Karen Lonergan has been appointed as the new Chief People Officer of professional services firm PwC Australia.
Lonergan has more than 25 years’ experience in HR at several major Australian businesses, including Woolworths, David Jones, Qantas and Stockland, where she is currently the Chief People Officer.
Lonergan is expected to commence her role at PwC, one of Australia’s Big Four accounting firms, on July 1.
PwC Australia CEO Kevin Burrowes said the company is thrilled to have Lonergan on the executive leadership team.
“She has a strong track record of delivering exceptional results at some of Australia’s largest leading companies,” Burrowes said.
Lonergan said she is looking forward to being a part of PwC.
“I am excited to be joining an organisation which is committed to enhancing its culture and has placed a strong emphasis on people experience,” Lonergan said.
“Having worked across a wide range of sectors and companies, I am energised by the opportunity to apply my skills in a new environment.”
The appointment is part of the firm’s response to a major tax scandal that broke last year. One of PwC’s international tax experts Peter-John Collins was found to have leaked confidential government information on tax laws that ultimately allowed the firm to garner new clients and make larger profits.
Following the scandal, PwC conducted an independent review in May 2023 and delivered an action plan to make significant cultural changes to the firm.
Part of the action plan are five commitments to change, including: putting the firm’s purpose and values first; increasing independence and effectiveness of the governance board; improving discipline and rigour of decision making; strengthening risk and conflict management; and embed a culture and practive of constructive change.
CEO Kevin Burrowes said Lonergan will play a key part in advancing change for the company following the scandal.
“PwC has taken swift and significant steps to advance its cultural transformation over the last several months, yet we know meaningful change takes time,” Burrowes said.
“Karen will be an asset to our leadership team and is the right person to ensure the steps we have taken to date are comprehensively embedded into the fabric of the firm.”
Lonergan said she is excited to contribute to changes at PwC.
“As the firm continues to make progress on its commitments to change, I look forward to contributing to its continued growth and success,” Lonergan said.
“To those at the firm and in my direct team, I cannot wait to meet you all, as I am sure you will inspire and challenge me in new ways.”
Lonergan will commence her role as Chief People Officer on July 1.