KPMG Australia appoints John Sams as CEO

John Sams, chief financial officer and chief operating officer of KPMG Australia, has been appointed chief executive officer.

Sams has been a partner at KPMG for over a decade and has more than 20 years’ experience across tax, corporate finance and infrastructure advisory.

KPMG Australia said the decision to appoint Sams to the position follows a rigorous process, with assessment overseen by a panel comprising Mike Ebeid AM, Jennifer Westacott AC and Kerry Schott AO. Candidates were considered from within KPMG Australia, across the international network and externally, the firm said.

Sams began his career with KPMG UK before relocating to Australia, where he built deep expertise providing commercial and financial advice on major infrastructure projects before leading an infrastructure business and becoming CFO.

Independent chairman Michael Ebeid said Sams 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," said Ebeid.

Ebeid said the Sams would be responsible for delivery of the Action Plan announced by KPMG Australia in June, which will aim to address "governance and integrity issues and build a stronger, more accountable firm".

Commenting on his appointment, Sams said: “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.

“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.”

Sams said his immediate focus would be to provide confidence to the firm's 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. We will continue to engage openly and constructively with the parliamentary joint committee and our regulators," he said.

The board of KPMG also thanked Stan Starvos for performing the role of interim chief executive for the firm at a very difficult time.

"He did so without hesitation, reflecting his deep commitment to the firm, our clients and our people. We are grateful for his service and wish him well for the future," said Ebeid.