< Previous20 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS TECHNOLOGY At the helm of TONOMUS, a lead- ing cognitive technology rm, Bradley oversees the formula- tion and implementation of the techno- logical and digital ecosystems for NEOM. This encompasses establishing the foun- dation for cognitive cities, in collabora- tion with global technology partners. Diverse experience Bradley previously worked at Cisco for 15 years, where he held several roles includ- ing Global VP for IoT, Blockchain, AI, and Incubation. He drove advanced services, business development, and operations for Cisco’s ventures, enhancing a consulting model for clients to unlock IoT value. Earlier, he held CEO, CFO, and SVP positions at C3 Communi- cations, and led AT&T’s Data Communications. His career began at Paci c Bell, gaining expertise in nance and operations. Key successes in 2023 According to Bradley, TONOMUS is harnessing cognitive tech- nologies to create a digital infrastructure that will push forward the boundaries of human experience and de ne the future of living. “The solutions that TONOMUS is creating will ensure that NEOM is powered by unrivalled connectivity and computing capability, as well as cutting-edge AI and immersive technologies, all underpinned by global security standards,” says Bradley. He and his team recently spearheaded the launch of the TONOMUS.NEOM Telecommunications Centre, a digital facil- ity at NEOM that was built to support a single holistic integrated network o ering immersive, end-to-end cognitive experiences for its users. “Once fully functional, it will power a soft- ware-driven network that will service up to 60 locations, around 1,800 structures and 200 million IoT devices by 2030, with approximately 300,000 construction sta employed at NEOM by 2025,” he said. “This inaugural facility has set a new precedent for the regional ICT industry, with leading regional and international service providers such as stc, Huawei, NESMA, Fortinet bring- ing their class-leading abilities to NEOM and contributing to its successful launch.” TONOMUS partners with global tech leaders sush as Oracle, OneWeb, and NVIDIA to enhance city sustainability, urban mobility, and citizen experiences. “In 2022, TONOMUS launched TONOMUS Venture Studio, committing $1.4bn over ve years to building and scaling businesses that focus on the cognitive ecosystem and the infrastructure needed to support it,” Bradley said. “A core aim of TONOMUS Venture Studio is to cement NEOM as the epicentre of innovation and enhance the kingdom’s reputation as an entrepreneurial powerhouse by attracting both emerging and established entrepreneurs.” Roadmap Regarding challenges, Bradley revealed that there’s growing discourse around businesses prioritising environmental action and minimising carbon footprint, in the run up to COP28. “While expectations are high, our goal is to meet our commitments by carefully managing our operations, processes, and resource allocation,” he said. “Establishing collaborations and nourishing partnerships are instrumental in driving growth and opportunities in an environment where competition is high.” As business grows in the kingdom, TONOMUS prioritises nurturing Saudi talent through their human capital strategy. It is dedicated to fostering Saudi tech talent and reducing its carbon footprint while serving the community while aiming to become the leading cognitive solutions provider in Saudi Arabia, driving growth and collaboration opportunities. 11. JOSEPH M. BRADLEY CEO TONOMUSarabianbusiness.com 21 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS REAL ESTATE With almost three decades of professional experience in the industry, in his current position at Nakheel, Atallah leads a workforce of over 1,200 employees. Their collective e orts are focused on delivering innovative developments that o er exceptional residential, retail, hospital- ity, and leisure choices to customers. Joining the company in Q4 2020, Atallah has played a crucial role in reshaping Nakheel's reputation as a globally renowned master developer. A seasoned industry leader and strategic thinker, among Atallah’s achievements is the restructuring of Nakheel's business strategy, emphasising a delivery-focused model while keeping customers central to the company's e orts. This shift has led to signi cant market demand and sales achievements within a remarkably short span of time. Additionally, he has fostered an inclusive workforce that re ects Nakheel's brand values and ethos. Prior to his tenure at Nakheel, Atallah held senior leader- ship positions at some of the most prominent real estate compa- nies, including the CEO of Piramal Realty in India, CEO of Dubai Properties, COO of Emaar, and COO of Qatari Diar. He has been actively involved in various real estate industry bodies, contributing advi- sory roles to Investment Committees of Real Estate Funds. Presently, he serves as a board member of the real estate division of the Misk Foundation, which focuses on advancing Saudi youth. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas and an MBA from Pepperdine University in the US. 12. NAAMAN ATALLAH CEO NAKHEEL Nakheel has a portfolio of projects in Dubai across the residential, retail, hospitality and leisure sectors22 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS REAL ESTATE Sajwani, a self-made Emirati entrepreneur, has rapidly emerged as a prominent and impactful gure in the Arab world, particularly within Dubai's property market. His rapid ascent to prominence underscores his substantial contributions and profound in uence within a rela- tively concise yet impactful dura- tion. In the mid-1990s, his vision- ary acumen enabled him to anticipate the burgeoning demand for accommodations, driven by the escalating number of individuals arriving in the emirate for pivotal business and trade engagements. Recognising the signi cance of this emerging oppor- tunity, Sajwani adeptly responded by embarking on an ambitious venture to construct several distinguished hotels. These establishments not only catered to the imme- diate needs of visitors but also strategically positioned Dubai as an unparalleled hub for business travellers from around the globe. Responding to this opportunity, he embarked on constructing several hotels, positioning Dubai as a hub for business travellers. However, it was in 2002 that Sajwani 13. HUSSAIN SAJWANI Founder and chairman DAMAC HOLDING truly made his mark by establishing DAMAC Properties, a venture that would ultimately become one of the largest property development companies in the Middle East and beyond. Education and social progress are close to Sajwani’s heart. Alongside his family, he champions quality education through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation. Nota- bly, the One Million Arab Coders initiative, a flagship programme under the foundation, seeks to empower one million Arabs with essential coding skills, positioning them for success in the digital era.arabianbusiness.com 23 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS About DAMAC Properties DAMAC Properties has been a driving force in shaping the skyline of various cities worldwide. Having delivered over 43,700 homes and with more than 30,000 currently in development, DAMAC has established its presence in over 10 countries, including Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Beirut, Amman, Doha, Baghdad, the Maldives, Toronto, Miami, and London. Notably, DAMAC's international portfolio features remarkable projects like the 50-storey DAMAC Towers Nine Elms, a agship development in central London, which bears the iconic branding of Italian fashion house VERSACE. Moreover, the company has expanded its reach into Toronto, entering a partnership with Canadian developer Marlin Spring, while also securing prime sea-facing land in Miami's upscale Surfside neighbourhood for the construction of a luxurious tower. DAMAC’s ambitions extend beyond real estate, with the establishment of its own hotel management company. Under its umbrella, the company oversees eight hotel properties, collaborating with renowned brands such as Radisson, Para- mount, Rotana, and DAMAC Maison. Furthermore, DAMAC is in the process of developing a lavish resort in the Maldives, operated by the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. DAMAC has established a distinct reputation for its collaborative endeav- ours and has consistently joined forces with prestigious lifestyle brands to introduce exceptional living concepts. These projects go beyond the ordinary, o ering opulent apartments and villas decorated with interiors crafted by renowned fashion houses such as Versace Home, Fendi Casa, de GRISIGONO, Cavalli, and Just Cavalli. These collaborations result in captivating living spaces that seam- lessly merge luxury and style. The unique Paramount Hotels & Resorts brand o ers luxurious serviced living experi- ences. This exclusive brand brings the allure of Hollywood to the world of hospitality, providing residents with lavish serviced living experiences that redefine luxury. The synergy between DAMAC and these esteemed brands re ects a commitment to elevating the standards of living and creating spaces that exude opulence. Beyond property Innovating and adapting to contemporary demands, The DAMAC Group, which encompasses DAMAC Properties, has entered the data centre industry through DAMAC Data Centres. These centres are strategically established to meet the growing demand for data centre services and are currently being developed in Riyadh and Dammam, KSA; Turkey, as well as Ireland. Beyond real estate and hospital- ity, Sajwani has demonstrated his acumen in the global equity and capital markets through his private investment division. This division holds portfolios of securities in vari- ous regional and global markets, showcasing Sajwani’s versatility as an astute businessman and investor. DAMAC Properties contracts for Lagoons projects With a strategic focus on advancing this master-planned community, DAMAC Properties has successfully awarded contracts totalling $653m within the rst half of this year. The magnitude of these contracts re ects the dedication of DAMAC Properties to enhance and diversify the Dubai real estate landscape. Notably, a prominent contract valued at $205m has been entrusted to Ginco General Contracting. This sizeable contract pertains to the main works encom- passing 1,127 villas and townhouses located within the Malta cluster of the Damac Lagoons development. Furthermore, China Nuclear Industry 22nd Construction Company has secured an order worth $73.5m for the principal construc- tion tasks of 433 villas within the Mykonos cluster. Additional contracts totalling over $69.8m have been allocated to the main works of 424 villas situated in the Monte Carlo cluster. Earlier in the year, DAMAC Proper- ties had already taken significant strides by partnering with Danway Electrical & Mechanical Engineering. This collaboration aimed to establish a crucial 132/11kV substa- tion within the expansive 4.4 million m2 DAMAC Lagoons community. This initiative marked a vital milestone as part of the group’s larger strategy to power the develop- ment efficiently. DAMAC has established its presence in over 10 countries, including Dubai, Jeddah, Riyadh, Beirut, Amman, Doha, Baghdad, the Maldives, Toronto, Miami and London $653M The value of contracts DAMAC Properties successfully awarded within the rst half of this year24 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS REAL ESTATE For 30 years, Ibrahim has been at the forefront of the highly demanding world of supply solu- tions and consultancy services for the petroleum exploration and production industry. In his key role at Rawabi Hold- ing, Othman has steered the company’s growth to become a leading conglomer- ate in KSA as well as one of the fast- est-growing companies in the Middle East. Today, Rawabi Holding is the leading o shore services provider in KSA and an enabler of seamless services with a focus on safety, quality, on time delivery, and superior customer support. Realising the growing demand for high-end sustainable projects, Rawabi Holding established Magnom Properties, which Othman leads as the vice chairman. As countries in the region work towards ful lling their net zero goals, his vision for this new venture is to create dynamic environments and developments to cater to the rapidly evolving lifestyles and aspirations of businesses, industries, and future generations. As such, Magnom Properties will be constructing high-value commercial, residential and lifestyle projects in KSA and across the region. Key achievements Othman is also the executive vice chairman of Rawabi Holding Board of Directors, chairman of the Board’s Investment Committee and vice chairman of Rawabi Energy Company. He has been instrumental in overseeing Rawabi Energy and its subsidiaries successful conclusion as of one of the largest private sectors syndicated nancing in KSA, with a nancial close of $1.9bn syndicated multi-currency secured term and revolving SAR and USD facilities. Steered by the visionary that strategic business partner- ships are key to create entirely new market opportunities, Othman has partnered with Forbes to build zero-carbon commercial towers across the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. These sustainable real estate projects will be developed in partnership with Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and The Carbon Lab based in Chicago and aligns with the goals of Vision 2030. Leadership roles Othman is also the chairman of multiple companies, including United Safety Ltd. Canada; Singaporean-listed Vallianz Hold- ings Ltd.; Equatorial Energy, Singapore; PT VOM, Indonesia; Rawabi Vallianz O shore Services, among others. He is also the director at the Boards of Wildcat Oil Tools in USA, Redland Industrial Services (Arabia) Ltd. (RISAL), Kalaam Telecom in Bahrain and heads the Audit Committee at Rawabi Human Resources Company. Roadmap Othman realises that the changing macroeconomic conditions, political climate, and volatile oil prices are impacting project timelines of several developments across the region. He adds, “Some of the more immediate challenges are evident in the path to meeting net zero targets where there are gaps in making rm commitments to push sustainable devel- opment opportunities.” He believes that an integrated approach to sustainable development is required to improve competitiveness of the various sectors to be on par with mature markets worldwide. Overcoming challenges in sustainable development will require a shift in mindsets as well as continued collaboration and inno- vation, which Othman is working towards. 14. OTHMAN A. IBRAHIM CEO and vice chairman RAWABI HOLDING; MAGNOM PROPERTIESarabianbusiness.com 25 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS BANKING In his current role with Standard Chartered Africa and Middle East (AME), Kaushal is also a member of Standard Char- tered’s Global Management Team, the highest executive body within the bank. Previously, he held the role of the regional CEO of Standard Chartered South Asia and CEO India. Diverse experience With the group for nearly 25 years, Kaushal has approximately 35 years of banking experience in diverse markets across North Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa. He has held senior roles across wholesale, retail, SME banking, and country management within the group. Kaushal also served as the head of corporate banking in the UAE, head of Originations and Client Coverage in Singapore, global head Small and Medium Enterprises and New Ventures in Singapore as well as the CEO of Standard Chartered Bank, Taiwan. Kaushal has led the acceleration of the bank’s digital transformation in the AME region, with the launch of digital banks across nine key markets across Africa. Expansion In 2022, Standard Chartered registered remarkable success across its network in AME, evidenced by their outstanding nan- cial performance, strategic wins in key markets and transfor- mation journey across Africa and the Middle East, says Kaushal. He adds, “We delivered a record-breaking performance during 2022, reporting an underlying operating income of $2.6bn, up by 14 percent on constant currency basis, driven by growth in transaction banking, nancial markets and retail, while underlying working profit stood at $937m, up 25 percent on constant currency basis, driven by higher income and disciplined cost management.” Kaushal explains that their drive to enhance the bank's digital and sustaina- ble nancing o erings has been pivotal in their growth strategy, resulting in securing the inaugural sustainability-linked loan with Landmark Group, launching the rst Sustainable Receivables Financing Facility with ECI and Siemens, and issuing Qatar's premier Green Guarantee in collab- oration with Siemens. Their dominance in the region's bond and Sukuk markets topped the AME league tables and leading MENA G3 issuance for the fth consecutive year. The bank's KSA venture, which saw the inauguration of their rst branch in June 2021, has yielded remarkable results with over 140 percent growth in CCIB cross-border income during the rst half of 2023. As for Egypt, they are poised to establish their presence later this year. Roadmap In 2023, the bank maintained its momentum with robust rst- half results. Operating income stood at $1.44bn, marking a 34 percent increase on a constant currency basis. He says, “In the UAE and the Middle East cluster, we achieved our highest half- yearly operating pro t since 2015, reaching $653m, a substan- tial 39 percent rise on a constant currency basis, driven by strong income momentum. We are committed to harnessing our unique strengths, fostering innovation, and working cohe- sively as a team to realise our shared vision and uphold our purpose of 'Here for good.'” 15. SUNIL KAUSHAL CEO STANDARD CHARTERED AFRICA AND MIDDLE EAST (AME)26 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS RETAIL Established in 1977 by Abdul Aziz Baker, GMG began as a small butchery o ering fresh Western meat, sh, and cold cuts. Over the past four decades, GMG has grown into a global well-being company with a diverse portfolio of home-grown and international brands. Committed to promoting healthier lifestyles through its food, health, and sports verticals, GMG is dedicated to retailing, distributing, and manufacturing a range of products that posi- tion it as a trusted industry partner. Leveraging a rich legacy spanning 45 years, Baker has meta- morphosed GMG into a worldwide well-being entity that impacts millions of lives. Presently, he is steering the company towards a new era, igniting a spirit of triumph in all endeavours and advocating for a world enriched by positive contributions. This endeavour entails staying at the forefront of innovation while delivering robust investment returns for GMG’s global partners. Guiding his family-owned company with a legacy spanning forty years, Baker has played a pivotal role in reshaping GMG into a prominent global entity a liated with some of the world’s most successful well-being brands. Transitioning from a single Dubai store, GMG has evolved into an international enterprise that promotes well-being through its health, sports, and food divisions. Under Baker's stewardship, GMG has introduced over 120 brands to markets across the MENA region and Asia. These encompass both home-grown names such as Sun & Sand Sports, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, and international brands including Nike as well as Mama Sita’s, among others. Across various sectors Within GMG, GMG Sports is a powerhouse in the sports industry, boasting an extensive portfolio of over 90 brands and 500 stores worldwide. With a dedicated team of 4,500 employees, GMG Sports leads in retail operations, o ering a diverse array of sports products and apparel. Notable brands under the GMG Sports umbrella include Vans, Jordan, Nike, Timberland, and others. Another segment of GMG, GMG Everyday Goods, focuses on food manufacturing, distribution, and retail operations. With a comprehensive approach covering the entire food consumption chain from 'farm to fork,' GMG Everyday Goods o ers various home-grown and distrib- uted food brands. Prominent brands include Farm Fresh, Noor Al Islami, Klassic, Sapora, RUH, Quality 1st Choice, Chef’s Choice, Aswaaq, Geant, Monoprix, Franprix, Monop, Naturalia, and Leader Price. Specialising in commercial and residential real estate, GMG Properties features a diverse portfolio of buildings, community malls, and leasing services. Noteworthy properties include Jumeirah Centre (established in 1988) and Aswaaq Mall, both in Dubai. GMG Logistics, with over 1,200 employees and 28 logistic centres across the GCC, o ers comprehensive freight solutions. Their logistics arm, Trilogi, utilises various storage options including dry, ambient, cold, and frozen. Within GMG Ventures, the Emirates British Nursery provides high-quality early education services, while Suncoast Stores o ers cost-e ective solutions for outdoor furniture needs in the region. GMG's transformative journey from a small butchery to a global well-being conglomerate show- cases its unwavering commitment to innovation, growth, and serving communities. 16. MOHAMMAD A. BAKER Deputy chairman and CEO GMGarabianbusiness.com 27 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS RETAIL The driving force behind the Kuwaiti family-owned enter- prise Alshaya, a prominent international franchise oper- ator across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Russia, Alshaya has been instrumental in steering the company's evolu- tion, fostering its progression and widespread expansion. His journey within the organisation began in 1990 when he assumed the role of CEO, later ascending to the position of executive chairman in 2007. Today, the group boasts an impressive roster of over 70 brands under its name. A vast and diverse portfolio spans continents, with opera- tions extending through Europe, the MENA region, and Turkey, the group's endeavours encompass multiple sectors, from health and beauty to pharmacy, food, fashion, home furnishings, and leisure and entertainment. Also included under the expansive Alshaya Group umbrella is local co ee shops, drive-thrus, and restaurants. This collection includes key names like Boots, The Body Shop, H&M, Starbucks, Mothercare, M.A.C, Debenhams, American Eagle Out tters, P.F. Chang's, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria's Secret, Pottery Barn, and KidZania, and more. Beyond Alshaya Alshaya's sphere of in uence extends far beyond his role within Alshaya Group. He plays a pivotal role as a board member for the Arab Thought Foundation, contributing his insights and exper- tise to this intellectual platform. Further- more, his leadership extends to real estate development, where he holds the position of chairman of the board of directors at Mabanee, a distinguished player in Kuwait's real estate landscape. It's worth noting that the Alshaya family’s ownership stake of 34.1 percent in Maba- nee underscores the family's substantial commitment to the company's success. 17. MOHAMMED ALSHAYA Executive chairman ALSHAYA GROUP Alshaya Group's portfolio include brands such as Starbucks, H&M, Mothercare, Debenhams and The Cheesecake Factory28 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS FINANCE Anotable presence in the nance sector in KSA, Al Suhaimi holds a signi cant role at Saudi Tadawul Holding Group (previously known as the Saudi Stock Exchange Company). She currently serves as the chairperson of the Group Board of Directors. Moreover, she plays a pivotal part in Lazard's nancial advisory operations within the MENA region. This stands as a signi cant mile- stone that encourages more women to assume prominent positions within KSA. It also underscores Lazard's active commitment to aligning with Vision 2030, the nation's agenda to diversify its econ- omy beyond oil and invest in emerging industries. Backed by robust experience Lazard obtained its nancial advisory services license in 2010 and has been serving investment banking clients through its Riyadh o ce. Al-Suhaimi's role follows her tenure as the CEO of NCB Capital bank from 2014 to 2021, during which she held a position on the Board of Directors. Under her leadership, the bank successfully executed numerous substantial investment banking mandates, gaining recognition in league tables for Debt Capital Markets (DCM) and Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A). Between 2013 and 2015, Al-Suhaimi assumed the role of vice-chairperson of the Advisory Committee of the Capital Market Authority (CMA) Board of Directors. Her previous expe- riences also encompass her leadership of the asset and wealth management division at Jadwa Investment Company. Within Jadwa, she held the positions of chief investment o cer and member of the Jadwa Management Committee. Beyond her professional commitments, Al-Suhaimi is a valued board member of SAUDIA (Saudi Airlines). She is also entrusted as a trustee of the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation and holds the distinction of being a We-Fi Leadership Champion. 18. SARAH AL SUHAIMI Chair MENA LAZARD Headquartered in New York, Lazard is one of the most respected names in global nancial servicesarabianbusiness.com 29 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS CONSTRUCTION Sajan, a prominent Indian-Emirati entrepreneur, guides the trajectory of Danube, a signi cant conglomerate in the Middle East. His journey commenced in the early 90s with his move to the UAE, driven by the aspiration to build his own business. In 1993, that dream became reality with the inception of Danube Group which began as a small trading enterprise focusing on building materials. The One Percent genius When Sajan ventured into the property sector, he encountered a landscape already populated by signi cant players. He recog- nised the need for a distinctive approach in the real estate realm and realised that a substantial 80 to 90 percent of expatriates in Dubai were inclined towards renting. Sajan's vision was to convert these renters into property buyers, a concept he termed as the ‘one percent payment plan.’ This approach entailed a modest down payment coupled with a monthly payment set at just one percent with the remaining balance collected upon the building's completion. As the build- ing progressed to 60 percent completion, banks were willing to nance the remaining 40 percent of the property's cost, even prior to the title deed transfer. This approach eliminated the need for customers to engage directly with banks, bypassing prolonged approval processes and the uncertainties associated with interest rates. The one percent plan ultimately emerged as the foundational principle that shaped Danube Properties and fuelled its subse- quent success. Expansion In terms of expansion in 2022, Sajan explains, “The year not only helped us make up for the losses during the COVID- 19 pandemic but also helped us to grow business in new areas and expand to new territories. We have witnessed substantial growth in gross revenue and have hired more professionals to manage our growth. We have crossed $1.5 billion and 2023 is looking stronger than before.” Danube has also expanded their home furnishing business in new territories, such as Africa and a few other countries where their products are now being exported to and sold in those markets. “One of the key areas of success was the real estate sector,” he says, “We launched and sold out five real estate projects, all are now under construction, and this helped us to strengthen investor con dence and maintain our stand as the fastest-growing real estate developer in the UAE.” Roadmap to challenges Sajan believes that 2022 has been full of challenges. He adds, “Despite the global problems, Dubai managed to attract a large pool of international investors who came here as visitors, loved the infrastructure, quality of life, global connectivity, and the vibrancy and resilience of the UAE economy, and decided to open a branch of their business and bought a home. Some are relo- cating their entire business here due to safety, security, and the ease of doing business. Due to this, demand for quality homes has gone up and we, among others, are bene tting from this.” 19. RIZWAN SAJAN Founder and chairman DANUBE GROUPNext >