Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Steven Ireland is an accomplished business and tax advisory professional with extensive experience in the Middle East region. As the Founder of Evolution Consulting GCC, he provides strategic guidance and consulting services to clients across diverse industries. With a strong background in international and M&A tax, Steven has a proven track record of driving business growth and improving operational efficiency for his clients.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
Founder, Evolution Consulting GCC (2023 - Present)
- Establishing a boutique consulting firm focused on providing bespoke solutions to clients in the GCC region
- Leveraging deep industry expertise to advise clients on strategic business decisions, tax optimization, and international expansion
- Building a network of trusted partners and collaborators to deliver comprehensive, end-to-end consulting services
Director, British Chamber of Commerce Dubai (BCCD) (2023 - Present)
- Serving on the board of directors for the prestigious BCCD, contributing to the development and implementation of the organization's strategic initiatives
- Leveraging extensive industry knowledge to provide guidance and support to British businesses operating in the UAE
Contributor, Forbes Middle East (2020 - Present)
- Providing thought leadership and industry insights through regular contributions to the prestigious Forbes Middle East publication
- Sharing expertise on topics related to international taxation, business strategy, and economic developments in the region
Career Progression
Prior to founding Evolution Consulting GCC, Steven held senior tax advisory roles at leading professional services firms, including:
Head of Tax, Creation Business Consultants (2021 - 2023)
- Managed a team of tax specialists to deliver comprehensive tax advisory services to clients in the GCC region
- Spearheaded the firm's international tax planning and compliance initiatives, optimizing client tax structures and minimizing liabilities
Head of International Tax, Grant Thornton - UAE (2020 - 2021)
- Provided strategic tax guidance to multinational clients on cross-border transactions, mergers and acquisitions, and global expansion plans
- Collaborated with the firm's global network to develop and implement innovative tax solutions
Senior Manager, International and M&A Tax, PwC (2015 - 2019)
- Advised clients on the tax implications of complex M&A transactions and international business operations
- Developed and implemented tax optimization strategies to enhance client profitability and competitiveness
Academic Background
Steven holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Manchester, UK. He is a Chartered Accountant (ICAEW) and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
Areas of Expertise
- International and cross-border taxation
- Mergers and acquisitions tax advisory
- Tax optimization and compliance
- Business strategy and operational consulting
- Public-private partnerships and government relations
- Thought leadership and industry advocacy
Professional Impact
- Facilitated numerous successful M&A transactions, delivering significant tax savings and enhancing client profitability
- Spearheaded the development of innovative tax planning strategies that enabled clients to expand their global footprint while minimizing tax liabilities
- Contributed thought leadership articles to Forbes Middle East, providing valuable insights on the evolving tax and business landscape in the region
- Served as a trusted advisor to clients across diverse industries, including real estate, healthcare, and technology
Conclusion
With his extensive expertise in international tax and business advisory, Steven Ireland is poised to continue making a significant impact in the Middle East region. As the Founder of Evolution Consulting GCC, he is dedicated to helping clients navigate the complex regulatory environment and seize new growth opportunities. Through his multifaceted professional contributions, Steven remains a highly sought-after strategic advisor and a respected voice in the industry.
