President
Ascend
Nishaad Ruparel brings a blend of experience in investment banking, private equity, and a deep commitment to partnership-driven growth to his role as President at Ascend. With a BS in Finance and International Business from NYU and an MBA from Stanford, Nishaad has held positions at J.P. Morgan, AEA Investors, and Alpine Investors. Guided by Ascend’s value, “Win Together,” he focuses on fostering collaboration and ambitious goals. Originally from New Jersey, he now enjoys life in Northern California with his wife, exploring the outdoors and new adventures.
Private equity continues to reshape the growth trajectory of leading accounting firms. In this panel, leaders from Accounting Today’s 2026 Fastest-Growing Firms share how PE has shaped their firm models, accelerated growth, and introduced new pressures and expectations. Panelists will discuss what PE has enabled, how it differentiates their firms, and what it really takes to manage rapid, PE-backed growth.