SYDNEY — KPMG Australia has chosen one of its own partners to lead the firm, promoting John Sams to chief executive on Tuesday — roughly two months after its previous leader departed in the wake of a serious audit leak scandal.
Sams comes from the firm’s commercial advisory and transactions practice group and has held the role of chief financial officer since October 2025. He also took on the role of chief operating officer in June.
According to KPMG, the board conducted a thorough selection process that looked at candidates both from within the firm’s international network and from outside the organization before settling on Sams.
Independent chairman Michael Ebeid expressed confidence in the decision, saying, “The board believes that John has the strong attributes required to be the firm’s successful leader – including agility, courage and integrity.”
The firm has been under heavy scrutiny from the Australian government and major clients since allegations surfaced in March that staff members had used confidential inside information to secure profitable audit contracts. Those accusations came from a whistleblower.
The fallout from the scandal has led to a sweeping shake-up at the top of the organization. The former chief executive, the head of auditing, the former chairman, and several senior audit partners who were connected to the controversy have all left the company.
KPMG said Sams has been given a clear directive from the board: rebuild the firm’s culture and restore confidence among employees, clients, regulators, and government officials.
In a statement, Sams acknowledged the difficulty of the road ahead. “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.
Sams assumes the CEO role effective immediately, succeeding interim leader Stan Stavros.
