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, Parakala has played a pivotal role in establishing GHD Digital as a prominent leader in the $200 billion global architecture, engineering, and construction 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, Parakala 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.

Parakala 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 between 2005 and 2013. Between 2000 and 2015 at KPMG, Parakala had the privilege of serving in several leadership and governance roles, including chief operating officer and managing partner for the 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, Parakala has been actively involved in nonprofit organizations and start-ups, including the chair of the board of the Australian Computer Society (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 cybersecurity. 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, Parakala has been featured in Bloomberg, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Economist, The Australian, Financial Times, The Economic Times, CNN, Australia's Channel 9, ABC, and CNBC. His thought leadership has 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 CQUniversity Alumnus of the Year for Industry Achievement. 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 a master of business administration and master of information systems from CQUniversity and a master of science in economics from Birla Institute of Technology & Science (BITS) Pilani. Parakala resides in San Antonio, Texas.