Managing a business is no easy feat. Being efficient at it while keeping pace with the ever-changing transformation in the digital landscape is even harder. But the leaders who find that fine balance between both are the ones who succeed and are worth watching out for in the future.
One such leader is Devesh Vijay (Title Partner and Regional Head of Digital & Innovation Advisory for the Middle East and Africa in Baker Tilly JFC Group). With a career spanning over two decades, Devesh has honed his expertise in technology transformation, enterprise solutions, digital enablement, customer experience, data, analytics, and emerging technologies. From navigating complex challenges to spearheading innovative solutions, Devesh’s journey embodies resilience and innovation, all while leading with empathy and keeping clients at the center of everything.
About The Trailblazer
Devesh is a seasoned digital transformation leader with a rich and diverse background spanning the Middle East, Europe, and South Asia. His extensive travel and varied professional experiences have honed his ability to adapt and thrive in dynamic, fast-paced environments, making him a pivotal figure in the digital landscape.
With nearly 20 years of professional experience, Devesh has successfully spearheaded digital transformation initiatives for clients in various sectors, including utilities, defense, government, healthcare, BFSI, telecommunications, education, and retail. His reputation for delivering outstanding results through collaborative efforts underscores his commitment to excellence and innovation, ensuring optimal outcomes from the outset.
Spearheading Digital Transformation At Baker Tilly JFC Group
Headquartered in Dubai, Baker Tilly JFC Group offers premier Auditing, Consulting, and Business Advisory Services across Middle East and Africa. It ranks among the top 9 consulting firms globally and among the top 6 in the Middle East region. As of 2023, it ranks as the 6th largest accountancy network in the Middle East. But what sets the company apart are its efforts to ensure seamless global services by leveraging decades of industry expertise to deliver tangible value to businesses worldwide.
Baker Tilly JFC’s range of Advisory, Audit, and Assurance Services
| Audit & Assurance (External Audit, ICV, and Project Assurance) | Legal Services | Digital & Innovation Services |
| Corporate Finance & Advisory Services (Management Consulting, Risk Consulting) | Taxation & Value Added Tax (VAT) | Products and Technology Implementation |
In 2022, Baker Tilly presented Devesh Vijay with a unique opportunity: to spearhead the establishment of their Digital & Innovation Consulting from scratch in the region. Despite initial apprehensions, Devesh saw this challenge as a chance to surpass the structured environment of his previous role at KPMG, one of Big Four’s, and push himself to go the extra mile.
Tasked with realizing the vision of the Title Partner and Regional Head of Digital & Innovation Advisory for the Middle East and Africa, Devesh embraced the challenge of building a practice that integrated both classical technology and cutting-edge innovations. As one of the early hires in the advisory team, Devesh dedicated himself to laying the groundwork for Baker Tilly’s digital & innovation capabilities. He worked tirelessly to position the firm as a leader in national strategy work across the Middle East and Africa.
Today, with his close collaboration with regional and senior partners, Devesh Vijay continues to drive Baker Tilly’s growth trajectory. His commitment to the firm’s success aligns with its broader societal impact, resonating with the core values of the company and its ambitious Vision 2030. Despite the challenges ahead, Devesh remains optimistic about the transformative journey ahead, both for Baker Tilly and its clients.
Just like renowned business leaders whose names grace the list of the greatest, Devesh’s success didn’t unfold overnight. Rather, it evolved through diverse experiences, learnings, mistakes, and triumphs: and above all a passion for business that ignited at the tender age of 13.
From Teen Entrepreneur to Industry Leader
The 13-year-old Devesh, although a child, was wise enough to discover his aversion to traditional job roles and embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. By 15, he had founded his first company, a professional service firm designed to bridge the gap between those needing specific services and those capable of providing them. In an era devoid of modern digital communication tools, Devesh Vijay utilized telephones, postal codes, and letters to connect key service providers with clients, running this venture successfully for six years. This speaks volumes about the innovative thinker and businessperson he is. The services ranged from painting and contracting to various civil improvements, fostering a nationwide ecosystem of professional connections.
Simultaneously, at 16 or 17, Devesh’s passion for education led him to create “Recreate,” an initiative aimed at providing free education to underserved communities. Balancing his entrepreneurial endeavors with his academic pursuits, he realized the importance of self-funding his projects without relying heavily on external financial support. This early blend of business acumen and social responsibility laid the foundation for Devesh’s future as a dynamic leader in digital transformation. This period served as a marination process, preparing him to enter the corporate world with a success-oriented and business-savvy mindset.
The Genesis of Building Excellence
Devesh Vijay began his professional career at Airtel, specifically within Infratel, a passive telecom company focused on infrastructure for Indian telecom operators. His role in establishing their data center of excellence introduced him to the crucial role data plays in national growth and the economy. He then joined KPMG India and worked in many projects before moving to KPMG in GCC, where he supported various regional as well as international projects.
His expertise led him to various markets, starting in Kuwait and moving through Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, UAE, ultimately settling in Qatar. Until 2022, Devesh’s tenure at KPMG saw him driving digital strategy, transformation, and process optimization for clients, significantly enhancing their business outcomes through technology. Little did he know, this was just preparing him for even greater career opportunities, and it panned out that way upon joining Baker Tilly JFC Group.
Empowering Excellence Through Empowerment
Devesh’s leadership philosophy revolves around the profound belief that the success of any organization rests upon the motivation and empowerment of its team members. He acknowledges the diverse capabilities and personalities within his team, recognizing the pivotal role they play in achieving collective goals. By fostering an environment where every individual feels valued and supported, Devesh ensures that his team is motivated to excel, even outside their comfort zones. His leadership style is defined by empathy, transparency, and a commitment to nurturing the growth and success of each team member.
For DeveshVijay, true leadership is not about individual achievements or directives from higher-ups, but about understanding and fulfilling the needs and aspirations of his team. Instead of negative capitalism and aggressive approaches, he prefers creating a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is empowered to contribute and grow.
By prioritizing the personal and professional development of his team members, Devesh ensures that their success translates into the success of the organization as a whole, aligning individual goals with collective achievements.
Navigating Challenges & Realizing Triumphs
What’s common among great business leaders? Is it their humility, intelligence, or unwavering commitment to hard work, regardless of the circumstances? Or is it the combination of all three? Because neither business nor leadership entails a smooth sail; it’s an uphill battle. But what’s rewarding is the view from the top, which makes it all worth hustling for. Devesh’s journey has been something like that too.
Devesh’s consulting journey unfolded against a backdrop of a rapidly evolving marketplace. This was a time when globalization was blurring industry lines, and traditional career paths were becoming less rigid. New technologies were disrupting established practices, creating a sense of uncertainty for those just entering the workforce. Devesh, however, thrived in this environment. He understood that the challenges presented by this socio-economic shift were also opportunities to learn and grow.
Without a clear roadmap for success, Devesh had to navigate the complexities of the consulting world. This wasn’t just about the technical aspects of the job, but also about understanding the cultural nuances of different client interactions. The early struggles he faced – deciphering his role, delivering impactful results, and forging his own career path – were not unique. They reflected the experiences of many who entered the consulting field during a period of significant change. However, these challenges also instilled in Devesh a deep sense of empathy. He recognized the difficulties faced by those who followed a similar path, and this empathy would later translate into a strong commitment to mentorship.
As he ascended to leadership positions, Devesh Vijay encountered multifaceted challenges revolving around team dynamics, investments, and client expectations. Balancing the needs of his team with organizational goals and client demands posed intricate puzzles to solve. Yet, through strategic investments in talent and fostering collaborative relationships, Devesh has continuously overcome these challenges, driving both personal and organizational growth. His leadership journey exemplifies a commitment to resilience, innovation, and the unwavering belief that challenges are the catalysts for true achievements.
One Digital Transformation at a Time
Devesh’s tenure at Baker Tilly JFC has been marked by his unwavering dedication to providing exceptional client experiences, even in the face of unforeseen challenges.
“It is not about what we do.
It’s not about what we make.
It’s not about the money that we bring to the table.
It’s about the impact that we bring to our clients, which is the differentiating factor that I believe every day we need to work on.” -Devesh Vijay
Furthermore, Devesh Vijay’s leadership has played a pivotal role in transforming Baker Tilly JFC’s market recognition and expanding its scope beyond traditional perceptions. Overcoming initial challenges of brand recognition, Devesh led initiatives to position Baker Tilly JFC as a leading consulting firm. His efforts have not only resulted in securing national strategic projects but also in substantial team growth, from a modest beginning of two members to a thriving team of over 30. Devesh’s vision and leadership continue to drive Baker Tilly towards ambitious milestones, setting the stage for exponential growth and client satisfaction.
Guidance for Future Leaders
Devesh’s journey is punctuated by a fundamental belief that leadership transcends titles and positions—it’s ingrained in one’s character from the outset. To young leaders, he imparts the wisdom of instilling confidence not just in oneself but in the entire team. Leadership, he emphasizes, is about fostering teamwork, taking calculated risks, and prioritizing collective success over individual accolades. From school to professional life, Devesh underscores the importance of diligence, hard work, and a shared vision that aligns the interests of individuals with the overarching goals of the organization.
Drawing inspiration from iconic leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Devesh Vijay emphasizes the transformative power of selflessness in leadership. He underscores that true leaders eschew self-serving ambitions, instead focusing on motivating and empowering others. Devesh’s advice serves as a beacon for aspiring leaders, reminding them that while authority may compel obedience, genuine leadership inspires collaboration and growth. Ultimately, he advocates for a leadership style rooted in empathy, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of collective success. Ultimately, it’s never solely about the journey or the destination; it’s about the company along the way. Strive to be that source of support and encouragement for others.
Client-Centric Excellence
In Devesh’s vision of the future, success isn’t measured solely by monetary gains but by the depth of trust and partnership forged with clients. He envisions a landscape where clients view him and his team not merely as service providers, but as trusted advisors, ready to support them through any challenge or opportunity, regardless of the hour. For Devesh, true fulfillment lies in the profound impact made on clients’ lives and businesses, surpassing their expectations and earning their unwavering confidence.
Looking ahead, Devesh Vijay harbors ambitious goals for Baker Tilly JFC, aspiring to build a technology practice that scales to $1 billion in stature. Yet, beyond financial benchmarks, his ultimate aim is to leave a legacy of unparalleled client satisfaction and inspiration. With each endeavor, Devesh remains committed to exceeding clients’ expectations, ensuring that every service rendered leaves a lasting impression of excellence and innovation.
