Ghafari Associates Executive and Leadership Team

September, 2026

Leadership Overview

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

Committed to engineering excellence, [[Ghafari Associates]] delivers integrated architecture and process design solutions globally while maintaining a focus on sustainable construction practices and long-term client value.

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. Overseeing the alignment of process design, consulting, and construction services, the President & Chief Executive Officer ensures that all multidisciplinary teams meet rigorous industry standards. Kouhaila Hammer drives the expansion of market reach across North American and international sectors, fostering innovation in complex facility design. By collaborating with the Board and senior leadership, the President & Chief Executive Officer maintains the firm's competitive edge in the construction industry. This leadership role involves optimizing operational efficiency and securing long-term growth through high-impact project delivery. Through consistent focus on technical excellence and client satisfaction, the President & Chief Executive Officer strengthens the firm's reputation as a leader in integrated design and construction solutions.

    Keith Sherman - Chief Financial Officer

    Keith Sherman, the Chief Financial Officer at Ghafari Associates, manages the fiscal health and capital allocation strategies for this global engineering and construction enterprise. Overseeing financial reporting, risk management, and budgetary planning, the Chief Financial Officer ensures the firm maintains robust liquidity to support large-scale architecture and process design projects. Keith Sherman directs the financial analysis required for international expansion, providing the necessary data to guide executive decision-making. By monitoring market trends and economic indicators, the Chief Financial Officer optimizes resource distribution across various departments. This leadership role involves maintaining strict compliance with global financial regulations while driving profitability through cost-effective operational strategies. Through precise financial oversight, the Chief Financial Officer supports the long-term sustainability of the firm's diverse service portfolio, ensuring that all engineering and consulting initiatives remain financially viable and aligned with corporate growth objectives.

    Nick Purohit - President, Operations (India)

    Nick Purohit, the President, Operations (India) at Ghafari Associates, directs the regional engineering and process design activities within the Indian market. Overseeing the local delivery of architecture and construction consulting services, the President, Operations (India) ensures that all regional projects adhere to the firm's global quality standards. Nick Purohit drives operational efficiency by managing local teams and coordinating with international headquarters to streamline project workflows. By focusing on regional market growth and client relationship management, the President, Operations (India) expands the firm's footprint in the rapidly evolving construction sector. This leadership role involves optimizing local resource allocation and ensuring that regional operations contribute effectively to the company's overall strategic objectives. Through the successful execution of complex engineering projects, the President, Operations (India) strengthens the firm's presence in the region, providing essential support for global clients requiring specialized design and construction expertise.

    Ali Solaksubasi - Operations President, International

    Ali Solaksubasi, the Operations President, International at Ghafari Associates, manages the execution of engineering, architecture, and construction projects across diverse global markets outside of North America. Overseeing the coordination of international teams, the Operations President, International ensures that all cross-border initiatives align with the firm's core mission of delivering high-quality process design and consulting services. Ali Solaksubasi drives the expansion of the firm's operational capabilities in emerging markets, focusing on large-scale infrastructure and facility projects. By collaborating with regional leaders, the Operations President, International optimizes project delivery timelines and resource management to maximize operational impact. This leadership role involves navigating complex international regulatory environments and maintaining consistent service standards across all global locations. Through strategic oversight of international operations, the Operations President, International ensures that the firm remains a preferred partner for global clients seeking integrated engineering and construction solutions.

    Robert Bell - Chief Information Officer

    Robert Bell, the Chief Information Officer at Ghafari Associates, architects the digital infrastructure and technological framework supporting this global engineering and architecture firm. Overseeing the integration of advanced design software, data security protocols, and enterprise resource planning systems, the Chief Information Officer ensures that all technical operations remain efficient and secure. Robert Bell drives the adoption of innovative digital tools that enhance process design and construction project management across international markets. By collaborating with other C-suite leaders, the Chief Information Officer aligns technology investments with the firm's broader strategic goals. This leadership role involves mitigating cybersecurity risks and optimizing the digital workflow for engineering teams. Through the implementation of scalable IT solutions, the Chief Information Officer empowers the firm to deliver complex projects with greater precision and speed, ultimately maintaining the technological superiority required in the competitive construction and consulting landscape.
    Robert Bell

    Christine McDermott - Chief Human Resources Officer

    Christine McDermott, the Chief Human Resources Officer at Ghafari Associates, manages the talent acquisition, organizational development, and workforce strategy for this global engineering and construction firm. Overseeing the recruitment of specialized architects, engineers, and consultants, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures the firm maintains a high-performance culture capable of executing complex process design projects. Christine McDermott drives initiatives focused on employee engagement, professional development, and diversity, which are essential for sustaining the firm's competitive advantage. By aligning human capital strategies with the company's operational goals, the Chief Human Resources Officer supports the growth of teams across various international regions. This leadership role involves fostering a collaborative environment that encourages innovation in engineering and construction. Through effective talent management and organizational design, the Chief Human Resources Officer ensures that the firm retains the expertise necessary to deliver high-quality solutions to clients worldwide.
    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.