Kumar Parakala is a visionary business leader and entrepreneur who leverages the power of technology to drive positive change in companies, communities and nations. With a deep understanding of shifting markets and the ability to connect the dots, Kumar executes future-focused strategies by cultivating diverse teams that think differently and share his core belief that we shape our brighter futures through our daily actions. Recognized as a global digital disruption and transformation expert, since 2018, Kumar has led the creation of GHD Digital a “start-up in a big firm” that has quickly risen to become one of the top five agencies in the $1 trillion global AEC industry. With a workforce of over 700 professionals across nine countries, it operates in 36 offices. In 2017, Kumar’s award-winning company, Technova, was acquired by GHD, the world’s leading professional services firm with 11,000 people, best known for tackling complex infrastructure challenges in water, climate change, and urbanization. Kumar joined KPMG in 2000 in Sydney, Australia and was privileged to be a founding member of its $2b technology advisory business. Kumar was Global Chief Operating Officer 2005-2009, EMEA Managing Partner 2009-13, and Managing Partner-Digital Consulting 2013-15, as well as served on its global executive team and chaired the EMA board. He also served in additional roles of COO of Advisory in India, Chairman of the Australia-India business. Kumar engages with Fortune 500 companies and government agencies on technology transformation, risk and governance, including cyber, and conducted over 500 board director briefings. He served on boards of non-profits and startups, was elected to the board of ACS in 2002, and was the board chairman between 2008-10, supporting its 20,000 members. A USA Today best-selling author, Kumar has been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, the Australian, the Economic Times, CNN, Channel 9, ABC and CNBC, with his thought leadership resonated with leaders in more than 50 countries. He was named among the top 50 most influential technology leaders, 2016 Digital Disruptor of the Year, 2021 CQ University Alumnus of the Year, and was inducted into the ACS Hall of Fame as an Honorary Life Member. He was invited by President Clinton to the Global Clinton Initiative and Steve Forbes to the Global Forbes CEO Forums. He completed his Advance Management Program at the Harvard Business School, MBA and Master of Information Systems at CQ University and Master of Science, Economics at BITS, Pilani.