< Previous40 CEO MIDDLE EAST JANUARY – MARCH 2022 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT While female-focused legal reforms are driving positive change in the MENA region, women are still fi ghting for their seat at the leadership table THE C-SUITE IS STILL VERY MUCH A ‘BOYS’ CLUB’ nitiatives to place women in leadership positions across the UAE are increasing, with the country proactively setting policies to protect women, as well as promote gender equality and inclusiv- ity in the workplace. However, while positive devel- opments in the public and private sectors are being witnessed, women are still fighting for their seat on the leadership table, according to Susy Aryani Singgih, group COO and group general counsel at Lootah Holding in the UAE. Earlier this year, the Securities and Commodities Authority (SCA) man- dated all listed firms in the country to have at least one female member on their board of directors, accelerating the rise of female representation on company boards in the UAE. The UAE has also passed more than 20 legislative reforms over the past three years, according to the UAE’s Gender Balance Council, which aims to enhance women’s economic participation. With that, the UAE ranked first in the Gulf region, followed by Saudi Arabia, according to the World Bank’s Women, Business and the Law (WBL) Report, which measures global progress towards gender equality in the law. But according to a Harvard Busi- ness Review research, only 4.9 percent of Fortune 500 CEOs and 2 percent of S&P 500 CEOs are women, and those numbers are declining globally. “In the last 16 years, I have seen only a slight shift. In most sectors, it’s still very much a “boy’s club”, and you don’t find many women in key leader- ship and executive roles, which is a shame,” says Singgih. And diversity in the workplace is imperative, believes Singgih, stating: “Any form of diversity, I believe, can be beneficial for a business as it provides multiple perspectives.” I BY LARA ABOUELKHEIR Lawyer. Aryani Singgih, group COO and group general counsel at Lootah HoldingJANUARY – MARCH 2022 CEO MIDDLE EAST 41 WOMEN EMPOWERMENT “This leads to an increase in crea- tivity and innovation. More impor- tantly, it permits us to adopt a broader view and create a work environment that embraces an abundance mind set,” she adds. A recent report by McKinsey & Co, revealed companies with greater gen- der diversity are 25 percent more likely to achieve above-average profitability than companies with less. Inclusivity stretches beyond inclu- sion of women in the workplace, ac- cording to Singgih, and embraces the inclusion of different cultures, nation- alities, experiences, age groups and those who are physically challenged. With that, a disconnect still exists between the growing commitment of organisations to racial equity and the lack of improvement witnessed in promoting women of colour. “The inclusion of women should not even be a topic of discussion… it’s a non-topic because it shouldn’t even be on the company’s agenda. It should instead be part of any organisation’s DNA,” stresses Singgih. “There seems to be a glass ceiling that women are just unable to break, especially women of minority.” With that, several outdated stig- mas continue to surround women in leadership positions. She explained: “If a woman is a mother, there is fear that she will not be able to fulfil her role as well as a male counterpart as she has the added stress of raising a family.” “The stigma is that if you are a successful business leader, you can’t possibly be a good mother. This is not always the case. Despite my success as a female executive leader, I can clearly say that I am a very present and hands-on mother,” she added. With employed mothers working a “double shift”, struggling to strike a balance between their personal and work lives, mothers are considering downshifting their career or leaving the workforce, with a majority citing childcare responsibilities as a primary reason, according to McKinsey & Co’s ‘Women in the Workplace 2021’ report. “Then there is a stigma that effec- tive and assertive women are overly emotional and temperamental… what women bring to the table is a different, nuanced perspective, and studies have shown that irrespective of the fact that we hold equal qualifications and skillsets, we thrive when it comes to empathy, which is a critical leadership trait,” she says. “There is finally the biggest misperception that female leaders are more risk-adverse and, consequently, don’t pursue growth and risk at a simi- lar pace to a male leader. If anything, we should be recognised for our ability to make calculated assessments and judgment,” she adds. Change is slow, but is coming As businesses continue to strengthen their stance on gender equality and inclusivity in the workplace, a major organisational culture shift and the continuance of work flexibility will be needed to provide women with the opportunity to demonstrate their full capabilities, shares Singgih. “The predetermined belief that women will be unable to tackle the challenges is the greatest obstacle. Remove that mind-set from the lead- ership, and this will ultimately lead to a shift in the culture of the workplace as any form of change needs to be led top-down,” she said. Singgih also explains how creat- ing a healthier balance between work and personal life has become crucial, especially post-pandemic, with the hybrid working model being beneficial for both women and men. “The hybrid working model has made organisations recognise that productivity is critical, and the out- dated “face time” model of sitting in the office between 8am and 8pm may not be the right approach after all,” she says. “This has been a positive move that indirectly impacts working moth- ers, and flexibility has been the one factor missing in the workplace, which, if it existed earlier, could have led to more women in leadership roles.” “THERE SEEMS TO BE A GLASS CEILING THAT WOMEN ARE JUST UNABLE TO BREAK, ESPECIALLY WOMEN OF MINORITY” “WE THRIVE WHEN IT COMES TO EMPATHY, WHICH IS A CRITICAL TRAIT” $28TR The additional global GDP output by 2025 if women worked on par with men, according to McKinsey 20% The average percentage of working women in the Arab states42 CEO MIDDLE EAST JANUARY – MARCH 2022 TRANSPORT Martin Schulz, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars Middle East, sits down with CEO Middle East to discuss the upcoming launch of the Mercedes S-Class in the region and what the future holds for the automaker’s luxury vehicles DRIVING THE FUTURE Digitisation. Advancements in technology have led to car enthusiasts desiring and expecting the best-in-class technology from their cars, Schulz says ow has the Middle East market historically responded to the S-Class? The Middle East market has always had high appreciation for the Mercedes S-Class, thanks to the exquisite luxury, prestige, technology, and comfort that this model series offers. The AMG line, in particular, enjoys a high market share due to its ultimate blend of com- fort, luxury and performance. The loyalty rate for the S-Class, and Mercedes-Benz at large, has always remained high. In the Middle East, more than 80 percent of customers who previously drove an S-Class have once again opted for a Mercedes-Benz model. Currently, Saudi Arabia is our biggest regional market and presents a great opportunity for a number of reasons. Saudi Arabia has progressed immensely in the past five years, and with women now able to drive this has opened an entirely new demographic for Mercedes-Benz. How will the new model respond to unmet customer demands? Advancements in technology have led to car enthusiasts desiring and expecting the best-in-class technology from their cars, so much so that this has become a primary motivator in the decision to purchase or upgrade a car. The S-Class ensures that this need of consumers is rewarded with the most immersive, intelligent, and personalised technology experience one can have in their car. The new S-Class uses digitisation for a car that responds empathetically to the needs and wishes of its driver and passengers. Another key factor in today’s world is sustainability which buyers are in- creasingly taking into consideration. At Mercedes-Benz, we take this very seriously. The new S-Class consists of more than 98 kgs of components made from resource-conserving materials. The number of components containing HJANUARY – MARCH 2022 CEO MIDDLE EAST 43 TRANSPORT recyclates is also now more than twice as many as in the preceding model. This is not limited to the S-Class alone. At Mercedes-Benz, we have launched “Ambition 2039” which is our concrete mission for a holistic and sustainable corporate strategy that will position us as the premier provider of electric vehicles worldwide. In what way does customer demand for S-Class features in the Middle East differ from other regions? Every region is different. In the Middle East, the AMG models have a high demand as customers enjoy the sporty, premium refinement combined with the incredible performance of these vehicles. The core factors that make up the impressive AMG brand – power, delivery, handling, and incredible sound – are all factors that the motorists in the region particularly enjoy. Clients in the Middle East also appreciate the power and performance, along with ultra luxury, of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class which are tailored to the demands of the Middle Eastern audience. Customers’ demands in the region are unique in the way that they align with the language requirements and temperature conditions. The Arabic language is a priority when it comes to MBUX. In fact, we have developed fea- tures with GCC specifications that are available across authorised retailers. Similarly, due to the hot weather conditions in the Middle East, it was essential to develop a highly efficient, yet luxurious temperature control system where 17 step motors control the temperature and air distribution in the THERMOTRONIC system. Especially for the Middle East, as part of our GCC package, the system is enhanced to be more powerful and effective, ensuring optimum temperatures in the region’s unrelenting heat. Do you expect the new S-Class to lure current luxury SUV buyers back to the sedan? The S-Class is an unrivalled flagship model series. Among SUVs, the GLS is equivalent of the S-Class, and both are also available in the Maybach variant for more expressive luxury. While the S-Class provides superb comfort, the GLS offers more space and a third row of seating for families. Can you talk to us about the MBUX? Is this investment something we can expect to see expanded upon in the future with further updates? Definitely! The second generation of MBUX is making its debut in the new S-Class and with its new and improved features, it’s one of the key reasons that Mercedes-Benz stands out and is one of the most outstanding innovations of the brand. The vehicle interior is even more digital and intelligent, as both the hardware and software have made great strides: brilliant displays on up to five large screens, in part with OLED technology, make the control of vehicle and comfort functions even easier. The possibilities for personalisation and intuitive operation have become far more extensive. This certainly applies in the rear, but also to the driver: For example, the new 3D driver display allows a spatial view at the touch of a button for the first time. A real three- dimensional effect is achieved without having to wear 3D glasses. In this latest version, “Hey Mer- cedes” now supports 27 languages with Natural Language Understanding. It also explains vehicle functions and answers general knowledge ques- tions. In the S-Class particularly, the voice assistant can also be controlled from the rear of the car. Among its other incredible func- tions, the MBUX Interior Assist has been updated to improve safety, even before a journey begins. Now, the intel- ligence software can detect and notify the driver even if a child isn’t wearing a seatbelt. Popular. Clients in the Middle East appreciate the power and performance of Mercedes-Benz “ANOTHER KEY FACTOR IN TODAY’S WORLD IS SUSTAINABILITY WHICH BUYERS ARE TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION” 44 CEO MIDDLE EAST JANUARY – MARCH 2022 TRANSPORT How have you sought to blend the technological future of automobiles with luxury? Digitisation and connectivity are prime examples of how we do this. Take the example of the S-Class which is the first car to receive the first government issues permission for Level 3 autono- mous driving in Germany – the system will be offered to the public early next year on the new S-Class and EQS. Fur- ther, Mercedes-Benz is committed to the vision of moving to electric only, a new era where we are setting an all-new benchmark in performance luxury with the first luxury EV, the EQS. The MBUX is another prime exam- ple of technological innovation marry- ing luxury. Along with that, the physical interior of the S-Class has been updated to provide the utmost comfort for both drivers and passengers. There are 10 different massage programmes available in the new S-Class, along with myriad customisation options – mak- ing the S-Class a truly personal vehicle. We believe that luxury, comfort, and safety go hand in hand. With conditionally automated driving and driving assistance systems, Mercedes- Benz is one step closer to its vision of accident-free driving. Thanks to the technological advancements, the driver is supported by numerous driving as- sistance systems, making driving even more safe and comfortable. $112,400 The starting price of the 2022 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Brilliant display. The interior of the S-Class is more digital and intelligent, and the driving experience is at the next levelJANUARY – MARCH 2022 CEO MIDDLE EAST 45 TRANSPORT Engineering at its finest. The new S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan “THE NEW S-CLASS UNDERPINS OUR CLAIM TO PRODUCE THE BEST AUTOMOBILE IN THE WORLD” AUTOMOTIVE LUXURY EXPERIENCE The S-Class stands for the fascination of Mercedes-Benz: legendary and traditional engineering expertise which defi nes the luxury segment in the automobile industry. The new S-Class can be experienced with all the senses – seeing, feeling, hearing and smelling – while offering numerous innovations in the areas of driver assistance, protection and interaction. Mercedes-Benz is shaping the next generation of individual mobility with innovations that place the focus on people. The new S-Class uses digitisation for a car that responds empathetically to the needs and wishes of its driver and passengers. “The S-Class is the world’s best-selling luxury sedan. With the latest generation we want to offer our customers innovation, safety, comfort and quality as never before,” says Ola Källenius, chairman of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG. “The new S-Class underpins our claim to produce the best automobile in the world”, states Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG; responsible for Daimler Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars COO. “This is where covetable luxury meets the greatest possible safety and highest level of comfort.” Modern luxury attains the next level in the interior of the S-Class. The designers have created a feel-good ambience with lounge character marked by elegance, high quality and lightness. The dashboard with its new architecture, modern surface design and ergonomic display arrangement is a particular highlight. But the feel-good aspect goes even deeper: with high ride quality and low noise levels as well as an extensive range of ENERGIZING Comfort programmes, the S-Class looks after the well-being of its passengers. They also stay fi t thanks to the effective air fi ltering system, which signals its newly gained capability with the new name ENERGIZING Air Control . The new Mercedes-Benz S-Class has become more intelligent in many areas, and the driving experience is at the next level. Digital innovations such as in MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) are joined by innovations that increase driving enjoyment while making driving even safer: among them are rear-axle steering with a large steering angle and safety innovations such as the rear airbag. As a new function of PRE-SAFE® Impulse Side, the active E-ACTIVE BODY CONTROL suspension can raise the vehicle body (on both sides) just before an impending side impact. Smooth luxury. ENERGIZING seat kinetics is available in the S-Class for the first time Executives. Ola Källenius (top picture), chairman of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG and Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Mercedes-Benz AG46 CEO MIDDLE EAST JANUARY – MARCH 2022 Former Wall Street banker Ahmass Fakahany tells CEO Middle East about his upcoming restaurant in Dubai, 11 Woodfi re, what guests can expect to see, and the story of transitioning into an entirely different career 11 WOODFIRE: DUBAI’S NEWEST GRILLING HOTSPOT Dining scene. The restaurant is about harmony, community and unleashing a convivial spirit around dining, says Fakahany hat can guests expect from 11 Woodfire? 11 Woodfire is a celebration and ode to early days of heritage, natural grill cooking, with a pledge to use only the freshest sourced ingredients. It is simple but addictive. Woodfire cooking uses techniques passed down from our forefa- thers that have, over time, been supple- mented by extravagant modern cooking, including sous vide methods and the like. Here, we go back to the basics, using methods that have been handed down over generations, remembering where less can be more. Different woods and blends are curated to cook select vegetables, prime meats and fish selections matched exactly with the right wood and embers. The ingredients have to be super fresh and reach the client with minimal seasoning, to get the full impact of the grill and the ingredient’s natural flavour. It is simple but emphasises the earth and its bounty of ingredients, and why we call it a Woodfire Ingredient Im- mersion. The venue is about harmony, community and unleashing a convivial spirit around dining. Talk me through the design and concept decisions behind Woodfire? The design and concept for such a venue, which focuses on heritage cooking and community-feel, had to be differentiated and fit the vision. We searched endlessly for a home or villa that could house this concept, to authenticate the concept and ambiance that we were striving for. A high-rise building with glass windows would not capture our goal. That was not easy, as in Dubai there are very few such locations and most, if any, are cafes. We needed size and a structure with presence that allows you to begin the experience at first sight. In the end, we found an incredible and unique villa at 11 Jumeirah 1, with a dome and a small clock tower opposite the new Manda- rin Oriental Hotel on Jumeirah Road. Massive renovations began to retain the home-like feel and to create many warm W HOSPITALITYJANUARY – MARCH 2022 CEO MIDDLE EAST 47 HOSPITALITY and cosy spots inside, as well as a lively courtyard outside. There is not a bad table in the house. It has a chic rustic charm to its interior design. Incorporat- ing all the wood grill infrastructure within this frame was a challenge but also part of the fun. We wanted to create something unique in a city with so many choices. You will feel as though you are being invited to a private dinner party. Why bring a new restaurant to Dubai? In many ways, bringing 11 Woodfire to Dubai, is actually bringing a new restaurant and concept to the region and potentially beyond. This will be home grown and another marker for Dubai moving more and more into the creative set, versus bringing in only big brands. We have brought the highly acclaimed Marea restaurant from New York to Dubai DIFC. However, we have also developed the locally elevated Indian street food concept, Mohalla, in the Design District, in collaboration with Atelier House Hospitality MD, Panchali Mahendra. Now here we are collaborating with talented Chef Akmal Anuar in the local creation of 11 Woodfire. Like many dense cities, Dubai certainly has many restaurants, but competition is good as it raises the quality standard. How have customer expectations changed? Clients have evolved over time from basic diners to “foodies”, to now what I call “experience gurus.” They now search for and expect a holistic experience. All senses have to be stimulated. This means the visual appeal of the venue, the sound of the kitchen fire and sound track, the subtle smell of the cooking, and of course the vibrant taste of the food all have to come together. Great food only, in a pris- tine space with white walls, with bright lights and no sound, falls short of current customer expectations. It can work, but generally has no longevity. Why did you make a shift from Wall Street to dining? You cannot shift to the hospitality field without having a genuine passion for it at the core. I grew up in Europe, my father was a business executive and we often hosted at our home and outside too. That was where I caught the bug. After a full career in Wall Street, ultimately becoming global president and COO of Merrill Lynch & Co, I wanted to do something different and decided to totally reinvent myself and become an entrepreneur, in a field that I loved and had a passion for. I did not know it would be this hard and full of pitfalls, but it also brings a lot of joy and fulfilment too. In the end, I tell our team we are in the business of memories, and it is amaz- ing when you see customers really enjoy themselves and build memories in a place you created. How would you describe your management style? My management style is very collabo- rative and full of communication and empowerment of employees. I am also very results-driven and standards and goals have to be set, they have to meet, and often exceeded. The business discipline I learned from Wall Street, around planning and analysis, metrics and measurement, real estate negotiations, building successful teams, and encouraging innovative think- ing, translates very strongly to the food and beverage world. I like to think it gives us a little extra edge. Venue. 11 Woodfire aims to bring a new restaurant concept to the region Appeal. 11 Woodfire displays a chic rustic charm to its interior design “YOU CANNOT SHIFT TO THE HOSPITALITY FIELD WITHOUT HAVING A GENUINE PASSION FOR IT AT THE CORE” 48 CEO MIDDLE EAST JANUARY – MARCH 2022 Sophistication. MB&F works on volumes and complexity, while Bulgari creates two-dimensional models with a radically graphic aesthetic Diamonds are forever. Affixed to the top of the upper tourbillon cage is a single diamond that rotates simultaneously with the tourbillon AN ODE TO FEMININITY Radical in terms of its architecture and construction, while exquisitely precious in terms of its opulent ornamentation, the FlyingT Allegra was intended as a tribute to beauty BY EDWARD LIAMZON TIMEPIECES The story of the collaboration between Bvlgari and MB&F is fi rst and foremost that of an encounter between Bvlgari’s product creation executive director, Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani; and MB&F’s founder and creative director, Maximilian Büsser. The outcome is FlyingT Allegra, a joint and unexpected feminine creation merging various skills, but above all two mindsets. This story is also that of an unlikely connection, of two paradoxes JANUARY – MARCH 2022 CEO MIDDLE EAST 49 TIMEPIECES Symbolic tourbillon. The KS 7’000 caliber from Kross Studio is the result of months of research and development, and is equipped with a five-day power reserve INSPIRED BY THE LOTUS In the summer of 2021, French designer Alain Silberstein contacted Kross Studio to discuss his vision for a lotus-inspired timepiece that would capture the essence of the sacred Asian fl ower. A brief initial meeting between Silberstein and Kross Studio founder Marco Tedeschi turned into a crossfi re of ideas and a formal plan to bring the Lotus Tourbillon to life. The KS 7’000 calibre from Kross Studio comes equipped with an oversized barrel offering a fi ve-day power reserve. The regulator takes its place in the centre within a tourbillon cage at the top of the barrel, uniting form and function, and setting the stage for innumerable and creative iterations, this time: a delicate lotus fl ower. This ephemeral bloom reminds the viewer that each passing moment is precious. Revered in Asian spirituality, the lotus is the fl ower of life and a sacred plant. Its seemingly fragile petals conceal unsuspected strength. It is renewed and reborn each day without losing its splendour. The lotus fl ower in polished grade 5 titanium has been machined entirely in the Kross Studio production facility. It seems to fl oat above the tourbillon in all its lightness, with four elements superimposed to symbolise perfect harmony. KS 7’000 CALIBRE FROM KROSS STUDIO PRICE: $80,000 combining to form a single, homogeneous and sophisticated whole. It is also the story of an encounter between two unusual and unconventional creative approaches. The two brands were thus bound to converge on a shared platform: that of their jewellery-making and mechanical audacity. MB&F works on volumes and complexity, while Bvlgari creates two-dimensional models with a radically graphic aesthetic. The choice to revisit MB&F’s Legacy Machine FlyingT was thus both natural and logical, since FlyingT Allegra incorporates both sensibilities. In an ultimate refi ned touch embodying this sophisticated approach, the movement is designed in such a way that only its owner can read the time. The volumes of the watch – featuring a case entirely redesigned by Bvlgari to give it a futuristic and opulent profi le – are matched by those of the coloured stones. These gems serve to counterbalance the cold precision and micromechanical complexity of this model by instilling the Roman jeweller’s warm and exuberant signature touch. For each of the 20 timepieces composing the two pink or white limited editions, jewellers have carefully selected tourmaline, tsavorite, diamonds, rubellite, amethyst, tanzanite and topaz, in an exceptional composition forming a full circle around the movement. The dial entirely paved with snow-set diamonds provides a dazzling backdrop. FLYINGT ALLEGRA PRICE: $185,000 $8.2BN The estimated value of the worldwide luxury watch market in 2022, according to Statista Inspired by a flower. Housed in a 45mm titanium case, the lotus blossoms under a sapphire dome, revealing Kross Studio’s unique watchmaking expertiseNext >