Global management consulting firm AT Kearney has announced strategic changes to its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) management team, to support the firm’s growth agenda and enhance its client focus across the region.

The changes, which reflect AT Kearney’s continued commitment to its strong EMEA operations, see Luca Rossi, previously a partner in AT Kearney’s Milan office, appointed as the head of the EMEA region; a role he assumed from January 1, 2013. Rossi succeeds Johan Aurik who was elected global managing partner and chairman of the board, a statement from the company said.

Dan Starta, managing partner of AT Kearney Middle East, has had his remit expanded to include the firm’s Africa business. He has over 25 years’ international business experience, which has seen him play an important role in supporting initiatives critical to the GCC’s economic development and the success of major regional corporations.

AT Kearney re-emphasizes its commitment to the region with new office openings in Abu Dhabi and Riyadh in 2013, and further strengthens its Middle East Energy and Process Industries team with the arrival of Bernhard Hartmann and Laurent Viviez.

Hartmann, previously the managing partner of the company’s China operations and leader of the firm’s Asian Energy team, brings with him more than 16 years of consulting and industry experience in the utilities, chemical, engineering, and oil & gas industries.

Viviez also joins the Middle East team as partner. Previously located in London, Viviez brings with him 16 years international experience in  telecoms, media and high tech with specific expertise in the areas of corporate strategy, M&A, marketing/sales and large scale organisational transformation.

Johan Aurik, managing partner and chairman of the board elect, AT Kearney, said: “AT Kearney has been in the Middle East for more than 35 years and these changes to our management structure are further evidence to our absolute commitment to this region and our clients.”

“Starta’s expanded role is testament to the great results that he has been delivering for AT Kearney’s clients across the Middle East and we are delighted to further strengthen the team with Hartmann and Viviez.”

“The strong growth prospect of the combined region provides immense opportunities for businesses to develop. Tapping into growth and managing the complexities of this hyper-speed evolution will be essential for our clients to deliver immediate results and establish long-lasting competitive advantage,” Starta said. – TradeArabia News Service