KPMG taps chief financial officer to lead firm out of leaks scandal

KPMG has entrusted chief financial officer John Sams with the challenging job of rehabilitating the accounting and audit firm after the leaks scandal that has shredded its reputation.

Mr Sams was on Tuesday named as KPMG’s new chief executive, succeeding Andrew Yates, who was forced to quit the firm in May amid mounting pressure from parliamentarians.

KPMG chair Michael Ebeid said Mr Sams had the “agility, courage and integrity” to lead the firm and was armed with a mandate from the board “to strengthen leadership and culture, improve confidence with our people, clients, regulators, government and the Parliament”.

Sign up to The Nightly’s newsletters.

Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.

By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Mr Sams started his career with KPMG as a graduate in the UK tax practice in 2003 before moving on secondment to Australia in 2006.