KPMG General Counsel Anne Collins Has Departed Firm
The longtime legal head leaves following the appointment of a new KPMG International chief executive.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Financial Crime
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KPMG general counsel Anne Collins has left the firm after serving in the role since 2016. Her departure coincides with the October 1, 2026, appointment of Gary Wingrove as the new chief executive of KPMG International.
Why it matters
The change in leadership follows internal scrutiny regarding the firm's handling of whistleblower allegations from 2024. These claims involved the management of confidential client information and led to the removal of senior figures within the firm's Australian business.
The firm faced intense oversight following a 2024 whistleblower complaint concerning client confidentiality. While leadership changes have occurred in Australia and globally, the specific legal finalization of the original claims remains ongoing.
The players
Anne Collins
She served as the general counsel for the global accounting network for ten years.
Gary Wingrove
He assumed the role of chief executive of KPMG International on October 1, 2026.
Susan Walsh
She was appointed to replace Anne Collins as the new general counsel.
The details
Anne Collins joined KPMG in 2010 and held the general counsel position for a decade. She is being replaced by Susan Walsh as the firm attempts to move past the scandal that resulted in hundreds of job cuts within its Australian operations.
Timeline
Anne Collins joined the firm in 2010.
Anne Collins became general counsel in 2016.
Whistleblower claims first surfaced in 2024.
Gary Wingrove became chief executive on October 1, 2026.
Legal Context
This leadership overhaul follows the pattern set by the 2024 KPMG whistleblower scandal regarding client confidentiality. The firm's reorganization reflects an attempt to address systemic governance failures that previously triggered investigations in Australia.
Clients and stakeholders should monitor the firm's future governance standards following these executive departures. The transition aims to stabilize operations after significant scrutiny regarding data privacy and internal integrity.
The takeaway
Large professional services networks are increasingly vulnerable to internal whistleblowing that can lead to rapid executive turnover. These incidents often force firms to prioritize transparency to regain the trust of global clients.
Further reading
For more on how major organizations manage internal investigations, see our coverage of Financial Crime.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Financial Times News.
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