The partnership of KPMG Australia has elected Martin Sheppard as its new National Chairman.

Martin will take over from current National Chairman, Alison Kitchen, when her term ends on 31 August 2023. Martin is a recognised leader in the delivery of professional services to companies both in Australia and internationally and brings unique leadership experience to the role.

Martin Sheppard

Martin Sheppard

“Martin is well known and respected by Boards and CEOs across Australia as a leader and highly effective decision maker. I am delighted that Martin will succeed me and congratulate him on his appointment. He will work closely with Andrew Yates, our CEO, to lead the firm’s future in Australia, and represent the Australian firm in the international arena. I look forward to working with Martin to ensure a smooth transition,” said Alison Kitchen.

"KPMG’s National Chairman has an overarching responsibility for holding the firm to the highest professional standards of governance, quality and integrity to engender trust of KPMG’s people, clients and community. The separation of board and management is critical for the appropriate oversight and holding to account of our CEO and Executive team on all aspects of performance.”

Martin’s time at KPMG spans most of three decades, working in London, Sydney and Melbourne across many of the firm’s service lines including audit, transaction services and consulting.  He has led some of the firm’s largest local and global clients and advised on prominent capital markets transactions. In his time as an audit partner, Martin was the lead audit signing partner of some of Australia’s largest listed companies. Currently on the firm’s National Executive Committee, he is the National Managing Partner of Client Growth & Markets responsible for the industry groups, sectors, investment priorities, acquisitions, alliances, sales enablement, major projects and market intelligence.

From 2015-2018, Martin was CEO and Managing Director of Spotless Limited before returning to the firm. At Spotless Limited, he managed a $3 billion turnover business with more than 30,000 employees, giving him a deep insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by KPMG’s clients.

“I am extremely pleased and grateful to our partners for entrusting this critical role to me,” said Martin. “The role of National Chairman at KPMG is pivotal to upholding the highest standards of governance and all aspects of our firm’s performance. I look forward to utilising my experience to ensure that KPMG continues to develop and deliver the critical professional services the market needs to enable change and uphold confidence.”

Martin Sheppard officially commences as Chairman of KPMG Australia on 1 September 2023. 

For further information

Kristin Silva
0411 110 953
ksilva@kpmg.com.au