James Stewart

James is one of Australia’s leading restructuring experts and has practised in corporate restructuring and strategic consulting for more than 35 years. He is highly regarded as a strategic thinker and is a frequent public commentator on digital disruption, changes in consumer behaviour and the impact on retail models where his knowledge and experience is unique.

James has a particular interest in stakeholder and crisis management and in 2018, he completed an executive management course with INSEAD on leadership and organisational change.

In June 2019, James joined KPMG as a Partner and Joint National Leader of Restructuring Services following the firm's merger with Ferrier Hodgson. James was a member of KPMG Australia's National Board from July 2020 to July 2022.

In 1994, James became a Partner of Ferrier Hodgson. He later became the Managing Partner of KPMG Australia’s Melbourne office as well as the firm’s National Retail Practice Leader, and ultimately, National Chairman of Partners.  

Areas of expertise

• Business strategy
• Restructuring and turnaround
• Retail and consumer brands

Industries

• Retail