Venkat Krishnaswamy named Country Senior Partner of KPMG in Qatar

KPMG’s business in Qatar has appointed a new Senior Partner: Venkat Krishnaswamy, who will step into the role on Thursday.

Krishnaswamy currently serves as Head of Advisory and brings more than 15 years of leadership experience as a partner at KPMG. In this role, he leads KPMG’s advisory business unit, which helps organisations address strategic, operational, financial and technology-related challenges. Its services include strategy and transformation, deals and M&A, risk management, technology implementation and organisational change.

In his client work, Krishnaswamy is recognised for his expertise in deal advisory and mergers & acquisitions, with a focus on clients in the financial services industry.

As Country Senior Partner, he will assume responsibility for KPMG’s strategic direction in Qatar, commercial development, client relationships and talent development. He will lead a team of 10 partners and more than 350 professionals.

“I am honoured to take on this responsibility,” said Krishnaswamy. “We have a highly talented team, a respected market position, and longstanding relationships that provide an excellent foundation for the future. Building on these strengths, my focus will be on investing in our people, enhancing collaboration across our businesses, embracing innovation, and delivering sustainable growth that creates lasting value for our clients, our people, and the communities we serve.”

KPMG said the appointment is part of a long-planned leadership succession. Krishnaswamy succeeds Ahmed Abu Sharkh, who has led the firm for the past 11 years and will continue with KPMG as Head of Advisory and a member of the leadership team.

“I will be able to build on the strong foundation established under Ahmed’s leadership. His contribution has helped shape not only our firm but also strengthened our standing in the market, and I am grateful for his guidance and continued partnership.”

Commenting on the transition, Abu Sharkh said: “I am proud of what we have achieved together over the past 11 years and confident that the firm is exceptionally well positioned for the future. Venkat is a highly respected leader whose commitment to our people, clients, and values makes him the right person to lead the next chapter of our journey. I look forward to working closely with Venkat and all of our leaders and people during this next chapter.”

KPMG is one of the world’s four largest accounting and consulting groups. The firm has had a presence in the Qatari market for more than 45 years.