Ghafari Associates Executive and Leadership Team

August, 2026

Leadership Overview

Ghafari Associates has 6 executives leading key functions including strategy, information technology, financial management, human resources, and international operations.

Committed to engineering excellence, [[Ghafari Associates]] delivers integrated architecture and process design solutions while maintaining a global standard for innovation and construction efficiency across diverse industrial sectors.

Leadership Roles at Ghafari Associates

  • President & Chief Executive Officer - Kouhaila Hammer
  • Chief Financial Officer - Keith Sherman
  • President, Operations (India) - Nick Purohit
  • Operations President, International - Ali Solaksubasi
  • Chief Information Officer - Robert Bell
  • Chief Human Resources Officer - Christine McDermott
  • Kouhaila Hammer - President & Chief Executive Officer

    Kouhaila Hammer, the President & Chief Executive Officer at Ghafari Associates, directs the overarching strategic vision for this global engineering and architecture firm. Hammer architects long-term growth initiatives while overseeing the alignment of process design and construction services with evolving market demands. By fostering collaboration across all departments, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that the firm maintains a competitive edge in complex industrial projects. Kouhaila Hammer drives the organizational culture toward excellence, prioritizing technical precision and client satisfaction in every engagement. This leadership role involves constant evaluation of market trends to secure the firm's position as a leader in global consulting. Through rigorous oversight of corporate performance, the President & Chief Executive Officer guarantees that all operational outputs meet the high standards expected by international partners. Ultimately, Hammer secures the future stability and expansion of the company through disciplined management and visionary planning.

    Keith Sherman - Chief Financial Officer

    Keith Sherman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ghafari Associates, directs the financial health and fiscal strategy of this global engineering and construction enterprise. Sherman architects comprehensive budgeting processes and capital allocation plans that support the firm's long-term growth objectives. Overseeing financial reporting and risk management, the Chief Financial Officer ensures transparency and compliance across all international operations. Keith Sherman drives profitability by optimizing cost structures and identifying new revenue streams within the architecture and consulting sectors. This leadership role involves close collaboration with the executive team to evaluate the financial viability of major construction projects and strategic investments. By maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions and stakeholders, the Chief Financial Officer secures the necessary capital for continued innovation. Through meticulous analysis of market performance, Sherman provides the insights required to navigate economic fluctuations, ensuring that the company remains financially resilient while pursuing ambitious global expansion goals.

    Nick Purohit - President, Operations (India)

    Nick Purohit, the President, Operations (India) at Ghafari Associates, directs all engineering and design activities within the South Asian market. Purohit architects operational workflows that integrate local expertise with the firm's global standards for architecture and process design. Overseeing the regional team, the President, Operations (India) ensures that all construction consulting projects meet strict quality and timeline benchmarks. Nick Purohit drives business development efforts to expand the firm's footprint across the region, focusing on high-growth industrial sectors. This leadership role involves coordinating with global headquarters to ensure consistency in service delivery and technical methodology. By optimizing local resource allocation, the President, Operations (India) enhances the efficiency of complex engineering projects. Through the cultivation of strong client relationships, Purohit secures long-term partnerships that contribute to the company's overall international success, ensuring that regional operations remain a vital component of the firm's global service delivery model.

    Ali Solaksubasi - Operations President, International

    Ali Solaksubasi, the Operations President, International at Ghafari Associates, directs the firm's expansion and project execution across global markets outside of North America and India. Solaksubasi architects strategies to penetrate new territories, focusing on large-scale engineering and construction opportunities. Overseeing international project managers and cross-functional teams, the Operations President, International ensures that all global engagements adhere to the company's rigorous design and consulting standards. Ali Solaksubasi drives operational excellence by standardizing processes across diverse geographic regions to maximize efficiency and profitability. This leadership role involves navigating complex regulatory environments and cultural nuances to deliver successful outcomes for international clients. By aligning regional operations with the firm's overarching strategic goals, the Operations President, International facilitates seamless collaboration on multi-national projects. Through the continuous assessment of global market trends, Solaksubasi identifies emerging opportunities, ensuring that the company maintains a strong competitive presence in the international architecture and engineering landscape.

    Robert Bell - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bell, the Chief Information Officer at Ghafari Associates, manages the digital infrastructure and technological frameworks supporting global engineering operations. Bell architects secure data systems that facilitate seamless collaboration between architecture, design, and construction teams. Overseeing the integration of advanced software tools, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all technical resources remain optimized for high-stakes project delivery. Robert Bell drives digital transformation initiatives to enhance operational efficiency across the firm's diverse service portfolio. This leadership role requires constant coordination with other C-suite members to align technology investments with broader business objectives. By implementing robust cybersecurity protocols, the Chief Information Officer protects critical intellectual property and client data. Through the deployment of scalable cloud solutions, Bell supports the firm's ability to handle complex, large-scale projects, ensuring that technological capabilities consistently exceed the requirements of modern engineering and construction environments.
    Robert Bell

    Christine McDermott - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christine McDermott, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ghafari Associates, directs the talent acquisition and organizational development strategies for this global engineering firm. McDermott architects programs that attract top-tier architects, engineers, and consultants to support the company's complex construction projects. Overseeing employee engagement and professional development, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the workforce remains aligned with the firm's core mission of technical excellence. Christine McDermott drives initiatives focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion to foster a collaborative and innovative workplace culture. This leadership role involves managing performance systems and compensation structures that reward high-impact contributions across all departments. By implementing effective training protocols, the Chief Human Resources Officer prepares the team to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry. Through strategic workforce planning, McDermott ensures that the company possesses the human capital necessary to execute large-scale, international engineering and design mandates successfully.
    Christine McDermott

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Ghafari Associates Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Ghafari Associates?
    Ghafari Associates is led by Kouhaila Hammer (President & Chief Executive Officer), along with executives such as Keith Sherman (Chief Financial Officer) and Nick Purohit (President, Operations (India)).
    Who is part of Ghafari Associates’s executive team?
    The executive team of Ghafari Associates includes leaders such as Kouhaila Hammer (President & Chief Executive Officer), Keith Sherman (Chief Financial Officer), Nick Purohit (President, Operations (India)) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Ghafari Associates have?
    Ghafari Associates has 6 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Ghafari Associates’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Ghafari Associates includes roles such as President & Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, President, Operations (India), Operations President, International, Chief Information Officer.