If necessity is the mother of invention, and technology is a universal enabler, we find ourselves in a unique position to challenge predetermined concepts of what is possible.

Sugan D. Palanee

EY EMEIA Markets and Business Development Leader

Auditor by trade, consultant at heart. Passionate about realizing success through potential of people. Building a better working world through innovation and technology.

Areas of focus

Sugan has a dual role as the Markets Leader and Business Development Leader for Europe, Middle East, India and Africa (EMEIA). He is responsible for leading the organization’s go-to-market strategy across EMEIA, helping ensure that the best teams are available to clients, coordinating the innovation of EY services and driving integration of different technical competencies and sector skills.

Sugan is a sought-after public speaker on topics including leading change, diversity and inclusiveness, client centricity in a multi-dimensional matrix organization and leadership.

Sugan joined the EY organization in South Africa directly after finishing high school and qualified as an honors graduate, certified Chartered Accountant (CA) and a registered auditor. He was admitted as a Partner in 2003 and has held various leadership positions in South Africa. Sugan has served several multinational clients and has advised on foreign direct investment opportunities across Africa.

How Sugan is building a better working world

Sugan’s passion for diversity and inclusiveness was recognized with the achievement of the “Better begins with you” award presented by the EY Global Chairman and Chief Executive in 2019.

He built and led a professional service offering in the transformation space and has led several multinational investments into Africa. Sugan remains a key advisor to various multinational and government leaders.

Sugan's latest thinking

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