Kevin S. Parikh (born September 26, 1970) is an American author, entrepreneur, futurist, and the Chairman and CEO of Avasant, a global management consulting firm. Known for his work on digital transformation, Parikh has authored Digital Singularity: A Case for Humanity, exploring the impact of technological disruption and the concept of Digital Singularity. His thought leadership in business strategy and technology has garnered him recognition as an industry leader and futurist.
Kevin S. Parikh | |
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Born | San Francisco, California, U.S. | September 26, 1970
Nationality | American |
Occupation(s) | Author, entrepreneur, futurist, chairman, and CEO of Avasant |
Notable work | Digital Singularity: A Case for Humanity |
Early life and education
editKevin Parikh was born on September 26, 1970, in San Francisco, California. He graduated from American University in Washington, D.C., where he served as the Senior Editor of the ABA Administrative Law Review and was a Dean’s Fellow. This academic foundation equipped him with strong analytical and editorial skills, which would later influence his consulting and writing career.
In 1992, Parikh was selected as a California Senate Fellow, working with the Senate Energy and Public Utilities Committee[1]. During his fellowship, he staffed legislation for Senator Herschel Rosenthal that laid the groundwork for California’s electric vehicle industry, emphasizing clean air, energy diversity, and new technology. This experience furthered his interest in public policy and technology.
Before transitioning fully into management consulting, Parikh practiced law with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), where he developed expertise in regulatory and environmental law. [2][3]
Career
editParikh began his career in management consulting, specializing in technology and digital transformation. He was one of the key founders of Gartner’s Strategic Sourcing Practice[4], a significant accomplishment that positioned Gartner as a leader in advising clients on sourcing strategies and digital solutions.
He later founded Avasant, where he currently serves as Chairman and CEO[5]. Under his leadership, Avasant has grown into a prominent consulting firm with a focus on digital strategy, global outsourcing, and advisory services. Parikh has led the company in executing high-profile deals and advising Fortune 500 companies on digital innovation and transformation.
In addition to his work at Avasant, Parikh is deeply involved with the Avasant Foundation, which supports initiatives in digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment in underserved communities. Through the foundation, Parikh has spearheaded programs aimed at fostering sustainable development and bridging the digital divide.
Parikh has also collaborated with the United Nations on projects that promote sustainable development and digital transformation globally. His work with the UN reflects his commitment to leveraging technology to address social and economic challenges, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
Board memberships
editKevin Parikh holds esteemed positions on several advisory boards, including:
- TiE Global Board of Trustees [6] – A global nonprofit organization devoted to fostering entrepreneurship.
- CEO Board of Advisors for Innovate@UCLA – An initiative of the University of California, Los Angeles, focusing on innovation and technology.
- USC Center for the Political Future Board of Councilors [7] – An organization dedicated to promoting civil dialogue and bipartisan solutions.
Publications
editParikh is the author of Digital Singularity: A Case for Humanity (2018),[8] in which he explores the impact of digital technology on humanity and the concept of Singularity—a state where human experience and omnipresent technology become fully integrated. The book discusses the rapid changes in the workforce, technological disruptions in various industries, and the importance of adapting to these shifts. Parikh’s work emphasizes an optimistic view of technology, advocating for its potential to solve global issues and unlock human potential.
Kevin Parikh also authored New Horizons of Business Process Outsourcing in Africa, Latin America & Caribbean (2013),[9] a comprehensive exploration of the rapidly evolving Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) landscape. The book examines the emergence of new service delivery locations across Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean (LAC), highlighting how these regions are poised to capitalize on growing opportunities in the BPO and IT-enabled services (ITES) sectors.
Kevin Parikh is also a member of the Forbes Technology Council. As part of this invitation-only community, he contributes his expertise and insights on the latest trends, innovations, and challenges shaping the technology landscape.
Selected publications
edit- Parikh, K. (2018). Digital Singularity: A Case for Humanity. Easton Studio Press. ISBN 978-1947368835.
- Parikh, K. (2013). New Horizons of Business Process Outsourcing in Africa, Latin America & Caribbean. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1492183426.
- "Imagination to Action – Empowering Beyond 2023 Keynote". Avasant. Retrieved from [1].
- "Enlightened Disruption – Empowering Beyond 2024 Keynote". Avasant. Retrieved from [2].
- Parikh, K. (2022). "From Omnichannel to Omniverse: Preparing for the Next Evolution of Customer Engagement". Forbes Technology Council. [3]
- Parikh, K. (2021). "Key Trends Shaping the Workforce of the Future". Forbes Technology Council. [4]
- Parikh, K. (2020). "Accelerating to Borderless Workplaces". Forbes Technology Council. [5]
- Parikh, K. (2020). "The Technology Pillars of Digital Singularity and Opportunities Created for Humanity". Forbes Technology Council. [6]
Media appearances
editParikh has appeared on various platforms, sharing his expertise on topics such as artificial intelligence, digital disruption, and the future of work. Notable appearances include:
- Interviews with Gulf News discussing innovation and global business:
- "Innovation will happen at the speed of our minds: Kevin Parikh, Avasant CEO". Gulf News. [7]
- "Dubai is at the crossroads of global business: Kevin Parikh". Gulf News. [8]
- "UAE is the home of innovation: Kevin Parikh". Gulf News YouTube Channel. [9]
- "The Philanthropist Influencing the World". Industry Era. [10]
- "Kevin Parikh Honored at AIF's Annual Bowties and Bangles Gala Event". PRWeb. [11]
- "One-on-One with Avasant's Kevin Parikh". Consulting Magazine. [12]
- "Kevin Parikh Part 1". Horses for Sources. [13]
- "The INDUStry Show with Kevin Parikh". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tH-qCi4HzM
- "Journey to the Imagination Age". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QLOlwFtY9U
- "The Rise of the Imagination Age: Keynote from Empowering Beyond Digital 2021". YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3KwIJ2NaA
- "Empowering Beyond Summit DC 2017 Keynote". Avasant. Retrieved from https://info.avasant.com/digital-singularity-and-what-it-means-for-human-society
- "The Optimist: Interview with Kevin S. Parikh". Avasant. Retrieved from [14].
- "TiECon West 2024: A Catalyst for Local and Global Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Sustainable Growth". The Los Angeles Tribune. Retrieved from [15].
- "New Normal: A conversation with Kevin Parikh of Avasant". deal architect. Retrieved from [16].
Personal life
editKevin Parikh resides in California and is actively involved in various philanthropic initiatives focused on education and digital literacy. He continues to advocate for the responsible and sustainable growth of digital technologies.
References
edit- ^ "The Org profile on Kevin Parikh". The Org.
- ^ "The 5 Star Ranked Consulting Firm Translating the Power of Technology into Realizable Business Strategies: Avasant, LLC". The Silicon Review. The Silicon Review.
- ^ "Business Sight Best Places to Work in 2019". Issuu. Business Sight.
- ^ "SIG Speaker Profile". Sig.org.
- ^ "Kevin's Forbes Tech Council Profile". Forbes Technology Council.
- ^ "TiE Board of Trustees". TiE Global.
- ^ "Kevin S. Parikh's CPF board of councilors profile on USC Dornsife". USC Dornsife.
- ^ Parikh, Kevin S. (2018). Digital Singularity: A Case for Humanity. Easton Studio Press. ISBN 978-1947368835.
- ^ Parikh, Kevin S. (2013). New Horizons of Business Process Outsourcing in Africa, Latin America & Caribbean. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform. ISBN 978-1492183426.
External links
edit- Official website of Avasant(https://www.avasant.com)
- Kevin Parikh on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinparikh/)
- Avasant Foundation(https://avasantfoundation.org/)
- The Optimist Interview with Kevin S. Parikh (https://info.avasant.com/the-optimist-best-practice-magazine-interview-with-kevin-s.-parikh)
- Imagination to Action – Empowering Beyond 2023 Keynote (https://avasant.com/report/empowering-beyond-2023-keynote-kevin-s-parikh/)
- Enlightened Disruption – Empowering Beyond 2024 Keynote (https://avasant.com/report/enlightened-disruption-empowering-beyond-2024-keynote-by-kevin-s-parikh/)
- The INDUStry Show with Kevin Parikh (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3tH-qCi4HzM)
- Journey to the Imagination Age (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QLOlwFtY9U)
- The Rise of the Imagination Age: Keynote from Empowering Beyond Digital 2021 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ci3KwIJ2NaA)
- Empowering Beyond Summit DC 2017 Keynote(https://info.avasant.com/digital-singularity-and-what-it-means-for-human-society)