< PreviousPOWER LIST 50 ACN | Summer 2025 Khalil Fawaz has more than 20 years of IT audit and information security experience. He excels in operational risk, business continuity and fraud prevention. Fawaz has successfully developed and implemented strategies that signifi cantly reduced risks and bolstered organisational resilience. Focusing on asset protection and enhancing security posture, Fawaz leads teams adeptly through the complex cybersecurity landscape, ensuring robust defence mechanisms. Kumar Prasoon leads Twyn with a specifi c focus on digital transformation. He has pioneered key projec ts involving IoT, AI and blockchain, supporting industry-specifi c digital twin solutions for enhanced analy tics. His strategic leadership integrates operational and informational technologies, optimising ef ficiency and fostering an agile IT ecosystem. Prasoon’s collaborative approach with global partners enriches Twyn’s innovative capabilities. Karen Vardanyan is the CEO at Aizend. She is focused on driving AI-integrated projects in machine learning and IoT, enhancing aviation safety and air traffi c management. By spearheading initiatives in computer vision and big data, Vardanyan improved real-time data analysis capabilities. Her strategic focus on security and innovation supports business partnerships while navigating complex challenges in AI and telecommunications globally. Osama Habes Al-Majali has over a decade of experience in cybersecurity, developing strategies to safeguard organisational data. He leads a dedicated team, integrating best practices into business operations. His initiatives include deploying security solutions like Microsoft Defender and ExtraHop. Under his leadership, Arab Potash has strengthened its digital defences, earning praise and recognition within professional circles such as ISACA and IEEE Computer Society. KAREN VARDANYAN CEO AIZEND OSAMA HABES AL-MAJALI HEAD OF INFORMATION SECURITY ARAB POTASH COMPANY KHALIL FAWAZ HEAD OF INFORMATION SECURITY COMMERCIAL BANK INTERNATIONAL KUMAR PRASOON GROUP CIO TWYN GAME-CHANGERS Osama Habes Al-Majali ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 50ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 5003/06/2025 20:2803/06/2025 20:28POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 51 Hariprasad Chede has nearly 20 years of experience, with 15 years of those in fi nancial organisations. He serves as the Chief Information Security Offi cer at the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF). Chede is specialised in security architecture, risk-based authentication, data protection, supply chain security, cyber resiliency, data governance and more. In his current posting, Chede is responsible for the development and implementation of the bank’s information security programme. Joydeep Roy serves as CIO of Dubai Investments. He has a proven track record in automating enterprises across sectors like fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), retail and food industries. Roy has led ERP and BI implementations, achieving cost-eff ective returns and operational effi ciencies. His strategic guidance on technology has been instrumental at Yas Holding, Inspirage and others. He is recognised for enhancing business processes with advanced IS solutions and pragmatic strategies. Veneeth Purushotaman is the Chief Information Offi cer at Aster DM Healthcare. He has signifi cantly advanced the company’s technology infrastructure across the GCC. Key initiatives include multi-cloud integration, ERP consolidation and AI-driven RPA deployments, enhancing operations in revenue cycle management, fi nance and beyond. His focus on digital road maps and leveraging UAE insights has been pivotal in expanding into the Saudi market, driving growth and operational stability. With 25 years in IT leadership at Cigna International, Ian McClure drives regional technology strategy across APAC, the Middle East and Africa. He has overseen signifi cant digital transformation projects that enhanced business applications and IT services. McClure manages over 120 staff in IT function, supporting joint ventures in India and Turkey. He excels in systems analysis, process re-engineering and project management to meet global technology priorities. VENEETH PURUSHOTAMAN GROUP CIO ASTER DM HEALTHCARE IAN MCCLURE REGIONAL CIO, APAC, MEA CIGNA INTERNATIONAL HARIPRASAD CHEDE CISO NATIONAL BANK OF FUJAIRAH JOYDEEP ROY CIO DUBAI INVESTMENTS GAME-CHANGERS Veneeth Purushotaman ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 51ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 5103/06/2025 20:2803/06/2025 20:28POWER LIST 52 ACN | Summer 2025 Mai AlOwaish excels in steering digital transformation and data strategies. She is presently the CEO of Kuwait Credit Information Network Company (CINET). When she was the Chief Data and Innovation Offi cer at Gulf Bank, her leadership in enterprise IT implementations enhanced business development, particularly in the retail and fi nancial sectors. AlOwaish spearheaded initiatives in data science and technology integration, driving cost effi ciencies and modernising operations. Lars Gehrmann has over 25 years of experience in creating digital ventures. Presently based in Doha, he is the Group Chief Digital Offi cer at Qatar Insurance Group (QIC Group). Gehrmann is also focused on AI impact. He is responsible for digital strategy and creating a diverse portfolio of digital ventures. He is also the co-founder of MENA InsurTech Initiative, a platform to empower and connect the InsurTech ecosystem in the MENA region. Hamad Suwaid is focused on designing and delivering cost-effective, high-performance technology solutions to meet a company’s growth goals. He has successfully and strategically used a variety of cloud technologies–including hybrid cloud, mobility solutions and IoT–to support business development goals. He is presently the Information Technology Manager at Qatar Gas Transport Company (NAKILAT) where he manages all ICT services. With over 27 years in the UAE, Jacob Mathew has a strong track record in IT leadership, including 18 years at PwC Dubai. He consolidated technology and cybersecurity across 12 countries, set up offi ces in Iraq, Libya, Yemen and Palestine, and led a government entity’s pandemic technology transition from on-site to off-site operations. Mathew is certified in AI, blockchain and cloud technologies, focusing on strategic, jargon-free solutions and collaborative team management. HAMAD SUWAID IT MANAGER QATAR GAS TRANSPORT COMPANY (NAKILAT) JACOB MATHEW HEAD OF IT GOVERNMENT ENTITY MAI ALOWAISH CEO KUWAIT CREDIT INFORMATION NETWORK LARS GEHRMANN GROUP CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER QATAR INSURANCE GROUP GAME-CHANGERS Jacob Mathew ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 52ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 5203/06/2025 20:2803/06/2025 20:28POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 53 Jayesh Maganlal, Group Chief Information and Digital Offi cer at ROSHN, has pioneered signifi cant digital transformations, resulting in cost savings and enhanced customer experiences. At ROSHN, he integrated geographic information system and leveraged information modelling technologies, aligning projects with Saudi Vision 2030. Maganlal’s strategic leadership in leveraging AI and cloud services fosters innovation and effi ciency, establishing ROSHN as a digital leader in real estate. Jason Roos leads NEOM’s cutting-edge digital transformation as the Vice President of Digital Transformation & CIO, drawing on over 25 years in diverse sectors. Previously, as CIO at KAUST, he optimised IT governance, resulting in signifi cant cost reductions. At City of Hope and Stanford Health Care, he enhanced technology infrastructures, bolstering cybersecurity and effi ciency. His strategic direction in technology management is fortifi ed by advisory roles at Symantec, SAP and IDC Middle East. Hussein ELHusseini has over 13 years of IT leadership, specialising in ERP implementations and driving digital transformation. Successfully deploying an HR and payroll system for 10,000 employees in fi ve months, ELHusseini has boosted operational effi ciency. His strategic initiatives include integrating business intelligence tools like QLIKVIEW, enhancing top management’s decision-making. His projects have notably reduced absenteeism by three per cent and streamlined payroll workfl ows. Thomas Cherian has led transformative technology initiatives at Commercial Bank of Dubai (CBD). He has signifi cantly enhanced banking services with a cutting-edge technology stack. Previously, as Head of Technology at Mashreq, he optimised multi-million-dollar IT investments to advance sales and distribution platforms. His expertise includes digital solution delivery, agile methodology and strategic bigtech and fi ntech partnerships that drove transformation. HUSSEIN ELHUSSEINI GROUP IT MANAGER ALGIHAZ HOLDING THOMAS CHERIAN CIO COMMERCIAL BANK OF DUBAI JAYESH MAGANLAL GROUP CHIEF INFORMATION & DIGITAL OFFICER ROSHN JASON ROOS VP OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & CIO NEOM GAME-CHANGERS Husseim ELHusseini ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 53ACN_March2025_44-53_PL_GAMGECHANGERS_13579259.indd 5303/06/2025 20:2803/06/2025 20:28POWER LIST 54 ACN | Summer 2025 Jeb Million leads the technology and digital agenda at American Express Middle East, driving the enterprise innovation programme. He ensures secure and innovative IT infrastructure across the MENA region. Million’s strategic leadership has enhanced customer solutions by integrating FinTech partnerships. His career spans roles at Hewlett Packard Enterprise and IBM. He has led transformational projects that align technology with business goals to strengthen market presence and operational effi ciency. Ala Asali leverages 20 years of experience in IT and security to fortify SAIB’s cybersecurity landscape. He has optimised security processes and infrastructure, ensuring alignment with business objectives and compliance needs. By transforming strategic plans into actionable solutions, his strategic leadership has been pivotal in implementing robust security systems that balance re source demands w i t h superior operational eff ectiveness. Hesham Ahmed is an accomplished IT leader steering AstraZeneca’s IT services across MEA and Turkey. He excels in maintaining critical applications, forming resilient teams and enhancing customer service. Under his leadership, the region has seen signifi cant improvements in IT infrastructure through virtualisation and cloud computing. Ahmed’s strategic initiatives, including ITIL implementation and risk management, have consistently met service levels and propelled innovation. Husain Al Sabea, with over 18 years of experience in technology, data and cybersecurity, has led significant technological transformations. Specialising in data-driven strategies, he has implemented robust cloud solutions and enhanced enterprise governance, optimising processes for fi nancial and manufacturing sectors. His leadership in comprehensive data life cycle management and cybersecurity improvements has fortifi ed organisational resilience at Mumtalakat. HESHAM AHMED REGIONAL IT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR ASTRAZENECA HUSAIN AL SABEA CDO MUMTALAKAT JEB MILLION VP – CIDO AMERICAN EXPRESS MIDDLE EAST ALA ASALI CHIEF CYBERSECURITY OFFICER SAUDI INVESTMENT BANK (SAIB) VISIONARIES Husain Al Sabea ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 54ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5403/06/2025 20:3003/06/2025 20:30POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 55 Saad AlQahtani brings over 25 years of technology leadership, notably enhancing digital transformation and operational effi ciency across the MENA region. As Deputy Minister, he organises national initiatives, including a cloud-based COVID-19 response system. His strategic guidance in enterprise resource planning (ERP) provisioning and shared services optimisation has streamlined processes and earned him recognition from the Digital Government Authority. Dr. Shaheela Banu Abdul Majeed’s excels at vulnerability management and malware analysis, which she implements in her role as Information Security and Compliance Offi cer at Kuwait Gulf Oil Company. She also co-manages Cyber Heals Ibby Cyber Security Mentorship and is a co-founder of the Ibby Cyber Women Warriors. Her career includes roles in leading insurance and banking fi rms, where she has led penetration testing and ISMS audits. She holds a PhD in Cybersecurity. Fadi Mohammed leads Air Arabia’s IT governance and information security operations, enhancing risk management and regulatory compliance, including GDPR and PCI-DSS standards. Spearheading internal and external audits with regulatory bodies like IATA, IOSA and CAA, he ensures asset security. His initiatives have established a robust data governance framework, improved IT service management eff ectiveness and surpassed key performance indicators through process optimisation. Sarabjit Anand has over 30 years in technology leadership within banking. He is the Chief Technology and Operations Offi cer for the Central Bank of the UAE. He crafted a strategic technology plan for regional growth that drove successful automation and robotic process automation (RPA) initiatives. Anand excels in stakeholder engagement and service management, leveraging Six Sigma and ISO methodologies for operational excellence and business growth. FADI MOHAMMED HEAD OF INFO SECURITY & IT GOVERNANCE AIR ARABIA SARABJIT ANAND CIO CENTRAL BANK OF THE UAE (CBUAE) SAAD ALQAHTANI DEPUTY MINISTER, DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION & IT SAUDI ARABIA MINISTRY OF INVESTMENT SHAHEELA BANU ABDUL MAJEED ISC OFFICER KUWAIT GULF OIL COMPANY VISIONARIES Shaheela Banu Abdul Majeed ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 55ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5503/06/2025 20:3003/06/2025 20:30POWER LIST 56 ACN | Summer 2025 Hazem Awni Jarrar has notably advanced the King Faisal Foundation’s technological framework, emphasising cost-effi ciency and operational enhancement through strategic IT development. With over a decade of experience, he has driven key projects involving Huawei, Microsoft Azure and various ERP systems, enhancing applications, databases and reporting capabilities. Jarrar eff ectively bridges technology and executive strategy, ensuring signifi cant improvements. Mohammed Baagiel excels in IT management within the banking sector, focusing on strengthening business and IT relationships. At Bank AlJazira, he has spearheaded the implementation of technology plans that boost productivity and profitability. His expertise in project management has consistently achieved objectives, particularly through software quality assurance and B2B integration. His leadership is marked by forming strategic partnerships. Rami Al Sa’Di possesses over 30 years of expertise in formulating and executing robust IT strategies across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He has a proven record of managing IT operations and delivering impactful solutions, enhancing IS performance through process improvement and change management. Under his leadership, Gartner has streamlined service life cycles, aligning IT initiatives with long-term business objectives while eff ectively engaging stakeholders. Hussain Aljamri’s leadership at Bahrain Bourse has redef ined it s technology landscape, pioneering a desk top - as - a - ser v ice solution. His strategies helped the organisation reduce operational costs by 20 per cent through cloud migration and halved security breaches with an enhanced and robust cybersecurity framework. Aljamri aligns IT with business goals, ensuring growth and resilience across the organisation. RAMI AL SA’DI CIO AND VICE PRESIDENT GARTNER HUSSAIN ABDULMOHSEN ALJAMRI SENIOR DIRECTOR OF IT BAHRAIN BOURSE HAZEM AWNI JARRAR CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER KING FAISAL FOUNDATION MOHAMMED BAAGIEL HEAD OF IT BANK ALJAZIRA VISIONARIES Hussain Abdulmohsen Aljamri ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 56ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5603/06/2025 20:3103/06/2025 20:31POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 57 Essam Al-Nifi e, with over 25 years in the banking sector, succeeds in IT strategy and delivery. At Riyad Bank, he contributes to digital transformation, managing large-scale projects like corporate banking automation and consumer lending applications. His expertise in SDLC, SOA, enterprise architecture, CRM, Islamic banking products and DevOps has signifi cantly enhanced operational effi ciency and digital innovation in the fi nancial industry. Since joining Rotana Hotel Management Corporation in 1997, Dominic Carr has signifi cantly contributed to the company’s expansion and technological advancements. He led the vendor evaluation, selection and management in digital transformation projects. His leadership in cross-departmental collaboration has improved operational effi ciency and supported growth ambitions. Carr’s strategic focus on data management and innovation ensures Rotana maintains its leadership in digital initiatives. Haseeb Khan leverages data and digital platforms to address energy sector challenges globally. At Shell, he played a pivotal role in projects valued at $40 billion, across the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors. His leadership spanned the Netherlands, Pakistan, USA, Canada, the UAE and Iraq, over seeing IT wit hin mega LN G projec t s. Khan drove strategic digital transformation, enhancing business value. Alexander Knigge spearheads digital transformation at Modon in Abu Dhabi, infl uencing over 9,000 employees. With 16 years in global leadership roles across Australia, South America, Singapore and the Middle East, he excels in forming high-performing teams. Knigge has modernised technology architecture, developed company-wide data capabilities and enhanced customer experience, driving business growth. His expertise spans technology strategy, product management, AI and digital marketing. HASEEB KHAN GROUP INFORMATION AND DIGITAL DIRECTOR FERTIGLOBE ALEXANDER KNIGGE CHIEF DIGITAL & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER MODON ESSAM AL-NIFIE SVP – HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY DELIVERY RIYAD BANK DOMINIC CARR CIO ROTANA VISIONARIES Dominic Carr ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 57ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5703/06/2025 20:3103/06/2025 20:31POWER LIST 58 ACN | Summer 2025 Hossam Abbas Barakat has led Egypt Gas in signifi cant technological advancements, overseeing network and cybersecurity projects and technical support. He orchestrated the transition to MPLS network connectivity, enhancing branch communication and reducing costs by eliminating unnecessary maintenance contracts. He facilitated digital transformation through ERP systems. His leadership resulted in improved operational effi ciency and strategic alignment across more than 50 branches. Jojo Scaria leads IT strategies for 82 McDonald’s IDL markets, enhancing customer-facing systems and digital platforms across fi ve regions. His multi-decade IT career includes transforming FedEx’s infrastructure across 67 countries, improving cybersecurity in over 40 nations. Scaria’s expertise encompasses e-commerce, information security, mergers and acquisitions. A strategic infl uencer, he drives technological investments, supports business growth and manages a global IT team. With 25 years of industry experience, Damian O’Gara serves as the Chief Digital and Information Offi cer at Kent. He has played a pivotal role in advancing technological integration and digital innovation. Under his leadership, O’Gara has spearheaded eff orts in cloud technology adoption and cybersecurity enhancements which led to signifi cant effi ciency gains. His strategic initiatives focus on addressing technology challenges, aligning IT advancements with Kent’s business objectives. Himanshu Shrivastava excels in steering digital, data and technology initiatives for Al-Futtaim. With a robust background in fi nancial services, he has spearheaded application design and development projects that enhance service delivery. His expertise in global delivery methodologies and crafting eff ective IT, data and digital strategies have been instrumental in driving the group’s organisational success. DAMIAN O’GARA CHIEF DIGITAL AND INFORMATION OFFICER KENT HIMANSHU SHRIVASTAVA CTO AL-FUTTAIM HOSSAM ABBAS BARAKAT GM/CIO EGYPT GAS JOJO SCARIA VP & CIO OF GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY MCDONALD’S VISIONARIES Himanshu Shrivastava ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 58ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5803/06/2025 20:3103/06/2025 20:31POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 59 Anchal Choubey boasts 19 years in IT leadership, driving digital innovations and strategic transformations across global fi nancial services. Choubey’s deployment of artifi cial intelligence solutions were able to increase productivity by 25 per cent and customer satisfaction by 35 per cent. He ensured 85 per cent cost containment while enhancing operational effi ciency by 30 per cent via AI-driven models. He also achieved 78 per cent success in regulatory compliance across the MENA region. With more than three decades in IT and business transformation, Mario Foster has spearheaded major projects utilising AI, RPA, IoT and 3D printing. Under his leadership, Al Ghurair Group has seen significant process automation and performance enhancement. His strategic use of AI for developing scalable, cost-effective solutions has been crucial for staying competitive. His contributions have earned him multiple awards. Hazim Al Ahmadi has been at the forefront of technology transformation at Savola Foods Company since 2004. Skilled in IT strategy and ERP implementations, he leads initiatives in business intelligence and end-to-end digital solutions. His eff orts have enhanced effi ciency in the FMCG, consumer electronics and retail sectors. His focus on integrating AI, IoT and RPA drives innovation, aligning technology with business objectives to increase customer value and operational performance. Christos Drakakis, CIO at Fakeeh University Hospital, leads strategic IT initiatives in healthcare with 21 years of HIS/EMR implementation. With 31 years in telecom and business, he adeptly automates processes and develops IT infrastructures. His solutions drive growth and effi ciency, particularly in data centre design and disaster recovery. Drakakis enhances ICT decision-making for executive teams while optimising operational and business plans. HAZIM AL AHMADI IT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SAVOLA FOODS COMPANY CHRISTOS DRAKAKIS CIO FAKEEH UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL ANCHAL CHOUBEY HEAD OF IT & PROJECTS FINANCIAL SERVICES ORGANISATION MARIO FOSTER GROUP CIO AL GHURAIR GROUP VISIONARIES Mario Foster ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 59ACN_March2025_54-63_PL - Visionaries_13580775.indd 5903/06/2025 20:3103/06/2025 20:31Next >