IBM Consulting has announced the appointment of Lula Mohanty as its new Managing Partner for the Middle East and Africa region, effective immediately. In her expanded role, Mohanty will oversee IBM Consulting’s strategic and operational functions across the MEA markets, driving growth, digital transformation, and regional client delivery.

With over two decades of industry experience spanning strategy consulting, technology implementation, and leadership, Lula Mohanty brings a deep knowledge of artificial intelligence, hybrid cloud, and enterprise transformation. She previously played key leadership roles in IBM India and Asia-Pacific, where she led consulting teams responsible for delivering large-scale digital innovation programs to clients in banking, telecom, retail, and public sector.

In her new capacity, Mohanty will focus on strengthening IBM Consulting’s presence in fast-growing economies across the GCC, East Africa, and North Africa. She is expected to build on existing momentum, including establishing advanced innovation centres, accelerating AI use cases, and deepening partnerships with local governments and enterprise clients. Her mandate also includes fostering regional talent development and skills modernization through programs that align with national digital transformation agendas.

IBM Consulting continues to invest heavily in the MEA region. Earlier this year, the firm received the Dubai AI Seal in recognition of its excellence in artificial intelligence and governance. It also launched new regional offices and innovation hubs, including an AI Innovation Centre in Riyadh and a consulting office in Doha. Under Mohanty’s leadership, the practice expects to scale these initiatives and support clients in deploying AI, cloud, and data-driven solutions at scale.

Speaking on her appointment, Mohanty expressed excitement about the region’s growth potential. She emphasized IBM’s commitment to co-creating value with regional partners and clients, leveraging local insights and global expertise to address complex challenges in areas like future-ready economies, digital public services, and AI-powered innovation.

Industry analysts view the move as a strategic decision by IBM to anchor its MEA ambitions under seasoned leadership. With digital transformation becoming a priority across public and private sectors, having an experienced executive like Mohanty at the helm is expected to strengthen client trust, accelerate market penetration, and support IBM Consulting’s ambition to be the partner of choice in the region.

As the MEA market enters a new phase of digital acceleration—driven by generative AI, sustainability mandates, and hybrid-work models—Mohanty’s appointment underscores IBM’s commitment to localised leadership and sustained investment. Her proven track record and regional experience are likely to play a key role in shaping IBM Consulting’s next chapter across the Middle East and Africa.