< PreviousPOWER LIST 70 ACN | Summer 2025 Dr. Faisal AlNasser, an accomplished technology leader with over 22 years in the industry, currently leads Enterprise Information Technology at Almarai as the Head of Enterprise IT. He has overseen hundreds of projects, amassing cost savings of over SAR95 million. His strategic focus includes digital transformation, AI integration and enterprise solutions, driving business effi ciency and scalability. His expertise spans ERP, cloud, mobile applications, MES and cybersecurity. As the CEO of ZainTECH, Andrew Hanna handles Zain Group’s digital and ICT division. He brings over 24 years of experience to the role, including over billion dollar profi t and loss (P&L) leadership across the Middle East. Since ZainTECH launched in 2021, Hanna has helped scale the company through successful organic growth and strategic acquisitions. He has experience in regional and international competitive markets across the consumer and enterprise sectors. Faraz Zuberi has successfully driven key IT transformation programmes at Chanel, focusing on operational excellence and strategic growth across the Middle East and India. By leading initiatives such as cloud migration and advanced cybersecurity measures, he has signifi cantly enhanced system robustness and reduced operational costs. Zuberi’s eff orts have improved service delivery and streamlined operations, aligning IT infrastructure with business objectives to support Chanel’s global expansion strategy. Mohamed Abdel Razek brings over 30 years of experience in IT management and transformation, excelling in cost optimisation across industries like oil and gas, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and financial services. He has led signifi cant global IT transformations, managed multi-million-dollar outsourcing deals and enhanced corporate technology functions. His focus areas include cloud computing, AI, machine learning, IT governance, data management and IT security. FARAZ ZUBERI HEAD OF IT OPERATIONS – ME & INDIA CHANEL MOHAMED ABDEL RAZEK GROUP CIO AND TRANSFORMATION MASHREQ FAISAL ALNASSER HEAD OF ENTERPRISE IT ALMARAI ANDREW HANNA CEO ZAINTECH Andrew Hanna CHANGE-MAKERS ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 70ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 7004/06/2025 11:2904/06/2025 11:29POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 71 During his career, Mohamed ElSabaa has led multiple large-scale digital transformation projects across the Middle East. His work spans cloud migration, cybersecurity, ERP implementations and robotic process automation, signifi cantly improving operational effi ciency. He has successfully integrated hybrid IT infrastructure and process re-engineering to drive business scalability. Focused on aligning technology with business goals, he emphasises agility, cost optimisation and building high-performing IT teams. Sumit Roy has over a decade of experience steering IT transformations in multinational corporations across UAE and India. As the Chief Information Offi cer at Jumbo Electronics, he manages a multi-year SAP S/4 HANA business transformation project, realigning key stakeholders and enhancing ROI. Roy has led critical implementations like a B2B e-commerce platform via SAP Hybris and established cloud analytics for solar power. His strategic integration of technology addresses evolving business needs effi ciently. Saket Saith has been the Group Chief Technology and Data Offi cer at the National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah since 2023. Before this role, he worked as the Chief Technology Offi cer, Retail Bank, at Barclays in the UK and DBS Bank in Singapore. His specialties include big data analytics, digital transformation, ser vice-oriented architectures, IT strategy and consulting. He is known for driving digital transformation by bridging the strategy and execution divide. Emad Faisal Almutairi has over 17 years of experience in IT, HR and shared services. As Chief People & Corporate Services Offi cer at solutions by stc, he optimised workforce management, resulting in a 15 per cent effi ciency increase. He implemented agile methodologies to enhance team productivity and led initiatives focused on integrating advanced HR technologies. Almutairi’s strategic alignment of HR with organisational goals supports sustainable growth and improved service delivery across sectors. SAKET SAITH GROUP CHIEF TECHNOLOGY AND DATA OFFICER NATIONAL BANK OF RAS AL KHAIMAH EMAD FAISAL ALMUTAIRI CHIEF PEOPLE & CORPORATE SERVICES OFFICER SOLUTIONS BY STC MOHAMED ELSABAA GROUP IT DIRECTOR HALWANI BROTHERS SUMIT ROY CIO JUMBO ELECTRONICS Sumit Roy CHANGE-MAKERS ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 71ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 7103/06/2025 20:3703/06/2025 20:37POWER LIST 72 ACN | Summer 2025 Mounir Abdel-Moujoud, with over two decades of experience, has driven technology and digital transformations across diverse sectors such as pharmaceuticals and defence. As the Group Chief Information Offi cer at Aldar Properties he manages complex IT infrastructure upgrades, boosting operational effi ciency. His leadership in digital transformation projects, including cybersecurity enhancements and enterprise shared services, has facilitated innovation. Mohamed Al-Doseri, Chief Information Security Offi cer and Chief Data Offi cer, at Tasheel Finance in Saudi Arabia, has led pivotal cybersecurity and risk management initiatives in the fi nancial sector, emphasising compliance and innovative solutions. His key achievements include attaining PCI-DSS certifi cation, integrating Saudi Central Bank’s cybersecurity framework, and enhancing infrastructure with next-generation fi rewalls. He is also advancing data governance. Mariam Thomas has adeptly steered IT operations across the UAE, Qatar, Egypt and Oman, overseeing infrastructure enhancements for eight megastores and three city stores. She implemented a robust IT architecture supporting over 14 business units through signifi cant hardware upgrades and migrations. She ensures compliance with end-user support service-level agreement (SLAs) by deploying service management systems and spearheads LS retail point of sale (POS) confi gurations. Abdalla Al Ali, at Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), has directed the implementation of strategic digital technologies, enhancing operational effi ciency and customer satisfaction. By translating business needs into digital processes, he has reduced costs and improved stakeholders’ collaboration. He ensures IT solutions, including Microsoft and Oracle, align with governance and compliance standards. Under his leadership, the team focuses on skills enhancement, driving DMCC’s global standing as a premier free zone. MARIAM THOMAS REGIONAL HEAD OF IT IKEA ABDALLA AL ALI DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DMCC MOUNIR ABDEL-MOUJOUD GROUP CIO ALDAR PROPERTIES MOHAMED AL-DOSERI CISO & CDO TASHEEL FINANCE Abdalla Al Ali CHANGE-MAKERS ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 72ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 7203/06/2025 20:3703/06/2025 20:37POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 73 In his current role, Muhammad Adeel fuels digital transformation in the pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors. He has successfully led technology strategies across the Gulf, enhancing business growth with AI and data analytics. His initiatives include migrating to Azure Databricks, saving £100,000 annually, and automating processes with Power Apps, reducing costs by £50,000. He managed a £700,000 budget, launching digital platforms and integrating generative AI. Dr. Adiy Al-Nakhal leads IT infrastructure and security at ABYAT, with a focus on strategic planning and innovative technology deployment. With over a decade of experience, he has led major projects like hyper-scale cloud solutions and systems, applications and products enterprise resource planning (SAP ERP). Under his supervision, ABYAT adopted multi-layered security solutions, enhancing global network effi ciency. He drives signifi cant improvements in operations through cloud and cybersecurity advancements. Dr. Alexious Mulemba has over 23 years of diversifi ed experience in fi nance, IT and business management, eff ectively collaborating with top automotive brands such as Mercedes Benz, Toyota and BMW across multiple continents. His leadership at Al Sayer Group Holding focuses on driving business transformation and enhancing customer experience through strategic partnerships with key software providers such as SAP and Oracle. Additionally, he advises on fi nance and route operations in Africa’s airline industry. With over 16 years in IT, Bassel Al Nashawati has led strategic initiatives at Sanofi as the Head of Information Technology, enhancing pharmaceutical business operations across Gulf and Saudi Arabia. He has delivered projects in infrastructure, automation and system integration, including SAP ERP and electronic data interchange (EDI) interface implementations. His leadership in digital transformations and data intelligence initiatives has strengthened cross-functional collaboration. ALEXIOUS MULEMBA CIO AL SAYER GROUP HOLDING BASSEL AL NASHAWATI HEAD OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY SANOFI GULF & SAUDI ARABIA MUHAMMAD ADEEL HEAD OF TECHNOLOGY, GULF GLAXOSMITHKLINE (GSK) ADIY AL-NAKHAL HEAD OF IT INFRASTRUCTURE & SECURITY ABYAT Adiy Al-Nakhal CHANGE-MAKERS ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 73ACN_March2025_64-73_PL - Change Makers_13581017.indd 7303/06/2025 20:3703/06/2025 20:37POWER LIST 74 ACN | Summer 2025 Antonio Monreale brings over 30 years of international experience in technology leadership, including 25 years in C-suite roles. He expanded the Gartner Program for Executives in the GCC, achieving substantial growth. His noteworthy achievements include merging entities of the North Caspian Sea Operating Company and enhancing performance at Nigerian Agip Oil Company, boosting satisfaction from 60 per cent to 95 per cent. Monreale also managed major multinational acquisitions. Ankit Satsangi leads BEEAH Group’s tech advancements as the Director of Enterprise Development. He is responsible for enhancing innovation and user experience while aligning tech initiatives with strategic objectives and business goals. He implemented the green meeting rooms initiative, integrating air quality sensors and custom interfaces to advance sustainability. He also enhanced cybersecurity by visualising cyber risks and translating vulnerabilities into fi nancial metrics. With experience spanning banking, aviation, education and government, Humood Jasim Al Humood is dedicated to aligning business and IT teams to improve quality and efficiency. He is presently the Director of Information Technology at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy in Bahrain. His background includes business development, information and communications technology (ICT), future planning and using global best practices to generate sustainable growth. Mubaraka Ibrahim was one of the fi rst members of the HIMSS Middle East Committee. She is focused on responsible AI and sustainability in healthcare as part of her roles as the Chief Artifi cial Intelligence Offi cer and Acting Chief Information Offi cer of Emirates Health Services (EHS) in the UAE. Her 30-year career has fused healthcare and information technology. She strives to provide world-class healthcare by capitalising on cutting-edge healthcare technologies such as AI and blockchain. HUMOOD JASIM AL HUMOOD DIRECTOR OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY MINISTRY OF FINANCE AND NATIONAL ECONOMY MUBARAKA IBRAHIM CAIO AND ACTING CIO EMIRATES HEALTH SERVICES ANTONIO MONREALE HEAD OF IT SHARED SERVICES TAQA GROUP ANKIT SATSANGI DIRECTOR OF ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT BEEAH GROUP TRAILBLAZERS Mubaraka Ibrahim ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 74ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7403/06/2025 20:3803/06/2025 20:38POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 75 Sawsan Mounzer, with more than 20 years in technology, has been pivotal at HSBC MENA since 2007. She has orchestrated major IT infrastructure upgrades, integrating advanced cybersecurity measures and spearheading digital banking solutions. Her leadership in streamlining operations has resulted in substantial cost reductions and enhanced customer service. Mounzer’s strategic initiatives focus on leveraging technology for business growth and robust data protection. Damir Jaksic, with 25 years in technology, excels in driving digital transformation and innovation. At KEO International Consultants, he led ERP and line-of-business systems implementations that enhanced productivity. Jaksic’s strategic initiatives include Microsoft Azure cloud migrations and advanced cybersecurity frameworks that strengthened security and collaboration. He led sustainability solutions that reinforced environmental, social and governance (ESG) commitments. Christakis Themistocli oversees IT operations and digital application teams across 14 countries, aligning technology with Deloitte’s strategic goals. With over 20 years in IT, he has enhanced effi ciency and innovation through successful IT solutions. His expertise spans IT transformation, enterprise architecture and information security, always ensuring compliance with ISO27001 standards. He champions technology-enabled business growth through IT cost eff ectiveness and more. Ahmad Mourad has amplifi ed Transmed’s effi ciency through strategic digital transformations. He has leveraged over 25 years in healthcare, telecom and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) across North America, Europe and the Middle East. He spearheaded EMEA’s Strategic Solutions at Johnson & Johnson, driving medtech transformation with measurable fi nancial outcomes. Mourad excels in crafting customer-centric digital strategies and innovative solutions, fostering high-performing teams. CHRISTAKIS THEMISTOCLI CIO DELOITTE MIDDLE EAST AHMAD MOURAD CIO TRANSMED SAWSAN MOUNZER CIO HSBC MENA DAMIR JAKSIC CIO KEO INTERNATIONAL CONSULTANTS TRAILBLAZERS Damir Jaksic ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 75ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7503/06/2025 20:3803/06/2025 20:38POWER LIST 76 ACN | Summer 2025 Shivani Santoki, with 14 years in IT strategy and digital transformation, has signifi cantly reshaped Pure Harvest’s technological framework. By unifying siloed systems into a cohesive ERP platform, she improved real-time decision-making and operational effi ciencies. Her initiatives in automation enhanced inventory traceability and demand-supply planning, positively infl uencing profi ts. Santoki drove a data-driven culture that implemented dashboards and fostered stakeholder collaboration. Muhammad Irfan Ali has over 20 years in IT. He excels in strategic alignment and technical expertise. He led Oracle NetSuite and Coupa ERP implementations, boosting efficiency. His cost-saving initiatives included optimising Microsoft licensing, saving AED1.2 million annually, and migrating telecom services, saving AED700,000. Ali fortifi ed cybersecurity with zero expenditure and established a centralised security operations centre. Muhammad Aff an Habib excels in spearheading IT transformations across educational institutions, with over 21 years in the fi eld. As the Director of IT at the Sharjah Maritime Academy, he automated 80 per cent of processes, and is targeting 90 per cent completion this year. He led projects like AI-enabled Smart Campus, Oracle ERP and secured ISO 27001:2022 for cybersecurity. His strategic infrastructure optimisation saved $7.5 million over three years, strengthening 18 campuses’ cybersecurity. With 28 years of experience, Georges Hobeika has played a crucial role in advancing Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB)’s digital initiatives. He led the bank’s cloud adoption, enhancing data accessibility while reducing costs. Under his leadership, cybersecurity measures were fortifi ed, ensuring robust protection of client data. Hobeika has driven the integration of AI in banking operations, improving service delivery. His strategic focus aligns technology with business growth and operational effi ciency. MUHAMMAD AFFAN HABIB DIRECTOR OF IT SHARJAH MARITIME ACADEMY GEORGES HOBEIKA CIO QATAR INTERNATIONAL ISLAMIC BANK (QIIB) SHIVANI SANTOKI DIRECTOR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION PURE HARVEST MUHAMMAD IRFAN ALI HEAD OF IT AND SECURITY CAFUI Georges Hobeika TRAILBLAZERS ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 76ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7603/06/2025 20:3903/06/2025 20:39POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 77 Hasan Alaswad is the Director of Information and Communication Technology Centre (ICTC) at Ahlia University. He leads the Bahrain institution’s digital transformation, prioritising cutting-edge cloud and AI solutions. He has upgraded legacy systems and integrated single sign-on capabilities, enhancing learning experiences. Alaswad’s strategic frameworks have improved cybersecurity. They have also reduced operational costs by 60 per cent. Augustine Amusu is a healthcare technology leader with extensive international experience. As the Mediclinic Chief Information Of f icer, he spearheads digital transformation initiatives to align with organisational growth. Previously CIO at a leading Dubai hospital and HCA Healthcare UK, he advanced clinical and business technologies, driving innovation and efficiency. Amusu’s strategic initiatives have boosted capabilities, customer satisfaction and revenue. Mohammed Al Shobani is all about driving digital transformations. He is presently the Chief Information Offi cer at SAICO Insurance in Saudi Arabia. In his position, he is leveraging the best technology and high-performance infrastructure to positively impact how the company does business. Al Shobani has a background in solution architecture, testing, deployment and project management. He has a fi ntech certifi cate from Harvard University. As the CIO of General Motors Africa & Middle East, Sanjay Keswani adeptly aligns IT strategies with business goals to enhance operational efficiency. He has led major integrations of IoT, AI and ecommerce solutions, signifi cantly refi ning business processes. Keswani’s strategic leadership in digital transformation and IT planning supports robust decision-making across the organisation. He is dedicated to driving regional tech advancement. MOHAMMED AL SHOBANI CIO SAICO INSURANCE SANJAY KESWANI CIO GENERAL MOTORS AFRICA & MIDDLE EAST HASAN ALASWAD DIRECTOR OF ICTC AHLIA UNIVERSITY AUGUSTINE AMUSU CIO MEDICLINIC MIDDLE EAST Augustine Amusu TRAILBLAZERS ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 77ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7703/06/2025 20:3903/06/2025 20:39POWER LIST 78 ACN | Summer 2025 Khaled Fawzy Ibrahem has excelled in enhancing data security and promoting data accessibility as the IT Manager at Osoul Investment Company in Kuwait. With over 25 years of experience, he reduced security incidents signifi cantly and increased data utilisation. His leadership in AI and cloud technology has led to notable improvements, achieving remarkable cost savings and enhancing uptime through cloud migration. He is also an expert in fi rewalls, network infrastructure and SQL. Ahmed Askar, with over 20 years in technology, has expertly led strategic IT integration across various sectors, including network and infrastructure, ERP solutions, and broadcasting. Known for enhancing operational performance, he has driven major technology initiatives in large organisations, focusing on sof t ware and web development. He won the World 200 CIO Award in 2019, demonstrating his impact on technology strategy. Muhammad Ali Shafi q has more than 24 years in IT leadership. He specialises in strategic planning, technology integration and team leadership. Shafi q is the IT Manager/Director at ASLAK – United Wires Factory. He has led digital transformation initiatives, implemented ERP systems across industries like steel, aviation and retail, and spearheaded AI projects. His focus on continuous improvement enhances IT infrastructure, supports business goals and boosts innovation. With over 30 years in IT, Seyed (Saeed) Nasrolah Golkar expertly intertwines technology with business strategy at InnovaSense. Spearheading ventures in ecommerce, IoT and cloud solutions, he facilitated 61 per cent sales and 73 per cent revenue growth. Golkar managed a $18 million national-level contract and oversaw a team of over 100. Through his leadership, he has leveraged advanced systems that have aligned corporate strategy and achieved cost effi ciencies in challenging markets. MUHAMMAD ALI SHAFIQ IT MANAGER/DIRECTOR ASLAK – UNITED WIRES FACTORY SEYED (SAEED) NASROLAH GOLKAR CHIEF COMMERCIAL AND TECHNICAL OFFICER INNOVASENSE KHALED FAWZY IBRAHEM IT MANAGER OSOUL INVESTMENT COMPANY AHMED ASKAR GROUP DIGITAL & IT DIRECTOR GBM Seyed Nasrolah Golkar TRAILBLAZERS ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 78ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7803/06/2025 20:3903/06/2025 20:39POWER LIST ACN | Summer 2025 79 Anand Muralidharan is the Head of Cybersecurity at Bahri, formerly the National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia. His career has been focused on IT for the ship management and maritime sector. Muralidharan has experience with strategy development, data security and custom-designing solutions for production and emergency and data recovery. He has a Master of Network Computer and Security from Monash University in Australia. He specialised in network securities and applications. Mubarik Hussain has over 20 years of experience. He adeptly aligns IT strategy with business objectives as the IT Director at Distinguished Real Estate in the United Arab Emirates. He leads transformative change and enhances business process effi ciency. His expertise spans AI, machine learning, IoT technologies, and fostering sustainable technology environments and strong stakeholder relationships. Hussain’s strategic initiatives contribute to cost savings and effi ciency gains. Abeer Khedr has numerous accolades and certifi cates. She has over 20 years of information security and IT consulting experience, plus she has led projects across banking, telecoms and the industrial sectors. Khedr is certifi ed as a Chief Information Security Officer (C|CISO), Data Protection Officer (DPO), Information Security Manager (CISM) and Information Systems Auditor (CISA). Khedr is also the Co-Founder of Women in Cyber Security Middle East. Mohammad Kanaan has spearheaded digital transformation at Qatar Electricity & Water Company (QEWC) as the Chief Information Offi cer. He is focused on enhancing operational effi ciency through strategic cloud integration and robust cybersecurity measures. Under his leadership, major IT initiatives, like the implementation of advanced data analytics and AI-driven predictive maintenance, have led to signifi cant cost savings and improved system reliability. ABEER KHEDR GROUP HEAD – CYBERSECURITY NATIONAL BANK OF EGYPT MOHAMMAD KANAAN CIO QATAR ELECTRICITY & WATER COMPANY (QEWC) ANAND MURALIDHARAN HEAD OF CYBERSECURITY BAHRI MUBARIK HUSSAIN IT DIRECTOR DISTINGUISHED REAL ESTATE Abeer Khedr TRAILBLAZERS ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 79ACN_March2025_74-81_PL - Trailblazers_13581512.indd 7903/06/2025 20:3903/06/2025 20:39Next >