< Previous80 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 84. DR SAEEDA JAFFAR 85. OLA DOUDIN General manager, GCC VISA CEO and co-founder BITOASIS Ja ar is an experienced leader with a deep understanding of nan- cial and payment services, along with digital technolo- gies. Her expertise lies in private and investment banks, private equity rms, and sovereign wealth funds. She has been at the forefront of innovative initiatives at Visa, including the sponsor- ship of the FIFA World Cup and the launch of the Visa Masters of Movement NFT Collection, which allowed football fans to create digital art. Additionally, she led Visa's She's Next initiative in the UAE, empowering local women entrepreneurs by providing access to networking, mentoring, and Pioneering the crypto- currency landscape in the region, Doudin co-founded BitOasis along- side Daniel Robenek and Tarek Kaylani in 2015. The catalyst for BitOasis emerged when Doudin acquired her inaugural Bitcoin in 2013, igniting a fascination with its latent potential. A year later, the Dubai-headquartered venture, BitOasis, was born. It introduced an online wallet and exchange plat- form, leveraging multi-sig- nature technology to ensure the security of digital assets. The platform's surge paral- leled the burgeoning crypto- currency market in the region. Equipped with an engineering background, prior to her current role, she funding opportunities. She also serves as a board member of trustees at Kuwait University and has joined Visa with extensive financial services and payments knowledge. Over the past ve years, she held the position of managing director for the Middle East at Alvarez and Marsal. Prior to that, she held leadership roles at United Arab Bank, Bahrain FinTech Bay, and McKinsey and Company, collaborating with clients in both the private and public sectors. Reporting directly to Andrew Torre, the regional president for Central Europe, Middle East, and Africa (CEMEA), Dr. Ja ar is an integral part of the CEMEA Leadership Team. Alongside her consulting work with public and private sector clients, Dr. Jaffar specialises in restructuring, PMI, operational programmes, strategy, and transformation. Her special- isation spans financial services, encompassing government institutions, private equity rms, private banks, universal banks, and sovereign wealth funds. initiated her journey in IT Risk Advisory at Ernst & Young in London, UK. Concurrently, she engaged in tech start-up mentoring, investment activities, and has previously collaborated with Aramex founder Fadi Ghandour. The platform is presently accessible in 15 countries spanning the GCC, the Middle East, and North Africa, including KSA, Bahrain, Egypt, Morocco, the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Jordan. Since its establish- ment, BitOasis has facilitated trading volume surpassing $5bn and garnered over 700,000 user registrations. Building trust as one of the most reliable platforms in the MENA area, BitOasis stands as the UAE-based epicentre for digital asset trading and exchange. Its reach extends to individuals, traders, and investors, both regionally and globally. Acknowledged by the Finan- cial Services Regulatory Authority at the Abu Dhabi Global Market Authorities, BitOasis is licensed to oper- ate in the UAE, a jurisdiction synonymous with rapid cryptocurrency growth. TECHNOLOGYFINANCEarabianbusiness.com 81 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS INDUSTRY In addition to his current role at PepsiCo Middle East, Sheikh is also on the board of directors for three di erent JV Boards of PepsiCo. Previously, he held the role of the president and general manager for MENA and Pakistan. His foray with PepsiCo began in 1999 in a nance position followed by several leadership roles in Pakistan, UAE, KSA and the US. These roles included working as an auditor for Ernst & Young and The Walt Disney Company across a span of seven years in the USA/UK, and three years in Pakistan where he led the Finance Function for Unisys. In 2017, Sheikh was appointed as the chief nancial o cer for PepsiCo’s Asia Middle East & North Africa Sector (AMENA), leading the company’s nancial operations in over 40 countries, encompassing their beverages, snacks, and nutri- tion businesses, including 10 Joint Ventures. His other leadership roles have included chief nancial o cer for the MEA region in 2008, SVP for Planning and Trans- formation for Asia, Middle East, and North Africa (AMENA) in 2014 and in 2016, SVP for commercial nance for Frito Lay North America. Sheikh also serves as the co-chair of the US-Saudi Business Council (US Chamber), is a member of the Multinational Companies’ Business Group (MCBG) Regional Presidents Forum as well as other key associations. Sustainability initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030 In 2020, PepsiCo launched PepsiCo Positive (pep+), a strategic end-to-end transformation to drive sustainable long-term value and competitive advantage. The three pillars of pep+ to drive action and achieve the sustainable industrial related global SDG goals and local Saudi Vision 2030 goals, are posi- tive agriculture by spreading regener- ative practices to restore the earth across the company’s entire agricul- tural footprint. The second pillar is positive value chain in which they are aiming to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, becoming net water positive, and have new goals to improve packaging sustainability, including reducing virgin plastic per serving by 50 percent and new goals from Pepsi and Frito-Lay brands. The third pillar is positive choices as PepsiCo is leveraging the scale and reach of its global brands to drive positive impact at scale. They are evolving their portfolio into segments that are more bene cial for the people and planet, including plant- based proteins, nuts and seeds, and whole grains. By 2030, the company is expected to avoid more than 200 billion plastic bottles by expanding its Soda Stream business. Women empowerment In alignment with Saudi Vision 2030 and with the lift of the driving ban in 2018, PepsiCo embarked on a journey with their female employees in Riyadh. 172 women participated in a driving simulation, learning how to control a vehicle in a safe environment. Since then, many women drivers were hired to drive sales vehicles and forklifts, which further aligned with their commitment as an equal opportunities’ employer on a global scale. 86. AAMER SHEIKH CEO PEPSICO MIDDLE EAST82 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 87. BADR JAFAR 88. DR. HABIB AL MULLA Chairman PEARL PETROLEUM Founder HABIB AL MULLA AND PARTNERS In addition to his multiple current roles, Jafar is also the president of Crescent Petroleum, the rst independent and private- ly-owned petroleum company in the Middle East. He also serves as the chair- man of Gulftainer, the larg- est privately-owned container port and logistics operator in the world, and chairman of Pearl Petro- leum, the largest natural gas producer in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Beyond busi- ness, Badr is deeply involved in humanitarian initiatives, philanthropy, corporate governance, and education. He advises the UN Secretary General's High-Level Panel on Humanitarian Financing, serves on UNESCO's Inter- Al Mulla, the visionary behind the establish- ment of Habib Al Mulla and Partners, boasts an impressive track record spanning more than four decades with expertise in UAE law. He has been instru- mental in shaping the contemporary legislative landscape of Dubai. His career has seen him contrib- ute significantly to the evolution and enhancement of UAE laws, reflecting his commitment to progress and innovation. A prominent figure in legal circles, Dr. Al Mulla’s insights are sought after as he frequently delves into discussions about the legis- national Commission on the Futures of Education, and is part of boards including the International Rescue Committee, International Peace Institute, and COP28. In 2010, he launched the Pearl Initiative to promote transparency in the Gulf Region. He co-founded Arab World Social Entrepreneur- ship Program (ASEP) and is active in Sharjah Entrepre- neurship Centre and MIT Legatum Centre. Moreover, Jafar is a Cambridge Judge Business School Advisory Board member, American University of Beirut, and Sharjah Business Advisory Council member, and founder of strategic philan- thropy centres. Driven by a strong belief in the integral role of arts in innovation economies, Badr established the Middle East Theatre Academy in 2011. This non-pro t initiative encour- ages regional youth to chan- nel their creativity through writing, directing, produc- ing, and acting. In the same year, he co-founded the Global Gumbo Group with music producer Quincy Jones. lation and economic dynam- ics of the UAE. His profound understanding of the legal landscape, coupled with his extensive experience, posi- tions him as a trusted advi- sor and influencer in the realm of legal matters. His contributions extend beyond commentary, as he is often entrusted with the task of drafting and provid- ing counsel on Federal and Emirate-level laws, show- casing his impact on the legal framework of the nation. In May 2023, Habib Al Mulla and Partners and GLA & Company, a prominent MENA-based law rm with a strong regional presence with o ces in multiple key cities, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait, Cairo, and Beirut, o cially announced the establish- ment of a strategic associa- tion between their two rms. This collaboration is set to unlock new opportunities as it expands their geographi- cal reach and service o er- ings across the MENA region. This is poised to create a legal powerhouse, amplifying the legal services available to clients. ENERGYLAWarabianbusiness.com 83 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS RETAIL Kattan, a pioneering figure in the beauty industry, sparked a paradigm shift in the realm of social media with the establishment of Huda Beauty in 2013. Her unwavering passion for beauty propelled her to enrol at a pres- tigious makeup training school in Los Angeles, where she honed her craft and amassed a clientele that included A-list celebrities and even royalty. While working as a makeup artist in 2010, Kattan felt a strong desire to expand her reach and share her beauty exper- tise with a broader audience. This led to the creation of HudaBeauty.com, an online platform through which she shared her wealth of knowledge with her devoted followers. As her blog gained momentum, Kattan took a transformative step by launching her own line of false eyelashes. This marked the inception of Huda Beauty's inaugural product, unveiled at Sephora, The Dubai Mall, in February 2013. By 2015, Kattan's in uence had blossomed, solidifying her as a key gure in the digital beauty landscape. This evolution was underlined by the establishment of the rst Huda Beauty office in collaboration with her husband and sister, Mona Kattan. The brand's global impact was further evident as its iconic Lip Contour kits landed on the shelves of Harrods in London, UK, by 2016. As of June 2022, Huda Beauty commands an annual sales volume of approximately $200 million, boast- ing an extensive portfolio of over 140 products and an estimated net worth of $400. Expansion e orts Exemplifying her commitment to fostering innovation and entrepre- neurship, Kattan introduced HB Investments, a venture that propelled various projects forward. In her quest for innovation, she co-founded the fragrance line Kayali in November 2018. Mona Kattan, Kattan's younger sister, played a pivotal role in steering the brand, drawing from her passion for scents and expertise in perfume layering. The inaugural Kayali collection, named Collection 01, featured four distinct fragrances: VANILLA 28, CITRUS 08, MUSK 12, and ELIXIR 11. This journey was complemented by the introduction of Wishful Skincare in 2020, initially launched with a single product and subsequently, expanding into a comprehensive skincare range encompassing various serums and oils. Following its investment in the feminine care label Ketish, founded by Emaan Abbas in August, HB Investments unveiled plans to launch a new supplements brand, Humantra in 2022, which was founded by Date Catudal and represents the second brand emerging from the HB Investment fund and incubator. Reflecting the Ketish founder Catudal's journey as a cancer survivor infuses the brand with an uplifting and inspir- ing narrative and this brand nds its origins in the entrepre- neur's personal health journey. Humantra aspires to guide individuals on their wellness expedition by providing them with the appropriate supple- ments, empowering them to take control of their health. The brand's enduring vision encompasses o ering a product range to clients’ that simpli es the supplement procurement process while addressing four fundamental pillars of health, namely, hydration, gut health, brain health, and sleep. 89. HUDA KATTAN Founder and CEO HUDA BEAUTY84 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 90. NISREEN SHOCAIR 91. AHMED ISMAIL Group chief transformation of cer BEYOND ONE MEA CEO MAJID AL FUTTAIM HOLDING In addition to her current role, Shocair is also the f ounder Shocase Luxury, a company that enables mostly jewellery and brands gain widespread recognition in the US, Asia, and Europe. Backed by a career underpinned by retail, sustainability, enter- tainment, technology, and fashion across the US, UK, Middle East, and Germany, Shocair was previously the CEO of YOOX NET-A-POR- TER Group in the Middle East. Prior to that, she helmed the MBC launch of a live streaming shopping network, and in her role as the president of Virgin Megastore for MENA, she Ismail assumed the role of CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties in 2018, propelling the group's hotels, project management operations, malls, and communities into new heights under his visionary leadership. His journey to this pivotal role was marked by a diverse and accom- plished career that spanned across continents and industries. His professional career commenced in Cairo, Egypt and later Frankfurt, Germany at Procter & Gamble, where he held the position of project manager, honing his skills in managing complex initiatives and fostering an environment of steered the company’s transformation in nine markets. Her wealth of experience across the digi- tal, publishing, retail, and licensing within the music industry propelled the in uence and the reach of Virgin Megastores in the Middle East. She has held other noteworthy leader- ship positions at Hearst, Viacom, Sony Music, and Bertelsmann. With Shocair at the helm of Beyond ONE, the company’s ambition is to foster a more conducive environment for entrepre- neurs and tech talent, particularly women, both internationally and region- ally. Shocair’s diverse areas of expertise encompass leadership, negotiation, technology start-ups, digi- tal media, licensing, enter- tainment, home shopping, publishing, consulting, OMNI technology start-ups, and more. She has also established herself as a pro cient media host and presenter, serving in roles for television programmes, podcasts, live corporate events, and public gatherings. innovation. Transitioning to Dubai, he delved into roles that spanned the vast spec- trum of media, tourism, retail, and transportation sectors at the prestigious Booz Allen Hamilton. Here, he spearheaded multifac- eted transformation programmes for govern- mental and private clients, garnering recognition for his insights and strategic talent. Ismail’s rise to leadership positions was highlighted by a pivotal moment when he captured the interest of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, showcasing his strategic insight and proven capacity to facilitate significant transformation. In 2007, he embarked on a path with MAF that would rede ne the direction of the conglomer- ate. Stepping into the role of CEO at MAF Ventures, the investment arm of MAF Holding, Ismail helmed a team of over 3,000 employ- ees, orchestrating opera- tions spanning eight coun- tries within the MENA region. His tenure of over a decade was distinguished by a steadfast dedication to growth and innovation. INDUSTRY RETAIL AND HOSPITALITYarabianbusiness.com 85 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS HOSPITALITY Establishing LEVA Hotels in 2019, Anand has steered the brand to span eight hotels, encompassing a total of 894 keys scattered across Jeddah and Africa, includ- ing the agship LEVA Hotel Mazaya Centre in Dubai, boast- ing 184 rooms. Notably, the brand also oversees the manage- ment of Resivation, a co-living property in Dubai's Al Furjan neighbourhood. With an extensive industry tenure of 25 years, Anand’s professional journey encompasses pivotal roles at properties including the Louvre Hotels, Marriott International, and Hilton. His leadership has been instru- mental in steering LEVA Hotels as a trailblazing player in the hospitality landscape. About LEVA Hotels Established in 2019, LEVA Hotels represents a dynamic life- style hotel concept that rede nes the hospitality landscape. Pioneered under the visionary leadership of Anand, LEVA Hotels artfully amalgamates modern convenience with the timeless essence of traditional hospitality. Catering to the discerning tastes of tech-savvy explorers, the brand o ers a cutting-edge and contemporary experience that seamlessly caters to both business and leisure travellers. LEVA’s hallmark property, LEVA Mazaya Centre, Dubai, stands as a testament to the brand's commitment to excellence. Within just three years of its inauguration, it has risen to occupy the prestigious top spot on TripAdvisor, a testament to the brand's dedication to exceeding guest expectations. At the heart of LEVA's charm is its trendy dining space, managed by Baker's Kitchen which aligns with LEVA's overarching vision of crafting a contemporary hotel concept tailored to the modern traveller’s pref- erences. Managing properties across regions Within KSA, LEVA Hotels has solidi ed its presence through two strategic Hotel Management Agreements, these include EKONO by Leva Al Shati and EKONO by Leva Jeddah Airport Hotel, both set for service transformation. This transformation aligns with KSA's Vision 2030 which aims to welcome 100 million visitors by 2030. Located just within an hour from Mecca, these properties provide an ideal choice for Umrah (pilgrim- age) travellers seeking out convenient accommodations. In Nigeria, LEVA Hotels takes charge of overseeing the trans- formation and management of Reiz Continental Hotel by Leva. This project, in collaboration with Kostarget Projects LTD and owned by REIZ Continental Hotels LTD, is geared to evolve into an upscale ve-star luxury lifestyle hotel. Uganda sees the entrance of LEVA Hotels, as it takes over management of Kampala's premier boutique hotel, Emin Pasha Leva Hotel. Currently undergoing renovation and infused with LEVA's design language, this property aspires to be a preferred choice for both vacationers and business trav- ellers. Ethiopia marks a signi cant milestone in LEVA Hotels’ expansion journey, marked by two strategic partnerships. LEVA Afrotsion Semera Resort as well as the Harsade Harbour Resort by LEVA bring rejuvenated hospitality experiences to the forefront. LEVA Hotels is setting its sights on an impres- sive expansion strategy that reaches into untapped markets across the Middle East and Africa. Just some of the countries that are among the strategic targets of this expansion are Morocco, Egypt, Sri Lanka, KSA, as well as Qatar. 92. JS ANAND CEO LEVA HOTELS86 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS UAE Established in 1999, W Group, a subsidiary of W Ventures Holding, works on digitising and optimis- ing brand-consumer experiences, while transforming their media assets into technologically led and state-of-the-art landmarks. Since his entrepreneurial outset, Wehbi has embarked on a mission to drive positive change in the world with the establishment of W Group. The tech- and media-focused holding made a breakthrough in out-of-home (OOH) advertising in the region. Media assets Pioneering cutting-edge technologies and data advancements for both indoor and outdoor media spaces, the company’s e orts uplifted media assets into iconic immersive digital land- marks. Collaborating with subsidiaries Hypermedia and Digi- tAll and aligned with the UAE’s vision, all these entities have become an integral part of the nation’s infrastructure, contrib- uting to its transformation into a dynamic metropolis. Wehbi’s inclination towards investments and creating impact enriched his investment portfolio through W Ventures Holding, extend- ing into various industries beyond media, namely into tech- nology-driven start-ups with the rise of W Invest. Names like Brightfox, Enhance and Pinned echo a dynamic portfolio and innovation within the realm of W Invest. Key successes W Group achieved remarkable revenue growth and expansion driven by its visionary 555 strategy, according to Wehbi. He explains that this strategy aims to establish a strong presence in ve verticals and generate $500m in revenue within ve years, a goal that is being rapidly realised. The acquisition of Expo City Dubai and Reem Mall Abu Dhabi's media rights has signi cantly expanded Hypermedia's OOH network, enhancing its impact on iconic landmarks. Furthermore, DigitAll, a tech media powerhouse under W Group, has partnered with Adver- tima and Streach to revolutionise traditional digital-out-of- home (DOOH) advertising in outdoor and in-store retail settings, thereby maximising campaign impact. By combining Advertima's real-time AI analytics, smart triggers, and Streach's advanced audience measurement capabilities, a powerful synergy has been formed. This synergy enhances the utilisation of programmatic DOOH, encom- passing audience tra c, impressions, and quali ed views. Wehbi highlights that these credible metrics enable Hyper- media to provide clients with measurable and actionable reports, empowering them to validate ad performance and enhance their return on advertising spend (ROAS) across diverse media settings, from the Dubai Metro to hypermar- kets, malls, and beyond. Roadmap “The global economic crisis was a burden on businesses world- wide, including our industry”, says Wehbi. “However, amidst these trials, the UAE was our safe haven; its perceptive roadmap served as our guiding beacon due to our alignment with its vision.” Additionally, W Group and its two entities are always on their toes to innovate and meet the fast-paced evolution of DOOH landscape, as consumer behaviour and technology evolve rapidly. “We press on integrating the latest data and tech advance- ments to sustain W Group's position as a leading DOOH tech company and empowering brands,” he says. “Most importantly, we strive to be at the service of our community in the most optimal manner and keep abreast of the UAE’s futuristic vision.” 93. HABIB WEHBI Chairman and CEO W GROUParabianbusiness.com 87 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 94. SAMIA BOUAZZA 95. SAYGIN YALCIN Group CEO and managing director MULTIPLY GROUP Founder and CEO SELLANYCAR.COM In her current role at Multiply Group, an Abu Dhabi-based holding company listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Bouazza oversees the strate- gic development of a diver- si ed portfolio of businesses. She is committed to foster- ing growth by integrating technology, optimising e - ciencies, promoting synergy, making acquisitions, and driving sustainable progress among the group's subsidi- aries to ensure optimal shareholder returns. Her central focus is to strike a balance between investing in the digital economy commerce, including tele- health, digital media and Aserial tech entrepre- neur behind the largest used car portal in the GCC, during a visit to Dubai, Yalcin observed a gap in the UAE's e-commerce space. This prompted his move to Dubai at age 24, and in 2009, he launched Sukar.com, an online fashion store later acquired by Souq.com and then by Amazon. The idea for his business came while he tried to sell his car on the classi eds which involved a time-consuming process. After diligent market research, Yalcin launched his portal SellAnyCar.com and then next, his team developed a digital market- advertising and platforms, and establishing sustainable assets in established indus- tries that are undergoing transformative changes across mobility, energy, and beauty. Bouazza champions mental and physical health and has announced the launch of the group's health- tech start-up, HealthierU, an online wellness and preven- tion platform. Her leader- ship ethos is backed by a culture based on trust build- ing, intellectual advance- ment, and data-driven, technology-oriented solu- tions within her team. At the age of 22, she founded Multi- ply Marketing Consultancy (MMC), a local boutique agency, which she subse- quently elevated into an acclaimed global rm. She successfully orchestrated an acquisition and merger with Viola Communications before leading the listing of Multiply Group on the ADX in December 2021. Bouazza is recognised as a business speaker and has authored and co-authored books. She holds board positions in companies across Switzer- land, New York, and UAE. place that hosts over 25,000 companies for bidding on cars bought by SellAnyCar. com. His success was followed by the launch of Carnab.com, another plat- form which sells second- hand cars to consumers online. In Dubai, Yalcin is a keen investor in new companies. He was also an advisory board member & academic lecturer of Entre- preneurship at the Cana- dian University of Dubai. SellAnyCar.com is the Middle East's pioneer in car buying services. It o ers a range of conveniences, including free online car valuation, complimentary car inspection, a guaranteed purchase promise within 30 minutes, instant payment, and handling of all neces- sary paperwork. Regardless of the car's make, model, age, or condition, SellAny- Car.com stands ready to buy. The platform's strength lies in its status as the region's largest and most established car buyer, enabling competitive pric- ing and swift transactions, with branches spanning the country. INVESTMENTTRANSPORT88 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 96. MARIE- LOUISE EK 97. FARID CHEDID Vice president of HR for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey HILTON Chairman, founder and Group CEO CHEDID CAPITAL HOLDING Ek stands at the fore- front of Hilton’s dynamic human resources realm, steering the company's people and culture strategy across the Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye. With a robust academic foundation from Lund University in her homeland of Sweden, Ek’s journey in human resources spans more than two decades, imbuing her with a wealth of experience that enriches her current role. Embarking on her Hilton tenure in September 2022, she brings a wealth of exper- tise cultivated through collaborations with several esteemed Fortune 500 From the group’s inception in 1998, Chedid embarked on a two-decade journey, building a robust insurance and reinsurance power- house that operates across the MENA region, Europe, and South Asia. Chedid Re, one of its subsidiaries, is recognised among the top 20 reinsurance brokers world- wide and is a registered Lloyd’s broker. Under his helm, the company includes Chedid Re, Chedid Insurance Brokers Network, Ascoma and Chedid Corporate Solutions, among others, with over 1,600 employees across 64 subsidiaries. In enterprises spanning across four continents. Throughout her career, Ek has inhabited pivotal senior management roles, and notably, her decade-long engagement with the Swedish technology giant Sandvik unveiled her as a pioneer in HR transforma- tion. Her footprint in the Middle East and Africa extends over 15 years, during which she orchestrated the human resources landscape for the global logistics titan Maersk. Ek spearheaded cultural metamorphosis at Bridgestone, aligning the organisational ethos with employee aspirations. In her capacity, she also led the workforce optimisation for emerging markets at Coty Professional Beauty, which is now known as the Wella Company. Ek’s understand- ing of the complex interplay between HR and overarch- ing business objectives came to the fore during her tenure overseeing the franchise business arm of PepsiCo. Her strategic insights paved the way for aligning work- force dynamics with strate- gic goals. 2009, the Group estab- lished Seib Insurance in Qatar, which deals in corporate and complex risks. In 2015, Chedid Capi- tal acquired a major stake in City Brokers, the leading insurance provider in Mauritius and East Africa, and the UAE’s Al Manarah Insurance Services. Focused on industry-wide education, he launched the Corporate Risk Manage- ment Institute, CRMI, in 2020. Next, Chedid Capital acquired majority shares in Groupe Ascoma, the largest independent brokerage network in sub-Saharan Africa with 29 subsidiaries and o ces in Monaco and o ces in Paris. In 2022, the group acquired BuyAnyIn- surance, UAE’s leading aggregator. Chedid is on the board of leading MENA companies and serves as a member of the board of trustees at Notre Dame University, Lebanon; a member of Human Rights Watch, Beirut Committee; a UNDP Good- will Ambassador and a Fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative (MELI). HOSPITALITYINSURANCEarabianbusiness.com 89 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 98. HANA AL ROSTAMANI 99. EAMAN AL ROUDHAN Group CEO FIRST ABU DHABI BANK (FAB) CEO ZAIN KUWAIT In her role at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), the largest bank in the UAE with over $300bn in total assets, Al Rostamani is recognised for her role as a change leader. She focuses on embedding a culture driven by innovation, diver- sity, and inclusion. She holds the distinction of being the first female CEO of a UAE-based bank. FAB announced its record performance with a rst half 2023 net pro t at $2.2bn, the highest ever achieved by the group in a half-year period. With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, prior to assuming Al Roudhan assumed the role of CEO at Zain Kuwait in December 2015 and as a dedicated telecommunica- tions executive, brings over 25 years of experience to her various executive manage- ment and leadership roles within Zain Kuwait and several Zain Group a liates. Before her recent appoint- ment, Al Roudhan served as the chief regulatory o cer at Zain Group. Pivotal achievements Al Roudhan's journey at Zain commenced within the Kuwait operation, where she pioneered the country's inaugural mobile prepaid service, a service that swiftly gained traction among her position in January 2021, she held the role of deputy group chief executive officer and group head of Personal Banking at FAB. In this capacity, she spear- headed the transformation of FAB's consumer bank, instilling a customer and digital- rst mindset. Before joining FAB, she held vari- ous roles of in both domes- tic and international contexts at First Gulf Bank, Citibank, and AW Rostam- ani Group. Al Rostamani currently chairs the Global Council on the Sustainable Develop- ment Goals, with a speci c focus on development goal 7, ‘Affordable and Clean Energy.’ She also serves as a board member of several entities, including Buna, a cross-border payment system by the Arab Mone- tary Fund aimed at strengthening investment ties among Arab economies: the Institute of Interna- tional Finance (IIF), the International Institute for Management Development (IMD), and the executive board of the US-UAE Busi- ness Council. prepaid mobile customers. As Zain expanded across the region, Al Roudhan's responsibilities grew from 2003 onwards, as she actively contributed to start-up teams in multiple Zain oper- ations across the Middle East, including Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, and KSA. Other achievements include operations in Kuwait, KSA, and Bahrain have experi- enced remarkable growth in 5G revenues, along with the soft launch of 5G in Jordan. Additionally, the establish- ment of Zain Omantel Inter- national (ZOI) is poised to transform the international telecommunications whole- sale arena, while Zain and TASC Towers Holding are engaged in exclusive negoti- ations with Ooredoo to establish a joint independent tower entity consisting of 30,000 towers. Al Roudhan has played a vital role in establishing operational teams and solid foundations across pivotal telecommuni- cations sectors. These encompassed Intelligent Networks, product and service development, strat- egy and business planning. BANKINGTECHNOLOGYNext >