Deloitte, the business advisory firm, today announces the transfer of Alex Kyriakidis, the Deloitte Global leader for the Tourism, Hospitality & Leisure industry, from London to the Middle East. Alex will work with a large team of professionals offering a broad range of services to this important industry in the Middle East markets. Alex’s experience in supporting clients deal with three recessions over the past 30 years will help the region navigate through the global recession.

John Connolly, Deloitte Global Chairman and UK Firm Senior Partner and Chief Executive, commented: “The Middle East region is spending around $0.5 trillion in real estate, tourism and hospitality and leisure infrastructure, making the region one of the fastest growing in these industry segments globally. Alex’s global expertise, Arabic language skills, global network and established relationships with the major organisations in the region will provide our clients – globally and locally – with our full range of industry-led services to support them in navigating the challenging global environment ahead”

Omar Fahoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Deloitte in the Middle East, added: “We are delighted to welcome Alex to the Middle East to support our clients in this industry which accounts for 12% of the region’s GDP. By combining Alex’s global knowledge and relationships with our deep knowledge of the ME market, we will add value to our clients in the region who are committed to best-in-class benchmarking in all they do. Alex will work closely with Rob O’Hanlon our partner in charge of the industry for the Middle East and a large team of partners and staff serving these important industry sectors”

Alex Kyriakidis commented: “I am delighted to be returning to the region where I was born. Having worked closely with our Middle East practice for many years and witnessed the exponential growth in these sectors, I am excited at the prospect of bringing to our clients in the region all of our global capabilities and relationships, especially at this time when challenges and opportunities abound”.

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About Deloitte (UK)
In this press release references to Deloitte are references to Deloitte & Touche LLP, which is among the country's leading professional services firms. Deloitte & Touche LLP is the United Kingdom member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (‘DTT’), a Swiss Verein, whose member firms are legally separate and independent entities.  Please see www.deloitte.co.uk\about for a detailed description of the legal structure of DTT and its member firms. The information contained in this press release is correct at the time of going to press.

About Deloitte & Touche (M.E.)
Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) is a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (DTT) and is the longest established professional services firm with uninterrupted presence for over 80 years in the Middle East region. Deloitte & Touche (M.E.) is among the region’s leading professional services firms, providing audit, tax, consulting, and financial advisory services through 25 offices in 14 countries with over 1,700 partners, directors and staff.