Islam Al Bayaa has formally assumed the role of CEO of KPMG Middle East, while Khalil Al Sedais has been appointed Country Leader for KPMG’s Saudi Arabia business.
In his regional role, Al Bayaa will oversee KPMG’s operations across Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Oman, Jordan, Lebanon and Iraq, covering more than 5,000 people across 10 offices.
Al Sedais will lead KPMG’s Saudi Arabia business, with responsibility for clients, people, growth and the continued development of the firm’s capabilities in the Kingdom.
The leadership changes come as businesses across Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East navigate economic diversification, increased investment and technological change, alongside the growth of new industries and deeper regional connectivity.
“The Middle East is entering a new phase of growth,” said Al Bayaa, CEO of KPMG Middle East. “Businesses are operating across more connected markets, capital moving in new directions and technology reshaping how decisions are made. KPMG has an important role to play in helping clients navigate that environment with the depth of local expertise and regional perspective they increasingly expect.”
He added: “My focus will be on bringing those capabilities together more effectively across KPMG Middle East, building on the strong foundations laid by the previous leadership. We will continue to strengthen how we work across the region, invest in our people, and entrench our high-performing family culture to deliver impact and value for our clients in the years ahead.”
Al Bayaa brings more than 30 years of experience across professional services, transactions and investment banking. He began his career at KPMG in the UK before spending more than a decade in investment banking in London. He returned to KPMG in Saudi Arabia in January 2009 and has held senior leadership positions during a period of significant economic and institutional change across the region.
In his new role, Al Bayaa will focus on strengthening collaboration across KPMG’s regional businesses and supporting clients operating across multiple markets. His priorities will include developing capabilities in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence, governance and cross-border growth.
Khalil Al Sedais to lead KPMG Saudi Arabia
Alongside Al Bayaa’s appointment, KPMG has named Khalil Al Sedais as Country Leader for Saudi Arabia.
Al Sedais has more than 22 years of experience in audit and advisory services, working with public-sector entities as well as local and international businesses across multiple sectors. He has been Regional Managing Partner – Riyadh since 2013 and is a board member of KPMG Middle East. He also chairs the firm’s Advisory Quality and Nationalization Committees.
A Certified Public Accountant with the Saudi Organization for Chartered and Professional Accountants (SOCPA), Al Sedais served as a board and executive committee member of SOCPA from 2021 to 2024. He is also a board member of the Saudi Authority for Accredited Valuers (TAQEEM), where he chairs the Audit Committee.
As Country Leader, Al Sedais will oversee KPMG’s Saudi Arabia agenda as the Kingdom continues its economic transformation. His priorities will include strengthening sector expertise and client relationships, developing Saudi talent and connecting the firm’s local capabilities with its regional and global network.
“Saudi Arabia’s transformation continues to reshape the opportunities and expectations facing businesses across the Kingdom,” said Al Sedais. “Having worked closely with organisations across the Saudi market for more than two decades, my focus will be on keeping KPMG close to our clients, strengthening the quality and depth of our expertise, and continuing to invest in Saudi talent and capabilities as the market evolves.”
The appointments place regional and country leadership under new mandates as KPMG continues to expand its capabilities across markets undergoing significant economic and technological transformation.