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 $200 billion global architecture, engineering, and construction industry. With 86 offices in nine countries, 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 one of the world’s foremost professional services firms, 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 $2 billion technology advisory business, served as a member of its global executive team, and was chair of the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) executive team from 2005 to 2013. From 2000 to 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 nonprofit organizations and startups, including the chair of the board of ACS, for which 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 digital governance, including cyber-related topics. He has contributed to the setting of international standards and has been sought out by prime ministers, premiers, and other heads of state, as well as by 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, The Economist, The Australian, Financial Times, The Economic Times, CNN, Channel 9, ABC, and CNBC. His thought leadership resonates with leaders in more than 70 countries. He was named one of the top 50 most influential technology leaders, the 2016 Digital Disruptor of the Year, and the 2021 CQ University Alumnus of the Year. He was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame as an Honorary Life Member.

Kumar has completed an advanced management program at Harvard Business School and holds a master of business administration and master of information systems from CQ University and a master of science in economics from BITS, Pilani. He resides in San Antonio, Texas.