Kumar Parakala

Kumar Parakala is an Information Communications and Technology (ICT) Industry leader and at present, Partner and Head of IT advisory KPMG in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMA). KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services and has 145,000 professionals working in 152 countries worldwide.

Early Life
Kumar was born in Tanuku, Andhra Pradesh to Subba Rao Parakala. He completed his Master of Science (Economics) from BITS Pilani, India. In his early twenties, Kumar moved to Australia, where he worked under management roles within healthcare, professional services, manufacturing and the public sector. Kumar holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration, Information Systems and Science .Kumar is an alumnus of Harvard Business School and an adjunct Professor at the Central Queensland University.

Career
In year 2000, Kumar joined KPMG, Australia and is currently the COO for Advisory. He also heads the IT advisory for EMA. Prior to that, he was the national chairman of the Australian Computer society and spokesperson for the IT industry. In June 2009, Kumar was appointed as member of Australian Information Technology Industry Innovation Council by Senator Kim Carr, the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research

Prior to his current role, Kumar Parakala was the Global Chief Operating Officer for the Global IT Advisory practice for four years at KPMG.

In February 2011, he was appointed Director on the board of “Global Industry Council” International Professional Practice Partnership (IP3 - GIC). Global Industry Council Directors are nominated and invited to serve within the United Nations Educational Scientific Organization (UNESCO) - as internationally recognized luminary executives, thought leaders, and visionaries and for their significant contributions to global business, industry, society, education, and governments.

Kumar is also a columnist for the “The Australian” and the “Times of India”, leading newspapers of Australia and India, respectively.

Awards and Recognitions

 * In 2010, Kumar became one of the 45 Australians to have received the ACS honorary life membership award.
 * Leadership Excellence Award from the Queensland Government
 * SEARCC Outstanding Contribution Award
 * Invited by the Central Queensland University to become an Adjunct Professor in 2008