SINGAPORE - Media OutReach Newswire - 2 February 2026 - Global management consultancy Kearney has announced key leadership transitions across Asia Pacific, effective 1 January 2026. The appointments come as the firm enters its 100th year, reinforcing its commitment to developing future leaders while deepening its regional client partnerships and tackling their toughest challenges.
Kearney announces new leadership across Asia Pacific for the firm’s centenary year
Australia and New Zealand (ANZ)
Sarovar Agarwal, Senior Partner in Melbourne, has been appointed the Managing Partner for ANZ, succeeding Adam Dixon. As the previous Asia Pacific practice leader for Kearney's Communications, Media, and Technology (CMT) practice, Sarovar draws on more than 20 years of experience at the firm, working across India, ANZ, and around the world advising telco and media executives on productivity, customer experience, and transformation. In his new role, Sarovar will be responsible for strengthening ANZ's growth trajectory and further establishing Kearney ANZ as a premier destination for both clients and talent.
"I'm excited to be stepping into the Managing Partner role and leading our exceptional team, especially as the firm marks its 100th year," Sarovar said. "Thank you to Adam and past unit leads who have built strong foundations and a wonderful culture here at Kearney ANZ. My focus will be on doubling down on that momentum and supporting our clients on strategic transformations, creating supply chain and procurement value, and developing capabilities in addition to accelerating the practical implementation of AI across enterprises."
Under Adam's leadership, Kearney ANZ established a C-suite community and delivered consistent profitable growth, nearly doubling its Australian revenue over the past six years. Later this year, Kearney ANZ will publish Australia: A Lighthouse in the Global Storm. The CEO Imperative. Adam's commitment to culture and mentoring emerging talent has helped establish the unit as a leading destination for clients and talent in the region.
Adam Dixon will also step into the role of chairman for ANZ.
Japan
Takefumi Harigaya, Senior Partner in Tokyo, has been appointed as the Managing Director for Japan, succeeding Shigeru Sekinada. Most recently with Kearney's CMT practice in Japan, Takefumi brings more than 20 years of experience partnering with clients on new business creation, business transformation, and M&A. His strong client relationships, passion for developing future leaders, and deep understanding of Kearney's value of "essential rightness" position him well to drive Japan's purpose and vision forward.
Over the past six years, Shigeru has led Kearney's Japan unit, nurturing strong relationships with large corporations and emerging start-ups and establishing executive communities for CEOs and CXOs. He will continue as the region chair for Asia Pacific and take on the role of Chairman for Japan, focusing on Kearney's regional strategy while supporting overall growth in Japan and APAC.
Takefumi said, "Japan is demonstrating remarkable dynamism: sustained growth, rising investor confidence, and real momentum in technology and innovation. I'm honored to step into this leadership role as we build on current momentum and drive the next stage of growth in Japan. I'm excited to lead our team as we partner with our clients to capitalize on emerging opportunities and strengthen their long-term competitiveness."
Malaysia
Keat Yap, Senior Partner in Kuala Lumpur, will lead the business in Malaysia as its Country Head. Currently the APAC Lead for Kearney's Product Excellence and Renewal Lab, Keat brings over 15 years of operations expertise at Kearney and a results-focused mindset to transformation work across the region. His international experience – spanning Japan, China, Korea, and the US, and commitment to delivering real client impact position him well to strengthen Kearney Malaysia's growth trajectory.
Communications, Media, and Technology Practice
Marco de la Rosa has been appointed as the next Asia Pacific leader for Kearney's CMT practice, taking over Sarovar's previous role. A Senior Partner based across Manila and Singapore, Marco leads the firm's Philippines business. With 20 years of experience across APAC and the United States, Marco has led large-scale transformations for top telcos. His hands-on approach with clients and his commitment to developing talent will build on the strong momentum Sarovar has established.
Global board appointments
Finally, Adam Dixon and Makoto Inoue, senior partners with the firm, were elected to Kearney's global board in December 2025. Their appointments reflect the region's growing voice in shaping Kearney's future, as the firm doubles down on its Impact First approach, empowering companies to navigate business transformation in an era of change. Adam and Makoto will champion the voices of the firm's APAC clients and people in conversations that impact Kearney's growth and direction.
"I'm pleased to welcome these leadership rotations across Asia Pacific," said Shigeru Sekinada, APAC Region Chair and Chairman of Kearney Japan. "In a rapidly evolving environment, experienced leaders who have deep market knowledge and strategic capabilities are key to delivering sustained value for our clients," he said. "Beyond the decades of experience that leaders such as Sarovar, Takefumi, Keat and Marco bring, their passion for the firm, trusted client relationships, and steadfast commitment to talent development are central to shaping a purpose-passion driven culture. As Kearney enters its centenary year, these leaders embody what has always guided Kearney: 'essential rightness' and 'kando'—doing work that creates real impact and deep fulfillment for our people, clients, and communities."
Hashtag: #Kearney #Leadershipappointments
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About Kearney
For 100 years, Kearney has been a leading management consulting firm and trusted partner to three quarters of the Fortune Global 500 and governments around the world. With a presence across more than 40 countries, our people make us who we are. We work impact first, tackling your toughest challenges with original thinking and a commitment to making change happen together. By your side, we deliver—value, results, impact. To learn more about Kearney, please visit www.kearney.com.
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HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach Newswire - 1 June 2026 - The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) today announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine, effective June 1, 2026.
HKUST announced the appointment of internationally renowned physician-scientist Prof. LI King-Chuen as the Founding Dean of its School of Medicine. Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST (second left); Ms. Edith SHIH, Vice-Chairperson of the University Council and Chair of the Search Committee (second right); Prof. Li King-Chuen (center); Prof. Hong-Kam LO, Dean of Engineering (first right); and Prof. Yung-Hou WONG, Dean of Science (first left) met with the media.
Following a rigorous global search, Prof. Li was selected for his exceptional track record in academic leadership, medical education, and biomedical innovation, as well as his unique experience in founding a new medical school.
Prof. Li previously served as Founding Dean of the Carle Illinois College of Medicine at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) from 2016 to 2021—one of the world's pioneering engineering-based medical schools. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in developing a technology-oriented curriculum, recruiting founding faculty, and building academic-clinical partnerships. Under his leadership, the College's early graduating cohorts achieved a 100% pass rate in licensing examinations, reflecting the outstanding quality and rigorous standards of the programme.
An internationally distinguished physician-scientist and biomedical innovator, Prof. Li currently holds the titles of Dean Emeritus and Professor Emeritus at the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, as well as Adjunct Professor of Radiology at Stanford University School of Medicine. His career spans leading institutions including Stanford University, the U.S. National Institutes of Health, Weill Cornell Medical College, Wake Forest School of Medicine, and UIUC. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (with Honours) from the University of Toronto and an MBA from San José State University.
Prof. Li's appointment comes at a pivotal moment as HKUST advances its plans to establish a new School of Medicine. The School will offer a four-year graduate-entry MBBS programme, with its inaugural cohort expected to commence in the 2028/29 academic year.
His experience aligns closely with HKUST's vision to develop a future-ready medical school that integrates clinical excellence with engineering, data science, and emerging technologies. His proven approach to training physician-innovators—combining strong clinical foundations with interdisciplinary expertise—will provide a robust foundation for the School's development, while being adapted to HKUST's unique strengths in science and technology.
Known for his commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, Prof. Li has consistently bridged fields such as radiology, bioengineering, computer science, and nanotechnology—an approach that will be instrumental in shaping HKUST's innovative model of medical education.
Beyond medical education, Prof. Li is a highly accomplished innovator. He is a Fellow of the US National Academy of Inventors and has received the Gold Medal of the Association of University Radiologists. He is also a Fellow of several leading professional bodies, including the American College of Radiology, the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering, and the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. He holds 20 issued patents across the United States, Australia, and Europe, and has founded a company based on his translational research.
Prof. Harry SHUM, Chairman of HKUST Council, said, "I would like to extend my warmest welcome to Prof. Li on his appointment as our Founding Dean of the School of Medicine. His proven expertise and experience are invaluable to the University as we plan to develop a distinctive model of medical education for the future. We have full confidence in his exceptional leadership in spearheading our medical school, which is one of the most significant undertakings in HKUST's 35‑year history. The Council is committed to giving its support to ensure the success of the School."
Prof. Nancy IP, President of HKUST, said, "Prof. Li brings a rare combination of founding dean experience, academic excellence, and a forward-looking vision for technology-driven medical education. His leadership will be central to building a medical school that is globally competitive, locally relevant, and impactful for Hong Kong and the wider region. We warmly welcome Prof. Li to the University and look forward to his leadership in the establishment of the HKUST School of Medicine, as well as in shaping a new generation of medical professionals and advancing innovation in healthcare. I also extend our sincere appreciation to the Search Committee, chaired by Ms. Edith SHIH (Vice-Chairperson of the Council), and its members including Prof. FOK Tai-Fai and Prof. Raymond LIANG for their dedication and diligence in completing this important international recruitment process."
Prof. King Li, Founding Dean of the School of Medicine, said,"I am deeply honoured to be appointed as the Founding Dean of HKUST's new School of Medicine. Returning to Hong Kong—where my roots are—to take on this role at HKUST and having the chance to give back through the place I grew up, is deeply meaningful to me. HKUST has a remarkable track record of turning bold visions into reality, and I am excited to build a medical school that reimagines physician training through the integration of engineering, data science, and biomedical innovation. Drawing on my experience and working closely with our partners in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, I look forward to nurturing a new generation of physician-innovators who will transform healthcare for the benefit of patients and society."
Born and raised in Hong Kong, Prof. Li brings with him a strong personal commitment to advancing Hong Kong as an international hub for medical education and innovation. He has long-standing ties with the local academic and medical communities.
The University community is expected to provide its full support to Prof. Li as he expands partnerships with teaching hospitals, the government, industry, and the global medical community, and further strengthens connections with the Greater Bay Area and other regions.
Hashtag: #HKUST
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About The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) (https://hkust.edu.hk/) is a world-class university known for its innovative education, research excellence, and impactful knowledge transfer. With a holistic and interdisciplinary pedagogy approach, HKUST was ranked 6th in the QS Asia University Rankings 2026, 3rd in the Times Higher Education's Young University Rankings 2024, and 19th globally and 1st in Hong Kong in the Times Higher Education's Impact Rankings 2025. Eleven HKUST subjects were ranked among the world's top 50 in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026. In addition, in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026, HKUST's Computer Science discipline which encompasses areas such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been ranked No. 1 in Hong Kong for ten consecutive years. Our graduates are highly competitive, consistently ranking among the world's top 30 most sought-after employees. In terms of research and entrepreneurship, over 80% of our work was rated "internationally excellent" or "world leading" in the Research Assessment Exercise 2020 of the Hong Kong's University Grants Committee. As of May 2026, HKUST members have founded over 1,900 active start-ups, including 11 Unicorns and 22 exits (IPO or M&A).
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