She takes over from Anne Collins, who has been appointed as KPMG International’s global general counsel based out of London.

Ms Capon formed part of the in-house team at Origin Energy for four years, where she was "responsible for managing some of the company’s largest contentious and corporate matters", according to a statement from KPMG.

Prior to that, she spent 11 years as a corporate partner at Herbert Smith Freehills, then known as Freehills.

KPMG Australia CEO Gary Wingrove said the firm’s growth strategy would require extensive input from the legal team.

"With the rapidly changing marketplace and continued execution of our firm’s growth strategy, we require a high level of legal advice and support from our general counsel and team," he said.

"Louise brings to the firm broad commercial legal experience in large matters, plus strong leadership skills."

He also commended Ms Collins for her new appointment to the London office, saying he was "extremely proud" her abilities had been recognised internationally.