In the MENA region, Indian business leaders are essential engines to steer forward innovation and economic expansion. They bridge cultures and markets, drawing on deep expertise across different sectors. Furthermore, strong bilateral trade and cooperative endeavors are encouraged by their visionary leadership, which also promotes modernization and local skill development.
These leaders improve the competitive environment, bolstering international markets and opening the door for long-term economic growth on a national level by skillfully fusing local business strategies with global best practices.
As the Chairman & Managing Director of AQ Global, Sirish Ramkumar stands at the intersection of precision manufacturing, sustainable innovation, and people-first leadership. Sirish is a distinguished Indian entrepreneur renowned for his ventures in defense contracting, hospitality & media, particularly across the Middle East and India.
Beyond defense contracting, Sirish leads Class Worldwide LLC, a major UAE-based transport services company, and is the Founder of Paati Veedu, a fine-dining South Indian vegetarian restaurant in Chennai known for its ancestral recipes and homely ambiance.
Early Sparks of Enterprise
Sirish’s entrepreneurial journey began remarkably early. At just 11 years old, he launched his first venture selling fireworks during Diwali to fund his personal expenses. Born and raised in Chennai - India, Sirish completed his schooling at St. Patrick’s Academy and later earned his bachelor’s degree in Visual Communications from Loyola College, Chennai. His college years were marked by leadership in the Loyola Theater Society, where he served as its first-ever two-term President, a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Sirish’s professional career took off in the media industry, wherein, he founded Taurus Communications, producing television content for Doordarshan and private channels. His work earned him the title of ‘Youngest TV Producer’, an award presented by then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Dr J. Jayalalithaa. However, financial headwinds led him to Kuwait in the late 1990s in search of new opportunities.
Building AQ Global
In Kuwait, after navigating initial challenges, Sirish co-founded Al Qabandi United Co. WLL in 1998, focusing on defense contracting and support services for the U.S. military stationed in the region. His leadership quickly propelled the company into new markets, expanding to Oman in 2002, Qatar in 2003, and the UAE in 2005, where he established Gulf Master General Trading LLC.
These ventures eventually consolidated into AQ Global, a mission-driven organization that has become a trusted partner for governments, defense forces, and humanitarian organizations worldwide. Today, the group operates across the Middle East, Poland, Kenya, and the United States, with new offices soon to open in Djibouti, Japan, Ukraine, and The Philippines.
“We take pride in our Indian heritage, global perspective, and our proven ability to deliver in the world’s most complex environments,” states Sirish.
At AQ Global, Sirish has redefined operational excellence through an integrated, single-window service model that combines logistics, base life support, construction, and equipment leasing. Unlike competitors who operate in isolated verticals, AQ Global’s turnkey solutions simplify operations, reduce risks, and enhance accountability, especially in high-risk, remote, and volatile regions.
The company’s commitment to compliance, performance, and accountability is a direct reflection of Sirish’s leadership philosophy. The company employs a dedicated compliance and regulatory affairs team that ensures every contract and operation aligns with host-nation regulations and U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) standards. Furthermore, its meticulously designed SOPs, rigorous field training, and trusted relationships with government and military entities; enabling them to consistently meet stringent timelines, security protocols, and budgetary constraints.
Resilience Through People & Technology
One of Sirish’s greatest beliefs is that people are a company’s most valuable asset. AQ Global’s 1,000+ employees receive continuous investment in their training, well-being, and professional development. Every department operates to ISO 9001:2015 standards, regularly audited and supported by real-time performance dashboards.
We take pride in our Indian heritage, global perspective, and our proven ability to deliver in the world’s most complex environments
Today, the group is deeply committed to proactive risk management. Before any deployment, the group conducts extensive security, health, and environmental risk assessments. Its solutions include layered security systems, evacuation protocols, redundant supply lines, backup power, on-site medical support, and coordinated efforts with local authorities and military units. In high-threat areas, the company also deploys armored or escorted transport.
Additionally, technology is at the core of AQ Global’s agility. The group integrates ERP systems, GPS fleet tracking, digitized warehouse management, and satellite communications for remote sites. Drones and IoT solutions enable real-time energy monitoring and site inspections, while cloud-based back-office systems allow seamless international collaboration. The company is also investing in AI-powered analytics to further optimize fuel efficiency, predictive maintenance, and workforce planning.
Furthermore, through lean management practices and cross-functional training, Sirish has built an organization capable of rapid response and seamless service delivery, be it catering, constructing, fueling, or engineering in complex settings.
Vision for the Future
Under Sirish’s leadership, AQ Global is now focused on strategic diversification, digital transformation, and ESG integration. Key growth areas include sustainable construction, renewable energy, and digitized field operations. The company plans to expand deeper into North and East Africa while strengthening its footprint across Southeast Asia. Ongoing initiatives include establishing regional training academies, enhancing cyber-resilience, and positioning the company as a leading vendor in post-conflict reconstruction and humanitarian support. These efforts reflect Sirish’s unwavering commitment to innovation, operational excellence, and community-driven leadership.
Sirish attributes much of his success to the steadfast support of his family, particularly his mother and wife. He remains deeply grounded in his values, humility, resilience, and the power of long-term relationships. His story is not just one of scaling businesses across continents but of rising beyond boundaries and creating value that lasts, across industries, communities, and generations. Sirish concludes by stating, “We will continue to evolve as a trusted partner for governments, defense forces, and humanitarian organizations worldwide”.
Sirish Ramkumar, Chairman & Managing Director, AQ Global
Sirish Ramkumar is the Chairman & Managing Director of AQ Global, a leading defense logistics firm with operations across the Middle East, Poland, Kenya, and the U.S. Born in Chennai, he began his entrepreneurial journey at 11 by selling fireworks during Diwali to fund his personal expenses. He later founded Taurus Communications before moving to Kuwait, where he co-founded Al Qabandi United Co., which evolved into AQ Global. He also owns Class Worldwide LLC and Paati Veedu, a fine-dining South Indian restaurant.
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