Deloitte recently announced the transfer of a number of partners and senior directors in September and October 2015 to its Middle East operations in Saudi Arabia and the rest of the GCC. The appointments reflect the strength of the economic and business climate in the GCC region and Deloitte’s commitment to this dynamic market.

Paul Manduca, audit partner from a Deloitte European member firm, joins the Audit leadership team in Saudi Arabia with focus on Eastern Province clients in Dhahran, Dammam and Khobar. Paul has led significant client engagements in Malta, UK, Ireland and Turkey.  He has deep experience in various sectors including banking and financial services, large family businesses operating in manufacturing, import/export, retail, healthcare and other industries.

Nassos Oikonomopoulous, partner in Enterprise Risk Services (ERS) from a Deloitte European member firm with experience in North America, joins as a technology risk services leader based in Riyadh. Nassos is a risk and control professional with a global track record in financial services. He has been managing global teams in UK, North America and Asia delivering a wide range of high profile engagements in technology risk management and cyber security. He brings both deep industry and technical experience having started his career in ERS with Deloitte Greece and then Deloitte Canada.

Maxim Chaplygin, partner in tax services from a Deloitte European member firm, joins as the Middle East firm’s tax risk regional leader. Maxim has deep expertise in corporate tax, outsourcing and co-sourcing tax, risk regulations and practices, accounting and tax compliance processes as well as experience in utilizing electronic client data in accounting projects. He has worked with companies in multiple industries but is particularly proficient in the telecom, media and technology space. Maxim is considered one of the top practitioners in tax risk in the global Deloitte network. He has worked with international business communities and top tax officials to give recommendations on the simplification of accounting and tax compliance rules.

“These leadership appointments are a testament to Deloitte’s commitment to serving our clients and the markets in Saudi Arabia and the GCC region with quality and distinction, bringing trust and confidence to the markets, delivering innovative insights, solving complex challenges, and unlocking sustainable growth. We will support our clients—whether they need confidence to take decisive action; require a high-quality audit of their financial statements; seek experience on complex tax issues; or strive for strategic growth or harnessing innovation,” said Omar Fahoum, chairman and chief executive at Deloitte Middle East.

Robert O’Hanlon, partner in charge for Audit Services, Deloitte Middle East, said: “It gives me great pleasure to welcome experienced Deloitte leaders to our team in the GCC. I am certain that their deep skills and extensive experience will support our strategic plans to expand our services and offerings to benefit our clients and markets.”