G106+G107, Wednesday May 26. 11:00 hrs See session contents Auditorium, Wednesday May 26. 16:00 hrs See session contents

About Mr. Kumar Parakala

Kumar Parakala is the Global Head of Sourcing and the Head of IT Advisory for Europe, Middle East, Africa and India. He is a member of the Executive Council and Board for the Global IT Advisory business of KPMG, that represents over 400 partners and 7,000 staff. Prior to taking up his current role in India, Kumar was the Global Chief Operating Officer of IT Advisory business for four years.

Kumar is also the immediate past President of Australian Computer Society (ACS), the leading professional body for 16,000 ICT professionals in Australia and Asia-Pacific region. He holds an adjunct Professor position at the Central Queensland University.

Kumar is one of the most quoted industry leaders in the media and provides advice regularly to Premiers, Ministers, public servants and academic community on ICT matters of national importance in India, Australia, Malaysia and other countries.

Kumar has worked in senior management roles within healthcare, professional services, manufacturing and the public sector. Boards and CEO consult with him on various matters relating to Sourcing and Corporate Governance of ICT. He worked as a CIO for a number of organisations.

Kumar received a number of awards in his career including the Queensland Government's Leadership Excellence Award, SEARCC 2005 Outstanding Contribution award and ACS outstanding contribution award.

Kumar has participated in various Government-sponsored committees and initiatives at the invitation of various Premiers and Ministers. Kumar has been extensively quoted in newspapers and industry magazines in India, Australia and several countries and has written a number of columns for leading publishing groups. He appeared in interviews by various media/television outlets. He writes regularly Australian and Indian national newspapers.

Kumar was appointed was the member of Australian Information Technology Industry Innovation Council by the Senator - Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research in October 2008 and has contributed to the Global Clinton Initiative.

Kumar holds Masters Degrees in Business Administration, Information Systems and Science, and is a qualified lead assessor and internal auditor. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, the Australian Institute of Project Management and the ACS. Kumar is also a certified Master Project Director (MPD).