KPMG appoints Osama Harmouche as new Head of Audit

KPMG Lower Gulf has appointed Osama Harmouche as the new Head of Audit, who in the role leads the firm’s largest business unit in headcount.

Osama Harmouche has been with the Big Four firm since late 2019, serving as Office Managing Partner and Head of Audit for Abu Dhabi. Two years on, Harmouche now steps up to lead KPMG’s Audit business across the UAE and Oman.

“Audit quality remains a primary pillar of our strategy and a key priority. I know Osama will bring his leadership, energy and focus to lead our Audit practice and I am confident that he will uphold and reinforce our position as the most trusted and trustworthy firm for our clients, regulators, and our people,” said Nader Haffar, Chairman of Middle East and South Asia, and Chairman and CEO of KPMG Lower Gulf.

Harmouche brings over 25 years of experience in audit and assurance services to the role. Prior to joining KPMG, he served two other Big Fours firms across the region.

Commenting on his new role, Harmouche said: “I’m delighted to be appointed to lead our Audit practice. Our profession has played and continues to play a critical role in building trust in financial reporting. There is a continuous need to enhance corporate reporting for the benefit of all market participants.”

“We are in a very dynamic region and we have much to do given the transformation in the profession and the amount of change in the regulatory landscape. This will help shape the future for a profession that delivers high quality audits and acts in the public interest. I’m confident that by working with the great people in our business, we will continue to lead this transformation and inspire trust in the profession.”

The promotion sees Harmouche become part of the KPMG Lower Gulf executive committee (he already was a member of the Lower Gulf board). “I’m also looking forward to working with my colleagues in the leadership team and contributing to the wider firm’s ambitions and goals,” he concluded.