Kumar Parakala
Kumar Parakala is an accomplished business leader and entrepreneur, currently serving as the founding President of GHD Digital. Recognized worldwide for his digital disruption and transformation expertise, Kumar has played a pivotal role in establishing GHD Digital as a prominent leader in the $200B global AEC industry. With a presence in nine countries and 86 offices, the business has quickly gained recognition for its outstanding contributions.
Prior to his current role, Kumar was the founder of Technova, which was acquired by GHD in 2017. GHD is the world’s foremost professional services firm with 11,000 people tackling complex infrastructure challenges related to water security, climate change, and urbanization.
Kumar served as the founding member of KPMG’s $2B technology advisory business, served as a member of its global executive team and was chairman of the EMEA executive team between 2005-13. Between 2000 and 2015 at KPMG, Kumar had the privilege of serving in a number of leadership and governance roles, including chief operating officer and managing partner for EMEA technology advisory, chief operating officer for advisory in India, and founding managing partner for digital consulting in Australia.
In addition to his corporate contributions, Kumar has been actively involved in non-profit organizations and startups, including the Chairman of the board of ACS, where he supported a community of 20,000 members. His board service also includes delivering over 500 director briefings on topics related to digital transformation, digital risk and governance including cyber. He has contributed to the setting of international standards and has been sought out by Heads of State, Prime Ministers, Premiers and Ministers for advice on public policy matters.
A USA Today best-selling author recognized for entrepreneurial leadership, Kumar has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Economist, the Australian, Financial Times, the Economic Times, CNN, Channel 9, ABC and CNBC. His thought leadership resonated with leaders in more than 70 countries. He was named in the top 50 most influential technology leaders, 2016 Digital Disruptor of the Year, and 2021 CQ University Alumnus of the Year. He was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame as an Honorary Life Member.
He has completed an Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School and holds an MBA and Master of Information Systems from CQ University and a Master of Science in Economics from BITS, Pilani. Kumar resides in San Antonio, Texas.
