KPMG Middle East names Islam Al Bayaa as CEO

KPMG Middle East has announced the appointment of Islam Ahmad Al Bayaa as Chief Executive Officer, effective 1 October 2026, following a partner vote and an independent selection process overseen by the firm’s governance bodies and external advisors.

Al Bayaa will succeed Dr. Abdullah Al Fozan, who will complete his current term on 30 September 2026 and continue to lead the organisation through the transition period.

Currently serving as Head of Advisory at KPMG Middle East, Al Bayaa oversees a regional team of more than 2,400 professionals and 100 partners. He brings over three decades of experience across advisory, transactions and enterprise transformation, and has been a member of the firm’s Executive Committee for the past 13 years.

During his tenure, Al Bayaa has led several cross-border growth initiatives, market integration efforts and large-scale transformation projects across the Middle East. He has also built long-standing relationships with governments, sovereign entities and major institutional clients throughout the region.

Dr. Al Fozan said, “This appointment reflects the strength of our leadership pipeline and the confidence our partners have in the firm’s direction.  Islam has been instrumental in driving the growth of our advisory business and enhancing our presence across key markets in the region. I am confident he will continue to build on this momentum while upholding our firm’s commitment to quality, people, and clients.”

Al Bayaa, added, “KPMG Middle East has built a strong foundation for growth, supported by a clear strategy, a diverse client base, and exceptional talent across the region. I look forward to working closely with our partners, colleagues, and clients to continue strengthening our culture, our position and delivering long-term value.”

The leadership transition comes as KPMG Middle East continues to evolve its operating model amid changing business demands across the region, with a focus on governance, regional collaboration and sustainable growth.