KPMG Australia brings in independent chairman after whistleblower allegations prompt leadership exodus

Lendlease

02/07/2026 24:00

    SYDNEY, July 2 (Reuters) - KPMG Australia on Thursday named former public service broadcaster SBS boss Michael Ebeid as its first independent chairman, as the firm battles a scandal over whistleblower allegations that staff misused confidential information to win audit work.
The appointment comes a week after KPMG said its chairman and two senior partners would leave the firm following whistleblower allegations it misused confidential board papers from real estate company Lendlease LLC.AX to support bids for major audit tenders.
KPMG has admitted mishandling the complaint and launched a fourth investigation after three previous probes failed to substantiate wrongdoing.

 (Reporting by Renju Jose in Sydney; Editing by Chris Reese)
 ((renju.jose@thomsonreuters.com;))