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Eileen Hoggett, who led KPMG’s audit business at the time that a whistleblower alleges confidential client data had been shared and potentially used to win new business, has stepped down from her executive role at the embattled firm while an investigation into the scandal continues.

Stan Stavros, who is acting chief executive of KPMG after the resignation of Andrew Yates and senior partner Julian McPherson due to the scandal, revealed the news to staff today.

Hoggett “has decided to step aside from her executive role as COO (chief operating officer) while the investigations are pending,” he said in an email to KPMG employees.

“Eileen will continue in her role as partner in audit & assurance.”