Kearney unveils new Asia Pacific leaders ahead of centenary

Kearney has named new leaders for Australia and New Zealand, Japan, Malaysia and its Asia Pacific Communications, Media and Technology practice as it rolls out a set of regional management changes.

The consultancy said the leadership transitions take effect from 1 January 2026 across Asia Pacific. The changes include country and practice leadership appointments, alongside two new representatives from the region on Kearney's global board.

ANZ change

Sarovar Agarwal, a Senior Partner based in Melbourne, has been appointed Managing Partner for Australia and New Zealand. He succeeds Adam Dixon.

Agarwal previously led Kearney's Communications, Media and Technology practice across Asia Pacific. Kearney said he has more than 20 years' experience at the firm, including work in India and Australia and New Zealand.

"I'm excited to be stepping into the Managing Partner role and leading our exceptional team, especially as the firm marks its 100th year," said Sarovar Agarwal, Managing Partner for ANZ, Kearney. "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."

Kearney said Dixon will take on the role of Chairman for ANZ. Dixon led the ANZ business for six years, according to the firm.

The consultancy said the ANZ unit established a C-suite community during Dixon's tenure and delivered "consistent profitable growth". It also said Australian revenue nearly doubled over the past six years. Kearney said the ANZ business plans to publish a report titled Australia: A Lighthouse in the Global Storm. The CEO Imperative.

Japan leadership

Takefumi Harigaya, a Senior Partner in Tokyo, has been appointed Managing Director for Japan. He succeeds Shigeru Sekinada.

Kearney said Harigaya most recently worked in its Communications, Media and Technology practice in Japan. It said he has more than 20 years' experience working with clients on new business creation, business transformation and M&A.

"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," said Takefumi Harigaya, Managing Director for Japan, Kearney.

Kearney said Sekinada will continue as Asia Pacific Region Chair. It also said he will take on the role of Chairman for Japan. Kearney described Sekinada's work in the Japan unit over the past six years, including engagement with large corporations and start-ups and the establishment of executive communities for CEOs and CXOs.

Malaysia head

Keat Yap, a Senior Partner in Kuala Lumpur, will lead the Malaysia business as Country Head, Kearney said.

Yap currently leads Kearney's Product Excellence and Renewal Lab across Asia Pacific, according to the firm. Kearney said he has more than 15 years' operations experience at the consultancy and has worked across several markets including Japan, China, Korea and the US.

CMT practice

Kearney has appointed Marco de la Rosa as the next Asia Pacific leader for its Communications, Media and Technology practice. He takes over from Agarwal.

De la Rosa is a Senior Partner based across Manila and Singapore and leads the firm's Philippines business, Kearney said. It said he has 20 years of experience across Asia Pacific and the United States and has worked on transformations for telecommunications companies.

Global board

Kearney also confirmed that Adam Dixon and Makoto Inoue, both Senior Partners, were elected to the firm's global board in December 2025.

Kearney said the appointments reflect the growing role of Asia Pacific in shaping the firm's direction. It said Dixon and Inoue will represent the region's clients and staff in global discussions on growth and strategy.

Shigeru Sekinada commented on the leadership changes as Kearney approaches its centenary year.

"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."

Kearney described "essential rightness" as a founding principle about work that is sound for clients, people and communities. It described "kando" as a Japanese concept linked to fulfilment from meaningful work.