PwC boots eight partners over tax leak scandal

Eight partners will exit PwC for their involvement in the tax scandal following an internal investigation that found they misused confidential information.

The eight individuals who are being “exited” from the partnership, or are in the process of being removed, are Peter Konidaris, Eddy Moussa, Richard Gregg, Pete Calleja, Sean Gregory, Peter van Dongen, Wayne Plummer and former chief executive Tom Seymour.

In a statement, the company said the internal investigation found “specific examples” where the individuals breached professional standards and a “failure of leadership and governance”.

“It is clear that the conduct of a number of partners fell short of what was expected of them. They are now being held accountable for their misconduct,” PwC acting chief executive Kristin Stubbins said.

The internal investigation conducted by PwC is separate to an independent review led by former NBN co-chairman Ziggy Switkowski.

PwC’s announcement will mean Seymour, who was chief executive of the firm’s Australian operations for three years from May 2020, will have his partnership exit date – originally slated for September 30 – pushed forward.

“While we cannot change the past, we can control our actions today and in the future. Moving forward, the PwC Australia management team will continue to take all appropriate steps to improve the firm’s culture and standards,” she said.

PwC has been in damage control to repair the company’s reputation after it was revealed that a number of senior partners at the firm had used confidential government advice to drum up work from multinational companies and help them pay less tax.