Ashkar has been with PwC for 18 years, most recently as Deals Leader for the Middle East Region for three years and the Country Leader in Saudi Arabia for two years. He has extensive experience with multinational and regional investors across the Middle East, having been involved in over 250 transactions with corporate and private equity investors, covering a number of industries.
As the Middle East Senior Partner, Ashkar will be responsible for the executive leadership of operations in 12 regional countries and determining the strategic direction of PwC in the region, along with managing relationships with other PwC member firms around the globe. In this regard, Ashkar will also become a member of PwC’s Central Cluster Leadership Team and Global Strategy Council.
“PwC’s growth in the Middle East reflects our commitment and continuation of our goal to become the leading professional service provider in the region. In 2012, we achieved a revenue growth of 23%the Middle East and we are expecting progression of 18% in 2013,” Commenting on his new position, Ashkar said.
“Moving forward we will continue to build upon our achieved success, and further invest in our resources to ensure we deliver outstanding service to our clients and unmatched opportunities for our people. We are committed to attracting and developing local talent to enhance our market knowledge and position as the leading professional services practice in the UAE and the region,” Hani Ashkar, added.
Warwick Hunt, Middle East Senior Partner for PwC for the past 4 years, has been promoted and appointed to the join the UK Executive board and Leadership team and will be relocating to the UK effective October 1, 2013.
“Hani has been a committed leader for PwC for almost two decades. His vast knowledge and understanding of the region will contribute significantly to the continued growth of PwC across the Middle East. His proven ability to build strong relationships, combined with his solid leadership and diverse experience make him uniquely position to serve as the next Middle East Senior Partner of PwC,” Hunt, said.
“We at PwC continue to strive, to pursue regional talent and deliver world class solutions. With this in mind I’m also delighted to announce the joining of Will Jackson Moore, who is currently the UK Firm Transaction Service Leader, in the role of Managing Partner, mirroring the structure of our UK Firm. In addition to this we are delighted to announce the promotion of 12 new partners effective July 1, 2013 across our line of services and industries.”
“PwC Middle East’s commitment to identify and nurture local talent matches a key finding in the 2013 Middle CEO survey that highlights , with the increasing concern of matching skills of local talent available with the required job, 81% of Middle East CEOs are planning to invest in creating and fostering skilled workforces in their home country.”