2026. Sams was appointed COO when Eileen Hoggett left the firm amid the whistleblower scandal.
Sams has been a partner at KPMG for over a decade. As Capital Brief recently reported, he has been widely considered the frontrunner for the role.
On his appointment, Sams said he did not underestimate the task he had in turning around the embattled firm.
“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.
“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.”
What they said: 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.
“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.”
The source: KPMG media release
