KPMG Australia CEO resigns after whistleblower investigation

KPMG Australia announced that its chief executive, Andrew Yates, and the national managing partner for audit and assurance, Julian McPherson, have resigned following a whistleblower complaint that client data had been shared inappropriately. The firm said its internal investigation fell short of expectations and it has engaged the law firm Allens and ethics adviser Principia Advisory to undertake an independent review of its whistle‑blower policies and processes.

KPMG acknowledged the need to rebuild trust, stating it will strengthen safeguards for client confidentiality and implement the review’s recommendations. The firm audits several of Australia’s largest companies, including major banks such as Westpac, ANZ and investment bank Macquarie Group.