CQU Rockhampton business/IT graduate Kumar Parakala has gained a position as Chief Operating Officer for KPMG's International Practice in Information Risk Management.

The Sydney-based executive is happy to praise CQU for its committed staff, "who are keen on providing an exceptional student experience for every student".

"I liked the friendly Faculty (many of them are still working for CQU) such as Greg Whymark, Graham Ivers, Jo Luck, Kathy Ramm and many others," Mr Parakala said.

"I studied and worked in Rockhampton for four years and still rate my time at Rocky one of the best in my life.

"Greg Whymark made an outstanding contribution to my education and career and without his continuous support and guidance, I would not have reached this far in my professional life. I still enjoy friendships with many CQU staff and alumni.".

Kumar Parakala is also the NSW Chairman for the Australian Computer Society, responsible for driving strategic initiatives for ICT professionals, working collaboratively with government agencies, industry bodies, educational institutions and the private sector. In his role as Chairman, Kumar is credited with successfully restructuring the ACS NSW to improve services to members and enhance the Society’s profile within the ICT community.

He is a recognised industry leader in the areas of Governance, IT Project Management, Risk Management and Security, and has been a guest speaker at various conferences and summits focused on these issues. He has successfully implemented ICT governance frameworks at large Australian and international organisations.

An ICT professional for 16 years, Kumar has worked in senior management roles within healthcare, professional services, manufacturing and the public sector.

Before taking on his current role, he was a senior manager at the University of Sydney with overall responsibility for online service strategy and delivery, using new and emerging technologies. Kumar has previously been a Program Director with KPMG, where he worked closely with senior executives to radically improve the firm’s operational efficiencies and client management processes.

Kumar held a range of senior ICT roles within the Queensland Government including CIO, Project Director and Business Improvement Manager, receiving the Queensland Government’s Leadership Excellence Award in 2000.

He was invited by the NSW Premier to take part in a Government-sponsored trade mission to India in November 2004 to promote the State’s ICT sector, and currently sits on various panels, committees and boards relating to ICT strategy, ICT awards, higher education and industry development. He has worked as visiting faculty at two Australian Universities and has guest-lectured at leading US universities.

Kumar holds Masters Degrees in Business Administration, Information Systems and Science, and is a qualified lead assessor and internal auditor.

He is a member of the Information Systems Audit Control Association, The Australian Institute of Project Management and the ACS. Kumar is also a certified Master Project Director (MPD).