James Stewart

Partner, Turnaround & Restructuring | National Sector Lead, Consumer & Retail

KPMG Australia

James has more than 38 years’ experience in restructuring and turnaround services. As one of Australia’s leading retail restructuring specialists, James provides turnaround and restructuring advice to company boards facing organisational change or financial stress.

James is KPMG Australia’s national leader for Consumer & Retail, co-editor of the annual Australian Retail Outlook published by Inside Retail Magazine and the co-author of KPMG Australia’s flagship Retail Health Index, a data-driven quarterly perspective on the future health of Australia’s retail sector.

James is a regular commentator on the challenges and opportunities facing retail and consumer brands.

During his career with KPMG, James has served as a member of KPMG Australia’s National Board and held various executive management positions including National Leader of the Turnaround & Restructuring practice between 2019 and 2023.

Prior to KPMG James was a Partner for 25 years with the boutique turnaround and restructuring business, Ferrier Hodgson. When Ferrier Hodgson was acquired by KPMG in 2019, James was their National Leader and Chairman of Partners.

 

Areas of expertise

  • Business strategy
  • Retail and consumer brands
  • Restructuring and turnaround
  • Bankruptcy and insolvency processes


Industries

  • Consumer and retail
  • Technology
  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality
  • Bachelor of Business in Accounting

  • INSEAD – Leap 2018

  • Associate Member, Institute of Chartered Accountants, Australia

  • Member, Australian Institute of Company Directors

  • Member, Australian Retailers Association

  • Registered Liquidator of the Supreme & Federal Court

  • Financial institutions

  • Listed corporates and SMEs

  • Hedge funds

  • Retail property institutions