What gets Sungesh out of bed every morning? “My curiosity and my drive to help people,” he says with characteristic directness. As Managing Partner of UHY Haines Norton, Sungesh lives the firm’s values through a remarkable 30-year journey—rising from graduate accountant to strategic leader. It’s a full-circle career that shows what’s possible when dedication, opportunity, and purpose come together.
A leader by purpose
Sungesh never set out to be Managing Partner. After three decades of growing with UHY, his plan was to step back and retire in 2021. But when the previous Managing Director moved on, the firm needed someone with the experience, the history, and the heart to step in.
“UHY has given me so much,” he often says. “It’s shaped my family life, my health, my relationships, and my sense of community. It’s been a truly fulfilling career—something I’ll always be grateful for.”
Taking on the role wasn’t about obligation. It was about purpose. Having walked through every level of this firm, he knew I was in a unique position to help lead UHY into its next chapter.
The strategic visionary with heart
Behind Sungesh’s quiet, reserved exterior lies what he calls a “deep focus”—a constant stream of strategic thinking, creative problem-solving, and forward-planning. “There’s a lot of thinking going on every day, every minute,” he says. “I’m naturally drawn to the big picture and where we’re heading.”
But this deep focus transforms into something completely different when he’s working with clients or team members.
“When you’re with me on a client, you’ll feel it—it’s sharp focus,but also genuine energy and fun.”
This duality—serious strategic thinker by design, engaging relationship-builder in practice—reflects UHY’s approach to complex business challenges: technical excellence delivered through genuine human connection.
The philosophy of genuine care
Sungesh’s career has been built on technical expertise and business acumen—but what he hopes to be remembered for is something deeper. “At the heart of everything, it’s about kindness and respect. For me, nothing matters more than helping our people.”
And this isn’t just talk. When team members face difficulties, Sungesh shows up—personally. “If someone’s unwell or going through a tough time, I’ll even turn up at their doorstep just to check they’re okay.” It’s a style of leadership that builds trust, loyalty, and belonging.
This kind of genuine care creates a workplace culture where people don’t just work—they flourish. And its impact extends beyond the office, touching families and communities, creating ripple effects that make the entire UHY ecosystem stronger.
The bow and arrow philosophy
Sungesh’s favourite metaphor for leadership is archery. “When you shoot a bow and arrow, you’ve got to think about the past because you’re pulling it right back, your eye is right on the present, and then you aim for the future.”
This past-present-future thinking shapes how he leads UHY. He understands where the firm has been, stays acutely focused on current opportunities and challenges, and creates strategies that position UHY for long-term success. It’s this temporal perspective that allows him to make decisions that benefit not just today’s clients, but the next generation of business leaders UHY will serve.
The New Zealand advantage
Sungesh’s passion for New Zealand runs deep. Born in Fiji and shaped by experiences across cultures, he chose New Zealand as home because of its rare combination of opportunity, empowerment, and genuine equality.
“Everything starts with mindset—when you believe, New Zealand offers limitless possibilities.”
That conviction fuels his vision for UHY’s future. Rather than chasing international expansion for its own sake, Sungesh is focused on building something distinctly New Zealand—a firm that embodies Kiwi values of fairness, honesty, and mutual support, while delivering world-class expertise.
“Our future isn’t about adding more offices in Auckland—it’s about reaching across New Zealand, championing regional growth that strengthens communities and creates opportunities where they matter most.”
Building leaders, shaping the future
Under Sungesh’s leadership, UHY isn’t just growing—it’s cultivating the next generation of leaders. “How do we replenish our base? How do we grow organically with our people to create the partners who will lead the firm for the next 15 to 20 years?” he asks.
This commitment to developing people reflects his own journey and his belief that the strongest leaders are those who have walked the path from the ground up. For Sungesh, succession planning isn’t a process—it’s a promise: to ensure UHY’s culture of genuine care and technical excellence thrives long after his tenure.
At the end of each day, Sungesh and his wife remind themselves, “We can sleep well, knowing we’ve done everything we can.” It’s this combination of relentless effort and peaceful confidence that makes him the kind of leader who doesn’t just manage a business—he builds a legacy.
