Vlad Skibunov joins tax specialist WTS Dhruva Consultants

Tax-focused advisory firm WTS Dhruva Consultants has strengthened its team in the UAE with Vlad Skibunov, who has been appointed an associate partner.

Skibunov brings more than 16 years of tax work experience in the Middle East, the United Kingdom and New Zealand to the consulting firm, advising on all aspects of indirect taxation. He joins the indirect tax practice of WTS Dhruva Consultants.

“WTS Dhruva Consultants is widely known for providing practical, effective, and reliable advisory and compliance services in taxation. I’m excited to be part of the team,” said Skibunov on his move to the 45-strong firm.

WTS Dhruva Consultants started its Middle East office in Dubai in 2017 with a focus on indirect tax services. Since then, the firm has expanded into other segments (including VAT and corporate tax) and grown into one of the region’s larger pure-play firms in the tax advisory landscape. WTS Dhruva Consultants currently operates out of offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

Welcoming Skibunov to the firm, partner Nimish Goel said: “We are pleased to welcome Vlad on board, who’s vast experience in advising both governments and multinationals will immensely benefit our clients. Vlad not only brings strong technical expertise on the legislation, but his experience of working on the UK and New Zealand VAT, two of the most mature VAT jurisdictions globally, immensely helps WTS Dhruva Consultants add to its technical edge.”

Skibunov has been active in the UAE since 2016, when he joined Deloitte UAE’s indirect tax practice, where he worked with public and private sector clients. In the public scene, he has advised several GCC governments on the implementation of their indirect taxes schemes – including in respect of tax policies, legislative drafting, and procedural reforms.

In the private sector, Skibunov has consulted local and international businesses from a variety of industries on their VAT management, optimisation, and compliance, as well as helping them with their interactions with tax authorities.

Earlier this year, WTS Dhruva Consultants added Dinesh Khator to its team as an associate partner.