PwC Australia consulting leader David McKeering joins NTT Data as Australia chief executive

Another high profile PwC partner has left the embattled consulting firm and will become the new boss of NTT Data in Australia as it looks to expand its presence in the region.

PwC Australia’s former consulting leader David McKeering has joined NTT Data.

PwC Australia’s consulting ­leader David McKeering has ­become the Australian and New Zealand chief executive of NTT DATA as the technology services provider looks to turbocharge growth in the region.

His appointment comes as the global tech consultancy ­undergoes a period of transition through the merger of NTT DATA and NTT into a single $US30bn entity, with Abhijit Dubey appointed global CEO.

In his new role, Mr McKeering will steer the Australian and New Zealand subsidiaries of NTT DATA, with a focus on driving growth. He will also be tasked with helping clients navigate their journey as they take advantage of rapid technological ­advancements and modernise their operations.

Mr McKeering told The Australian he would continue to ­accelerate NTT DATA’s growth in the region. “We need to make sure that we have the capability to make sure we are relevant to our clients now and into the ­future,” he said.

“The whole technology landscape is changing at the moment. All of our clients are reassessing their spend and how they best optimise it. There is an opportunity to make sure we are aligning our infrastructure to best meet their needs.

PwC Australia has seen a number of high profile partners exit since the tax scandal. Picture: Reuters

“We can also look to educate them around new technologies that are coming online, such as gen AI, and how to best take ­advantage of it.”

He said the discussion in business circles around generative AI had moved from how to ­implement it to how to bring it into the actual business.

Mr McKeering’s departure is the latest in a series from PwC, which has seen more than 200 partners exit the business in the wake of its tax scandal which erupted last year.

While many have left in part because of Allegro Funds taking over its government consulting arm, which has been rebranded Scyne Advisory, others have joined rival firms, including former global head of education Chris Matthews, who is now at KPMG.

PwC’s former digital lead, Kristy Simpkin, has joined NTT DATA as vice-president of strategy and transformation.

NTT DATA has secured a number of big contracts in recent months, including with NSW Health to upgrade ICT infrastructure at hospitals and health services across the state.

Mr McKeering said that throughout his career, he had witnessed first-hand the power of passion, purpose, and people in driving a company’s success, and looked forward to working with clients to deliver innovative solutions.

“NTT DATA exemplifies these values, with an unwavering commitment to innovation and technology,” he said. “I am thrilled to join this team and leverage my strengths as we propel the company towards long-term success.

“I’m looking to nurture our talent and the diversity that we have within as well.

“I’m really passionate around developing a team and ensuring that there are ample opportunities for staff to build and gain ­experience.”

NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, headquartered in Tokyo.

NTT Data Asia Pacific CEO John Lombard, who was once managing director at KPMG, said that Mr McKeering’s vision and leadership style was a perfect fit for the company’s culture, which prioritises inclusivity, high performance, and nurturing both talent and diversity.

“The ANZ market is a cornerstone for our regional and global success. We are confident that David’s leadership will propel our ANZ business to new heights, achieving even faster growth and delivering significant value to our clients,” he said.

Originally published as PwC Australia consulting leader David McKeering joins NTT Data as Australia chief executive