< PreviousPOWER LIST 40 ACN | Summer 2025 Sammar Farooqi is a true leader in technology and management consulting. He specialises in consumer and retail sectors. He is the Vice President of Strategy, Cloud Innovation & Business Development at SAP. As part of his role, he drives the industry cloud strategy for the EMEA South region, focusing on generative AI, sustainability and innovation. His previous roles include C-level positions where he managed multi-million dollar budgets and complex technology contracts. Rajeev Jose leads IT strategies across Philips in the Middle East, Turkey and Africa, ensuring alignment with business goals. He has led advancements in CRM systems and data-driven decision-making. These enhanced the company’s competitive edge. Jose has successfully built a data analytics team that has unlocked new opportunities. He has managed the deployments of SAP, salesforce.com and ServiceMax. These launches have also prepared the IT infrastructure for future innovations. With over 15 years in cybersecurity, Sami Alsubhi is instrumental in fortifying Bupa Arabia’s digital defences as the Chief Information Security Offi cer. He has eff ectively implemented comprehensive security programmes that enhance compliance and mitigate risks. His leadership ensures robust cybersecurity measures. Additionally, Alsubhi skilfully adapts technology initiatives to align with organisational goals and protect against emerging threats. He is part of several committees where he directs strategies for business growth. Sabri Albreiki leads e&’s technology strategies as the Group Chief Technology Offi cer, delivering signifi cant advancements in digital transformation. With over 20 years in telecommunications, Albreiki has spearheaded app development, infrastructure and operations optimisation. His initiatives focus on enhancing organisational agility and strong customer experiences. At Etisalat Egypt, he established critical infrastructure, implementing advanced convergent charging and billing solutions. SAMI ALSUBHI CISO BUPA ARABIA SABRI ALBREIKI GROUP CTO e& SAMMAR FAROOQI VP SAP RAJEEV JOSE HEAD OF IT PHILIPS MIDDLE EAST, TURKEY & AFRICA INNOVATORS Sabri AlbreikiPOWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 41 Rizwan Ihsan has been instrumental in driving digital transformations in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) sector across EMEA and APAC, with over a decade of experience at P&G. Initially named Manager of IT Distribution Systems in 2010, he advanced through senior roles across India, Indonesia and the Middle East. As the Chief Information Offi cer, he is currently overseeing IT infrastructure in Saudi Arabia. Ihsan focuses on cloud adoption and enterprise software to enhance operational effi ciency and scalability. Sarfaraz Ahmed has over 20 years of experience in IT, excelling in strategic planning and business systems. As CIO of MENA at ENGIE, he has spearheaded digital transformation initiatives focused on cloud adoption and cybersecurity. Ahmed’s leadership has delivered notable operational effi ciencies and garnered industry accolades, including recognition as a cloud transformation champion. His work has had an impact on enhancing ENGIE’s technological infrastructure and strategic capabilities. David Ramsey is an experienced Chief Information Offi cer who is currently leading SolarWinds’ shift from on-premises software to a SaaS-first model, streamlining over 25 legacy products into an integrated SaaS architecture. With 28 years of experience in tech leadership, including roles at eight companies, he is developing a comprehensive IT modernisation roadmap. Ramsey’s eff orts focus on optimising IT costs, enhancing business agility and improving customer experience. Saravan Penubarthi excels in executing global digital transformations. He is a seasoned Chief Technology Offi cer. His accomplishments include delivering substantial business value through innovative digital strategies, cloud adoption and the latest technologies like machine learning and IoT. Penubarthi has successfully led global teams and digital programmes, seamlessly collaborating with executive boards and IT departments. His expertise spans cloud, RPA and data analytics to support business growth. DAVID RAMSEY CIO SOLARWINDS SARAVAN PENUBARTHI CTO AIQ RIZWAN IHSAN CIO PROCTER & GAMBLE (P&G) SAUDI ARABIA SARFARAZ AHMED CIO - MENA ENGIE INNOVATORS David RamseyPOWER LIST 42 ACN | Summer 2025 With 28 years in the fi eld, Pradeep MN leads Descon’s Automation and Control System Engineering Division. Notable projects include migrating on-premise systems to M365, achieving a 15 per cent overhead reduction and enhancing cybersecurity through fi rewall upgrades. His leadership in substation automation and IT infrastructure has improved operational effi ciency. He also oversees dynamic CMS website development and robust security solutions using SonicWall and Fortinet, ensuring security and performance. Yousef Al Suhaibani is a seasoned executive recognised for spearheading digital transformation initiatives that optimise operational costs and enhance internal processes. Mobily has witnessed notable improvements in customer experience across multiple sectors under his leadership. His focus on developing high-performing teams has driven substantial strategic impact. His work emphasises leveraging digital tools for transformation and operational optimisation. Ramandeep Singh Virdi has international experience across various sectors, including hotels, retail, F&B and air travel. He is the CIO of Americana Restaurants, a leading restaurant platform in the MENA region. He has experience developing digital and IT functions from scratch then scaling them. Virdi has leveraged top integrated technology systems to support 2,100 restaurants across 12 countries. Virdi built a digital ecosystem that’s made Americana a top-rated app in the QSR industry. Dr. Mahmoud Sherif has over 25 years of experience in telecommunications. He presently leads the Innovation and Techno-Business Development department at du. He has worked on major network transformation programmes and authored pivotal works, including a book on 4G-LTE networks. With a PhD in Electrical Engineering, he has contributed signifi cantly to improving telecommunications standards and holds multiple patents. RAMANDEEP SINGH VIRDI CIO AMERICANA RESTAURANTS MAHMOUD SHERIF HEAD OF IT AND TECHNOLOGY STRATEGY DU PRADEEP MN MANAGER SERVICES AND PROJECTS DESCON AUTOMATION CONTROL SYSTEM YOUSEF AL SUHAIBANI CIO ETIHAD ETISALAT COMPANY (MOBILY) INNOVATORS Mahmoud SherifPOWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 43 As the Head of IT Projects at Sharjah Islamic Bank (SIB), Nishantha Kulatunge brings a wealth of experience across system analysis, system support, team management and vendor and project management. He has over 18 years of IT experience with roles in the UAE and Sri Lanka. Kulatunge’s leadership in system support and analysis has optimised operational efficiency. He is recognised for achieving revenue goals. His strategic management aligns tech with business success. Dr. Sameh Hablas leads IBM Consulting Middle East’s technology initiatives using AI, cloud and cybersecurity. He has driven large-scale digital transformation projects that have increased operational effi ciency by 35 per cent and cut IT costs by 25 per cent through hybrid cloud strategies. His work in cybersecurity and data governance has strengthened enterprise resilience, while collaborations with government entities have advanced digital policy. Hablas is a key fi gure in the region’s evolving tech landscape. With over 35 years in IT healthcare, Ramez AlFayez has driven signifi cant advancements in data centres and cybersecurity. He spearheaded the transition from legacy HIS to Cerner Millennium, enhancing healthcare IT efficiency. AlFayez led the transition from HPE to Dell infrastructure, delivering cost-eff ective data centre renovations. His strategic disaster recovery data centre implementation ensured robust continuity, minimising downtime and optimising in-house resources. Rajasaravanan M. brings extensive experience to his role, focusing on enhancing IT infrastructure and data security at Exclusive Networks Middle East. He has successfully implemented robust security protocols and cloud-based solutions, which has resulted in improved operational effi ciency. His eff orts have earned recognition, including the Hero of the Year award. His strategic and technical skills ensure reliable, high-performance systems, supporting the company’s growth and competitive advantage. RAMEZ ALFAYEZ CIO KAFD RAJASARAVANAN M. HEAD OF IT DEPARTMENT EXCLUSIVE NETWORKS MIDDLE EAST NISHANTHA KULATUNGE AVP - HEAD OF IT PROJECTS SHARJAH ISLAMIC BANK SAMEH HABLAS PRESIDENT OF CONSULTING OPERATIONS IBM CONSULTING MIDDLE EAST INNOVATORS Ramez AlFayezPOWER LIST 44 ACN | Summer 2025 With over 20 years of experience in IT leadership, Mustansir Aziz excels in digital transformation and cybersecurity. Notably, he led a cloud-based ERP migration, improving effi ciency by 20 per cent and cutting costs by 15 per cent. His CRM deployment boosted customer engagement by 25 per cent. Aziz ensured 100 per cent of Abu Dhabi’s Healthcare Information and Cyber Security Standards (ADHICS) cybersecurity compliance. His EMR integration with Malaffi enhanced data accuracy by 30 per cent. Nigel Flint leads PwC Middle East’s technology strategy, enhancing cloud and employee experiences, and building an integrated shared ser vices framework. Previously, he managed PwC UK’s shared service function. His earlier roles at GE included guiding a 200-strong team for global telecom operations. With expertise in Six Sigma and ITIL, Flint excels in aligning technology with strategic business growth, underscoring his leadership in complex IT projects. Sean Langton brings over 25 years of expertise in technology leadership across banking and fi ntech. As ADCB Group’s CIO, he has led critical systems implementation projects, optimising processes and driving revenue growth. Langton’s strategic initiatives ensure innovation and continuous improvement. He excels in enhancing team performance and client outcomes, leveraging insights to improve productivity within dynamic environments. Joseph Nettikaden is the CIO at Esol Education. He has over 16 years of exper tise in driving technology-led transformations in the education sector. He has enhanced operational effi ciency by 50 per cent through cloud migrations. His initiatives in AI-led personalised experiences boosted customer engagement by 35 per cent. Nettikaden developed enterprise architectures, ensuring alignment with business goals. He emphasises stakeholder collaboration and team development. SEAN LANGTON CIO ADCB GROUP JOSEPH NETTIKADEN CIO ESOL EDUCATION MUSTANSIR AZIZ HEAD OF IT AUTOMECH GROUP NIGEL FLINT CIO PWC MIDDLE EAST GAME-CHANGERS Joseph Nettikaden ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 44ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4404/06/2025 11:3804/06/2025 11:38POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 45 Waqas Butt is the Director IT Strategy & Consultancy Services at Alwefaq Transportation Solutions. He spearheaded a company-wide digital transformation, achieving a 25 per cent reduction in infrastructure costs and 40 per cent system performance improvement. By implementing AI-driven analytics, Butt boosted decision-making effi ciency by 30 per cent and enhanced business intelligence. His robust cybersecurit y framework cut security incidents by 60 per cent. Waheed Malik leads Unilever’s digital transformation across MENA, Turkey, Central Asia and Iran, enhancing digital marketing, ecommerce and supply chain operations. He propels data-driven decisions, deploying multiple B2B/B2C platforms. Malik ensures IT operational resilience and satisfaction, aligning with Unilever’s global strategy. With over 25 years of experience in multinational fi rms, he drives technological integration, elevating business services and growth. With over 17 years in hospitality IT leadership, Rushdy Mubarak has excelled in transforming Radisson Hotel Group’s technological landscape. He successfully migrated hotel systems from Opera PMS and Micros POS to SAP, boosting effi ciency and data integration. Mubarak led IT strategies for a 1,000-room cluster, deploying guest-centric tech like mobile apps and contactless payments. His cloud-based HRMS initiatives cut costs by 30 per cent and improved scalability. Kenneth Lindegaard is a seasoned CIO with expertise in integrating IT into corporate strategy. Leading complex IT and change management projects across global locations, he emphasises the alignment of IT with business objectives. At SPACE42, Lindegaard’s strategic initiatives include transforming IT from a cost centre to a value-driven partner, advocating organisational changes and enhancing resource management by leveraging onshore, nearshore and off shore resources for optimised effi ciencies and growth. RUSHDY MUBARAK CLUSTER DIRECTOR OF IT RADISSON HOTEL GROUP KENNETH LINDEGAARD CIO SPACE42 WAQAS BUTT DIRECTOR IT STRATEGY & CONSULTANCY SERVICES ALWEFAQ TRANSPORTATION SOLUTIONS WAHEED MALIK REGIONAL CIO, MENAT, CENTRAL ASIA, IRAN UNILEVER GAME-CHANGERS Rushdy Mubarak ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 45ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4503/06/2025 20:2703/06/2025 20:27POWER LIST 46 ACN | Summer 2025 Vibin Shaju drives the strategic direction for Trellix’s EMEA Solutions Engineering, focusing on resolving technical challenges and leveraging fi eld insights into successful security solutions. His leadership spans fi nancial services, government and service providers, enhancing endpoint, cloud and network security. His work emphasises innovative strategies for secure remote work environments and public cloud data protection. With over 30 years of experience in technology, Varghese has led AI-driven digital transformation initiatives for governments and enterprises worldwide. In his role at Times World Information Technology, he has developed AI-powered data ecosystems, regulatory compliance frameworks and smart governance platforms. His work spans predictive analytics, cybersecurity and digital infrastructure, ensuring scalable, future-ready solutions and innovations. Rajendra Singh Bariana has led initiatives in enterprise security architecture at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). He has over 28 years of IT risk management expertise. He has developed and implemented comprehensive IT security architectures, enhancing resilience against cyber threats. Bariana has also established eff ective governance and compliance frameworks. His strategic vision has fortifi ed the bank’s security posture, safeguarding critical assets and fostering trust in an evolving digital landscape. Mohannad AlSalmi brings over 28 years of IT expertise to Saudi Arabia’s fastest-growing low-cost airline. His accomplishments in IT project and service management have driven fl yadeal’s digital transformation and operational effi ciency. AlSalmi enhances service delivery and team performance by integrating cutting-edge technologies. His strategic focus on innovation and technology alignment has signifi cantly contributed to the airline’s rapid growth and market competitiveness. RAJENDRA SINGH BARIANA GROUP CISO NATIONAL BANK OF KUWAIT MOHANNAD ALSALMI CIO FLYADEAL VIBIN SHAJU VP, SOLUTIONS ENGINEERING, EMEA TRELLIX TOMY VARGHESE CEO & INNOVATION STRATEGIST TIMES WORLD INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY GAME-CHANGERS Mohannad AlSalmi ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 46ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4604/06/2025 11:3804/06/2025 11:38POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 47 Daniel Clintebladh drives strategic IT initiatives, enhancing operational excellence at Charge Amps. He has successfully reduced IT costs by 50 per cent while maintaining performance. He also spearheaded AI automation in enterprise resource planning (ERP) and invoice management. Clintebladh has overseen global implementations of security access management and automated client and account processes, successfully aligning C-suite strategies with top IT solutions. With over 20 years of experience in the technology sector, Timos Tsokanis has successfully transformed organisational and technical landscapes. As Group Chief Technology Information Offi cer at Ooredoo, he fosters innovative growth strategies supporting aggressive commercial objectives. He is noted for enhancing business development and driving growth across diverse environments, enabling teams to execute transformative IT initiatives and achieve business goals. Nick Vora is the Regional CIO at Mastercard, guiding technology and service operations across Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Vora previously managed Mastercard’s Global Processing & Security Solutions and established the Mastercard Processing Center in Dubai. With a history in start-ups and consulting, he brings expertise in product development and market expansion, enhancing Mastercard’s strategic technology investments and operational excellence. Wael Alfattani brings over 20 years of IT expertise, excelling in digital transformation and business strategy. At the General Authority for Competition in Riyadh, he spearheaded key projects in IT service management and business process modelling, optimising operations across sectors. With a strong record in data centre management, he has successfully directed teams to achieve strategic objectives, enhancing effi ciency and aligning IT frameworks with business goals. NICK VORA REGIONAL CIO MASTERCARD WAEL ALFATTANI IT DIRECTOR (CIO) GENERAL AUTHORITY FOR COMPETITION, KSA DANIEL CLINTEBLADH CIO CHARGE AMPS TIMOS TSOKANIS GROUP CTIO OOREDOO GROUP GAME-CHANGERS Nick Vora ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 47ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4703/06/2025 20:2703/06/2025 20:27POWER LIST 48 ACN | Summer 2025 With over 15 years in hospitality technology, Mahmood Ahmed excels in integrating IT innovations to transform hotel operations. At Media One Hotel in Dubai, he manages critical infrastructure, ensuring seamless guest experiences and operational effi ciency. Ahmed’s implementation of a digital vendor portal and Power BI for F&B operations and loyalty management underscores his strategic impact on sustainability and business growth. Marwan Bin Shakar currently drives technological advancements at e& UAE as Acting Chief Technology & Information Offi cer. His leadership in digital transformation projects, including 5G deployment and AI-driven customer service enhancements, has signifi cantly boosted network effi ciency and customer satisfaction. Bin Shakar’s strategic focus on innovation and infrastructure modernisation has resulted in improved service delivery and cost reductions, solidifying e& UAE’s position in the market. Marcelo Goes joined L’Oréal in 2016 as CIO USA and later advanced to CIO for EMEA in 2020. With over 30 years of experience behind him, he has signifi cantly enhanced digital initiatives and streamlined application processes across multiple regions. By leveraging his expertise from Accenture and Carrefour, Goes adeptly aligns IT strategies with business objectives, contributing to improvements in operational effi ciency and cost management. His leadership fosters cross-functional collaboration and innovation. Manuel Rozario has a distinguished career of over 20 years in technology leadership, guiding transformative initiatives at Accor properties. Leading projects like cloud migrations, enterprise resource planning (ERP), customer relationship management (CRM) systems integration and IoT deployment, he signifi cantly enhanced operational effi ciency and guest experiences. His strategic oversight in digital transformation has consistently driven revenue growth and the brand’s competitive edge. MARCELO GOES CIO EUROPE, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA L’ORÉAL MANUEL ROZARIO EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – IT ACCOR MAHMOOD AHMED HEAD – IT OPERATIONS MEDIA ONE HOTEL MARWAN BIN SHAKAR ACTING CTIO e& UAE GAME-CHANGERS Manuel Rozario ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 48ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4803/06/2025 20:2703/06/2025 20:27POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 49 Mohamad Sabah Al Khalaf has over 23 years of experience driving digital transformation and IT excellence. He is presently an Advisor – Expert in the Director General, Chairman of the Board Sector – SMD at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) where he champions digital security transformation. Previously at Dubai Holding, he managed an annual budget of AED250 million and implemented budget controls that notably reduced costs. He also developed robust IT and cybersecurity strategies. Luis S. Cisneros brings extensive leadership in technology to Ericsson Middle East, having shaped innovation in global giants like Amazon and Roche. With expertise in cloud infrastructure, AI, big data and more, he’s spearheaded diverse teams of over 2,000 across regions. His strategic acumen in project portfolio management and network applications substantially enhances operational effi ciency. Previously, Cisneros led initiatives in Europe, Southeast Asia and Oceania, furthering industry advancements. As the CIO, Co-Owner and COO of Oxygen, Laurent Ross spearheads technological advancement, utilising AI and human insights for innovative marketing strategies. His leadership has transformed Oxygen into the Middle East’s highest-awarded HubSpot agency. Prominent in integrating diverse platforms like Google and LinkedIn, Ross emphasises aligning technology with genuine business needs, fostering strategic growth and enhancing digital leadership. With over 32 years in IT, Khurram Qadir excels in project and programme management, having implemented major business transformation initiatives for multinational fi rms in the EMEA region. Previously, he worked at Commercial International Bank Egypt as CIO and Citi as EMEA Technology Program Director. His expertise spans IT strategy, governance and software deployment, ensuring strategic alignment and effi ciency across fi nancial and manufacturing sectors. LAURENT ROSS CIO, COO & CO-OWNER OXYGEN KHURRAM QADIR GROUP CIO QATAR ISLAMIC BANK MOHAMAD SABAH AL KHALAF ADVISOR ROADS AND TRANSPORT AUTHORITY LUIS S. CISNEROS CIO MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA ERICSSON GAME-CHANGERS Laurent Ross ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 49ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 4903/06/2025 20:2703/06/2025 20:27Next >