KPMG Middle East has appointed Islam Ahmad Al Bayaa as its next Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2026. He will succeed Dr Abdullah Al Fozan, who completes his term on September 30, 2026 and will continue to lead during the transition period.
The appointment follows a structured and independent selection process led by the firm’s governance bodies, supported by external advisors, and finalised through a partner vote.
Strong advisory background and three decades of leadership
Currently serving as Head of Advisory at KPMG Middle East, Al Bayaa oversees more than 2,400 professionals and 100 partners across the region. Moreover, he brings over 30 years of experience across advisory, transactions, and enterprise transformation.
He has also been part of the firm’s Executive Committee for 13 years. During this time, he strengthened relationships with governments, sovereign entities, and institutional clients. In addition, he led cross-border growth strategies, market integration efforts, and large-scale transformation initiatives across the Middle East.
Outgoing CEO highlights leadership continuity
Commenting on the appointment, Dr Abdullah Al Fozan said the decision reflects the firm’s strong leadership pipeline and partner confidence.
He noted that Al Bayaa played a key role in expanding the advisory business and strengthening the firm’s presence in critical regional markets. Furthermore, he expressed confidence that the incoming CEO will continue to drive growth while maintaining a strong focus on quality, people, and client service.
Incoming CEO outlines growth and strategy focus
Islam Ahmad Al Bayaa emphasised that the firm has built a solid foundation for future growth. He pointed to its clear strategy, diverse client base, and strong talent pool as key strengths.
He added that he plans to work closely with partners, colleagues, and clients to strengthen the firm’s culture, expand its regional position, and deliver long-term value.
Focus on governance, collaboration, and future-ready operations
This leadership transition underlines KPMG Middle East’s continued focus on strong governance, regional collaboration, and sustainable growth. At the same time, the firm is evolving its operating model to meet the demands of a rapidly changing business environment.
About KPMG
KPMG operates as a global network of independent firms offering Audit, Tax, and Advisory services. It has a presence in 138 countries and territories, with over 276,000 professionals worldwide.
Each member firm functions as a legally separate entity. Meanwhile, KPMG International Limited serves as the coordinating entity and does not provide client services directly.
