< Previous10 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 BESHARA SHERIF Group CEO Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group (M&O Group) Beshara embarked on his career with the Mohammad & Obaid AlMulla Group (M&O Group) in 2017 as its Group General Counsel. He progressed rapidly within the organization, becoming the Group Chief Legal Officer and assuming his current role by late 2018. Recognised as a leader in the legal sector, Beshara has a wealth of experi- ence and a distinguished professional career that has spanned over a decade. His tenure encompasses vital leadership roles, including legal counsel and chair- man, and his current position as the Group CEO of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group of Companies. His versa- tile expertise traverses several sectors, including finance, avia- tion, and corporate law. His notable accomplishments include providing strategic counsel to CEOs, advising on matters within the aviation industry, spearheading joint ventures, and managing litigation cases. Beshara has received several accolades, including a ranking among the Top 10 in the Arabian Business Dubai 100 list for 2024 and as a distinguished member of the esteemed Legal 500 Middle East rankings for consecutive years. In his role, Beshara oversees the comprehensive portfolio of the Mohamed & Obaid AlMulla Group. It entails strategic leadership and direction across the group’s business units and subsidiaries, ensuring the alignment of corporate objectives, optimising operational efficiencies, and spearheading growth initiatives to strengthen the group’s market position and enhance its financial performance. He is steering the group’s strategic direction, leading the development and implementation of inter- nal audit and corporate compliance programmes, and contrib- uting to creating general management policies. In alignment with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and the UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence, American Hospital Dubai is pioneering advancements in complex medical conditions, robotic surgical procedures, AI-driven healthcare solutions, and positioning itself as a desti- nation for medical tourism. The hospital continually endeavors to launch premium healthcare services to the region through strategic global part- nerships with medical pioneers. With multi-faceted initiatives backed by state-of-the-art technology, the hospital is vital in reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a prominent healthcare hub. The organisation upholds a culture of excellence by incorporating industry best practices. At the same time, their operational success is driven by the commitment to innova- tion, cutting-edge treatments, technological advancements, leveraging the expertise of top professionals, and delivering compassionate care. Under Beshara’s visionary leadership, American Hospital Dubai and Cerner, the global leader in healthcare technology, set a milestone with the Artificial Intelligence research centre. It is the only hospital in the Middle East to win the Excellence in Robotics Surgery award with over 1,500 successful proce- dures. Also, M&O Group’s hospitality division is expanding into regional markets, and Ishraq Hospitality, the Group’s asset management division, is increasing the Group’s footprint across the region with new mid-priced hotels. DIVERSIFIED ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1029/06/2024 06:05arabianbusiness.com 11 GREATEST CEOS 2024 FADI GHANDOUR Executive Chairman Wamda Capital In 1982, Ghandour ushered in a new era of logistics in the MENA region by launching Arab American Express, later branded as Aramex which specialised in the deliv- ery of parcels originating from the US to countries in the Middle East. His entrepreneurial foresight and innovative spirit positioned him as a key player in the thriving startup landscape of the MENA region. Throughout his tenure, Aramex evolved into a leading logistics powerhouse within emerging markets, boasting a global presence with 250 offices spanning across 90 coun- tries. Notably, Ghandour achieved significant milestones by taking Aramex public twice, initially on Nasdaq, ushering in a historic moment for the Arab world, and subsequently on the Dubai Financial Market. Upon his strategic exit from the company, he divested his remaining 10 percent stake to Boson Ventures Corporation. As a founding investor in Maktoob, one of the region’s pioneer- ing tech companies, he catalysed MENA’s tech ecosystem, culmi- nating in Yahoo’s ground-breaking acquisition of Maktoob in 2009. He continues to contribute his expertise as an active member on the Aramex board. Diversifying his entrepreneurial pursuits, he has been involved in founding, investing in, and launching several companies and non-profit organisations across digital technology, hospitality, fitness and wellness, and security sectors. Noteworthy among his endeavours is the establishment of Wamda Capital, a venture capital firm with a $75m growth fund dedicated to nurturing and fostering entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout the MENA region. Moreo- ver, Ghandour holds strategic roles on the boards of leading entities within the financial and entrepreneurial landscapes, including Abraaj Capital and Endeavor Jordan, while providing advisory support to the Suliman S. Olayan School of Busi- ness at the American University of Beirut. A committed philanthropist, he founded Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a social enterprise uplifting displaced communities in Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt, and co-founded the Al Riyadi sports club in Jordan. Cultivating innovation in the MENA region, Wamda is a dynamic platform and ecosystem dedicated to fostering inno- vation and nurturing burgeoning startups. Empowering emerging entrepreneurs with the essential resources and support, the platform plays a key role in equipping these ventures to thrive in the ever-evolving business terrain. At the heart of Wamda’s mission lies Wamda Capital, a crucial component of the organisation that serves as a venture capital fund, providing crucial financial backing to early-stage and growth-stage startups across MENA. By offering financial support, Wamda empowers these start-ups to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, laying the groundwork for long-term success. Wamda is also deeply committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship programmes and networking initiatives. By linking start-ups with experi- enced mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, Wamda facilitates access to guidance, strategic partnerships, and additional funding to fuel their growth trajectory. INVESTMENT ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1129/06/2024 06:0512 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 GHAITH AL GHAITH CEO Flydubai Backed by over 35 years of experience in the aviation industr y, Al Ghaith was appointed to his current role to launch the budget airline in 2008 prior to its official start of operations in Dubai in 2009. With a focus on enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining cost-effectiveness, he has implemented innovative products and technologies. As the driving force behind flydubai’s strategic direction, Al Ghaith works closely with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the group’s chairman. Before leading flydubai, he served as the executive vice president for commercial operations worldwide at Emirates for 14 years. His journey with Emirates began as a manage- ment trainee in 1986, and over the years, he held various roles, contributing to the airline’s growth. Al Ghaith’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the aviation industry have played a key role in shaping the success of flydubai. During the summer of 2023, flydubai carried more than 4 million passengers between June and mid-September, up 30 percent on the same period of 2022. It operated 32,000 flights across a network of 120 destinations in 52 countries, a 22 percent increase on the number of flights during the same period last year. flydubai’s expansive network and financial accomplishments under Al Ghaith’s leadership testify to the airline’s significant contributions to the aviation sector, further solidifying his position as a distinguished player in the industry. On 18 January 2024, flydubai inaugurated direct flights to Mombasa, Kenya, marking its expansion to 12 destinations in 11 African countries. Flydubai’s African network encom- passes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, Mombasa, and Zanzibar. The introduction of direct flights to Mombasa is a milestone as it establishes flydubai as the first UAE national carrier to offer non-stop flights from Dubai to the coastal city in southeast Kenya. In March 2024, flydubai revealed its plans to launch services to two destinations in KSA. This includes the resumption of flights to Al Jouf and the initiation of opera- tions to Red Sea International. Commencing from 18 April, flights to Al Jouf Airport (AJF) and Red Sea International Airport (RSI) will operate twice a week from Terminal 2 at Dubai International (DXB). Red Sea International Airport (RSI) was established to offer a convenient pathway for guests traveling to The Red Sea. By the year 2030, the Red Sea is expected to encompass 50 resorts, featuring up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties spread across 22 islands and six inland sites. Notably, flydubai has established a network of 129 desti- nations across 58 countries, served by a modern fleet of 86 Boeing 737 aircraft. In the early months of 2024, the airline has already launched services to Langkawi, Mombasa, and Penang, with plans to add flights to Basel, Riga, Sochi, Tallinn, as well as Vilnius later in the year. AVIATION ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1229/06/2024 06:05arabianbusiness.com 13 GREATEST CEOS 2024 HATEM DOWIDAR Group CEO e& Hatem Dowidar is the Group CEO of e&. He joined e& in September 2015, initially serving as Group Chief Operating Officer. He was appointed Chief Executive Officer, International in March 2016, and in May 2020, he became the Group’s Chief Executive Officer. Ever since he took the company’s helm, Dowidar was the architect for the group’s transformation from a traditional telco to a technology group. He has spearheaded several ground-breaking strategic programmes that propelled the company’s business growth to new heights across the 33 markets where it now operates. As the company transformed into a global technology and investment conglomerate in February 2022, and despite the ever-changing business land- scape, his astute brand stewardship has been the foundation for enhancing e&’s brand equity, enhancing employee expe- rience, and adding value to stakeholders. Today, e& is the Fastest Growing Technology Brand and the most valuable brand portfolio in the Middle East and Africa, standing tall in global rankings. Dowidar also has been recognised by Brand Finance as the number one ranked telecom leader globally on the Brand Guardianship Index 2024. e& also attained the highest position in Brand Finance’s inaugural Employer Brand Report 2024, with its UAE entity ranking as the Top Global Telecoms Employer. Prior to joining the group, Dowidar was the Group Chief of Staff for Vodafone Group based in London. He brings 32 years of experience in multinational companies and more than 25 years of these within the telecommunications industry across various leadership positions. He initially joined Vodafone Egypt in 1999, served as Marketing Director (CMO), and later became the CEO of Vodafone Egypt from 2009 – 2014, where he steered the business growth with benchmark profitability in chal- lenging and competitive environments. Dowidar has a long track record of achievements in the various leadership positions he held at Vodafone Group and its subsidiaries, including Group Core Services Director, Chairman and CEO of Vodafone Malta, CEO of Partner Markets with part- nerships covering over 45 markets, and Regional Director Emerging Markets. He also has extensive Corporate Govern- ance experience through his representation as Chairman and Board Member on several Corporate Boards within and outside the telecommunications industry. Dowidar began his career in AEG/Deutsche Aerospace (Daimler Benz Group) in Egypt before moving into market- ing at Procter & Gamble, where he held several managerial roles. He is currently a board member of Vodafone Group, Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Maroc Telecom, and Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt). On a global industry level, Dowidar is a member of the GSMA and the United Nations Internet Governance Forum (IGF) leadership panel. GSMA is an industry organisation repre- senting the interests of global mobile operators and the broader mobile ecosystem. IGF leadership panel is a multi-stakeholder group for policies and practices relating to the Internet and tech- nologies. Convened by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the IGF facilitates knowledge exchange on how to maximise Internet opportunities and address risks and challenges. TECHNOLOGY ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1329/06/2024 06:0514 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 IRFAN TANSEL CEO Al Masaood Automobiles With over 40 years of expe- rience in the automotive sector, Irf an Tansel embarked on his career as a teenage apprentice in a car workshop. Today, he heads one of the most promi- nent automotive companies in the UAE and won esteemed awards including Forbes Top 100 CEOs in the Middle East for three consecutive years, Visionary of the Year from Entrepreneur Middle East and CEO of the Year by CEO Middle East. He has also been listed in the 100 Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East by Arabian Business. In his role as CEO of Al Masaood Automobiles, Tansel has steered the company to numerous milestones and acco- lades. Under his leadership, the company not only clinched the esteemed Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award in 2023 but also continued its tradition of excellence with multiple editions of the Nissan Global Dealer Award, Global Nissan Aftersales Award, the INFINITI Global Award, Renault Global P.A.R.I.S. Award and many more. Last year marked a significant triumph in Tansel’s tenure, as it became a record-breaking year for Al Masaood Automobiles across multiple facets, including unprecedented achievements in sales and aftersales. Under his guidance, Al Masaood Automobiles made history in 2019 by launching the region’s first Nissan ecom- merce car-buying website, along with a virtual, live, and inter- active sales platform, one of many firsts launched. In 2023, the company achieved record-breaking sales figures, surpass- ing all previous records. Tansel's vision for Al Masaood Automobiles is grounded in forward-thinking, innovation-driven, and customer-centric principles, which he uses to carefully craft tailored strategies designed to keep Al Masaood Automobiles at the forefront of a competitive market, prepared for any challenges that may arise. His leadership style is deeply rooted in a belief in the power of effective, inclusive management with transparency and trust leading to empowerment, recognising that the true driving force behind Al Masaood Automobiles’ success is its dedicated team. As a revered voice in the automotive world, his insights on business disruption, leadership, and the future of the automo- tive industry are frequently featured in notable publications such as Forbes Middle East, Bloomberg, CNBC, CEO Middle East, Al Bawaba, The National, Gulf News, Entrepreneur, Econ- omy ME, and many others. He also shares his expertise inter- nationally, delivering motivational keynotes on topics ranging from preparing businesses for disruption to leadership, auton- omous vehicles, the future of mobility, electrification and future dealerships. Irfan is keen to groom his leadership team to become the next superstars in the industry. MOBILITY ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1429/06/2024 06:06arabianbusiness.com 15 GREATEST CEOS 2024 KABIR MULCHANDANI Founder FIVE Apioneering figure in real estate, hospitality, and philan- thropy, Mulchandani is the visionary entrepreneur behind FIVE Hotels and Resorts, which encompasses properties including FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE Zurich in Switzerland, and their latest, FIVE LUXE in Dubai. Under the guiding principle of ‘Sustain- able Indulgence’, Mulchandani led FIVE to achieve an estimated Proforma EBITDA margin of 37 percent in 2023, alongside reaching significant sustainability benchmarks, including the only ‘A’ rating for ESG in the world by ISS. In the same year, FIVE reported a remarkable estimated Proforma revenue of $570m, with an estimated Proforma EBITDA totaling $210m *. Throughout 2023, FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumei- rah Village consistently achieved an average occupancy rate of 92 percent, outperforming competitors by 27 percent. The Average Daily Rate (ADR) stood at $304, with performance metrics showing TrevPAR at $702, which is 2.3 times higher than its comparative set. From 2019 to 2023, total revenue experienced a substantial growth of approximately 363 percent, escalating from $123m to $570m*. Notably, FIVE Jumeirah Village has become the most reviewed hotel on Booking.com with over 38,500 reviews and an impressive rating of 9.1/10. Beyond his business achievements, Mulchandani is also recognised for his philanthropic endeav- ours, of which his employee medical relief fund, FIVE Cares, forms a corner- stone initiative. He has spearheaded long-term partnerships with medical clinics across India, funding life-saving heart and face surgeries for over 800 children to date. His philanthropic contributions amount to nearly $2m, supporting both local and international partnerships. This includes a significant donation exceeding $200,000 to a foun- dation focused on literacy and the empowerment of girls. Mulchandani advocates for ‘Sustainable Indulgence’, a concept combining innovation and transformation to offer guests superior experiences while adhering to top sustainabil- ity standards. FIVE, created by acclaimed developers, rede- fines luxury with a focus on sustainability, integrating it into every aspect of a guest’s stay. Their hotels in Dubai and Zurich are LEED Platinum certified, with FIVE LUXE achieving the highest LEED v4 score worldwide for 5-star hotels. FIVE Zurich is Switzerland’s only LEED Platinum hotel. Moreover, FIVE has emerged with the highest ESG rating in the world to date from Global Rating Agency ISS, as the only company to receive an ‘A’ grade across all sectors, surpassing global heavyweights like Melia Hotels, Apple, among others. According to Cornell University’s benchmark, FIVE’s carbon footprint per night is five times lower than the average UAE luxury resort. A night at FIVE is equivalent to five nights at a similar UAE luxury hotel, according to a data- base of over 25,000 global hotels. FIVE completed a $330m acquisition of the legendary Pacha Group in Europe, comprising assets including the Pacha Nightclub, Destino Pacha Hotel, El Hotel Pacha, Toy Room Club, and WooMoon Storytellers (globally) and registered trademarks ‘Pacha’ (globally) and its ‘cherries’ logo design. HOSPITALITY ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1529/06/2024 06:0616 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 KHALIFA AL ZAFFIN Executive Chairman Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South Khalifa Al Zaffin is the Exec- utive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation (DACC), a government of Dubai entity formulated under the wise vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to cement the emirate’s leading position as a logistics and aviation hub. The expansive scope of DACC includes, the management and strategy of Dubai’s twin avia- tion hub: the Dubai International Airport and world’s largest airport in the making, the Al Maktoum International Airport. The far-reaching purview of DACC also includes Dubai South and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, the construction arm of the Dubai aviation sector dedicated to developing the infrastructure and enhancing the capacity of airports. At the forefront of Dubai’s dynamic aviation expansion, Al Zaffin is an eminent leader in the indus- try. Through close coordina- tion with the aviation community of Dubai, he plays a key role in formulat- ing economic, investment, fiscal policies and strategies in support of the emirate’s overarching aviation vision, with emphasis on planning, execution and building the region’s first master planned airport city, Dubai South. An integrated city that spans 145 sq km and built around the Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai South, home to the Expo City Dubai, is integral to maintaining the emir- ate’s position among the top global centres for trade and transportation, as well as a leading business hub. With a view to achieving long-term growth and prosper- ity and building a future- proof dynamic destination, Al Zaffin’s ingenuity is the key driver powering the strat- egy, execution and opera- tions of Dubai South. Al Zaffin is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Chemical Engi- neering and outside his work, he has a broad range of academic , cultural and public service interests. GOVERNMENT AT DUBAI SOUTH, OUR MANDATE IS TO SUPPORT THE GOVERNMENT’S ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION EFFORTS THROUGH THE DIFFERENT SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS THAT WE PROVIDE TO LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL COMPANIES ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1629/06/2024 06:06arabianbusiness.com 17 GREATEST CEOS 2024 LUBNA OLAYAN CEO and Deputy Chairperson Olayan Financing Company (OFC) On January 1, 2023, Olayan was reappointed as the chair of the board of directors at Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) for another term of three years, making her the first woman to hold such a position in a publicly listed Saudi company. Olayan’s extensive leader- ship experience spans over 35 years as CEO of Olayan Financ- ing Company (OFC) until she stepped down in April 2019. She assumed the role following the merger of SABB and Alaw- wal Bank, which propelled the bank to become the third-larg- est lender in KSA. Established by her father in 1947, OFC operates across manufacturing, services, investments, and distribution sectors. Additionally, she presides over the Suliman S. Olayan Foundation and the UK-based Alfanar philanthropy organ- isation, along with holding memberships on key international and local corporate, university boards, and advisory councils. Under Olayan’s guidance, OFC, in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) via the Suliman S. Olayan Foundation, launched the Suliman S. Olayan Institute for Innovation and Entre- preneurship. This institute specialises in sustainability solu- tions for the water, food, and energy sectors and is named in memory of the late visionary and founder of Olayan Group. Besides her notable position on the World Economic For um’s Board of Tr ustees since September 2022, Olayan also chairs the Saudi Swedish Business Council. OFC, headquartered in Riyadh, serves as the cornerstone of The Olayan Group’s operations and investment activities within KSA and the wider Middle East. Since its inception in 1969, OFC has developed a diversified investment strategy, embracing public and private equities, strategic alliances, and real estate ventures. The company boasts a robust portfolio exceeding 32 entities, alongside global investments spanning the Middle East, Turkey, and India, all managed by its Riyadh-based team. OFC’s investment approach includes significant stakes in key Saudi stock market entities, a mix of private equity ventures, and targeted strategic partnerships across various industries, from construction materials to consumer goods manufacturing. The real estate division is involved in several developmental projects throughout the kingdom while the investment mix encompasses a balanced assortment of listed equities, private investments, real estate, fixed-income securities, and specialised assets. Moreover, OFC holds a majority stake in Olayan Saudi Holding Company (OSHCO), a prominent Saudi conglom- erate with a diversified presence in commercial and indus- trial operations across six sectors, including food and bever- age, restaurants, health and personal care, information, and communications technology, B2B, and energy services, cementing its position as a key player in the region. LanzaTech Global, a carbon recycling company that converts waste carbon into sustainable raw materials, and OFC have established a joint venture in the KSA to expedite the commercial deployment of LanzaTech’s carbon recy- cling technology in challenging industries within the king- dom and select areas in the broader Middle East. INVESTMENT ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1729/06/2024 06:0618 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 MOHAMED ALABBAR Founder and Chairman Emaar, noon, Eagle Hills Driven by the ambition to contribute to Dubai’s vision- ary pursuit of transforming into one of the most modern and advanced cities globally, Alabbar laid the foundation of Emaar in Dubai in June 1997. Presently, the company stands as an eminent figure in the realm of inte- grated real estate development. Today, Alabbar is an integral part of Dubai’s growth in multiple industries such as hospitality, ecommerce, technol- ogy, and others. With an impressive port- folio of investments and achievements in the region and glob- ally and is also considered a driving force behind several key achievements including the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, founded by his company Emaar Properties. A graduate in Finance and Business Administration from the Seattle University, USA; Alabbar holds several honorary doctorates, including from Seattle University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and from Sun Moon University in South Korea. Alabbar is also the chairman of Americana Restaurants, the largest restaurant operator in the MENA region and Kazakhstan in terms of number of restaurants in its countries of operations. Americana Restaurants operates key global brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, TGI Fridays, and recently added Peet’s Coffee, along with proprietary brands such as Wimpy and Chicken Tikka across the MENA region and Kazakhstan for over 50 years. Alabbar’s fervour for real estate ventures extends to his other distinguished enterprises, namely Eagle Hills and Nshama. Since its inception in 2014, Nshama has been crafting elegantly master-planned neighbourhoods that embody technological advancement, sustainability, and profound community living. Eagle Hills was formed by Alabbar with the aim to develop and revitalise cities and communities, in line with innovative lifestyle solutions that meet the demands of modern living. As an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and devel- opment company, Eagle Hills takes its financial capability, expertise, and extensive relationships to drive the creation of large-scale, master-planned communities, with a blend of facil- ities that will elevate local economies, support holistic living and working solutions, while catering to both tourists and residents. Eagle Hills develops projects both within the UAE as well as globally. The UAE-based projects include Maryam Island, Sharjah; Fujairah Beach; Address Residences Fujairah and the Kalba Waterfront. Eagle Hills International includes Serbia, Bahrain, Morocco, Oman, Jordan, Ethiopia, Egypt and Albania. Beyond his pioneering role in real estate, Alabbar’s ventures encompass retail businesses that span over 20 global markets, including F&B, ecommerce, venture capital, logistics, hospital- ity, and technology. Alabbar’s transformative vision extends to his e-commerce firm, Noon, which collaborates with govern- ment entities to provide an expansive platform for startups in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. He also established Noon Food, a venture poised to foster a sustainable ecosystem for both busi- nesses and consumers. Since its launch, noon Food is available throughout Dubai, expanding into Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. REAL ESTATE/ECOMMERCE ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1829/06/2024 06:06arabianbusiness.com 19 GREATEST CEOS 2024 MOHAMMED ALSHAYA Executive Chairman Alshaya Group The driving force behind the success of Alshaya, a prominent Kuwaiti family-owned business, Alshaya has steered the company’s rapid expansion as CEO since 1990, later assuming the role of executive chairman in 2007. Under his leadership, Alshaya has evolved into one of the largest international franchise operators across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Russia, boasting over 70 renowned brands. Alshaya is actively engaged in various influential capac- ities. He serves as a member of the board of trustees at the Arab Thought Foundation and chairs the board of directors of Mabanee, one of Kuwait’s leading real estate developers, where the Alshaya family holds a significant ownership stake of 34.1 percent. Additionally, he holds positions on several councils, including the Supreme Council of Education for the State of Kuwait, the International Business Advisory Council for London, and the Supreme Council of Planning and Develop- ment. Alshaya’s contributions extend beyond business and into education, international business relations, and long-term planning for Kuwait’s development. As a member of the Supreme Council of Education, he contributes to shaping the educational landscape of Kuwait. His involvement in the International Business Advisory Coun- cil for London underscores his commitment to fostering strong international business ties. Furthermore, his role in the Supreme Council of Planning and Development highlights his dedication to ensuring the sustainable growth and long-term vision for Kuwait. Through these roles, Alshaya actively contributes his insights, expertise, and strategic thinking to various crucial domains shaping Kuwait’s development. Operating across Europe, the MENA region, and Turkey, Alshaya Group has a diverse portfolio spanning health and beauty, pharmacy, food, fashion, home furnishings, and leisure & entertainment. Its extensive brand line-up includes Boots, The Body Shop, H&M, Starbucks, Mothercare, M.A.C, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfitters, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn, and KidZania, among others. On 24 July 2023, Alshaya Group launched the ‘Make Your Moment’ initiative in collaboration with the Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) in KSA. This initi- ative aims to attract and retain skilled Saudi men and women in the retail sector, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. By investing in Saudi youth, the initiative supports the national plan’s objective of empowering citizens with the skills needed to succeed in the private sector. To date, approx- imately 4,000 Saudi women have joined Alshaya Group’s workforce across its diverse brands. Alshaya Group’s commitment to its communities is para- mount and as a leading employer in the retail sector, recognise the various avenues through which they can contribute sustain- ably. This includes creating jobs and fostering skills develop- ment, sourcing locally, providing charitable support, and collab- orating with government and local NGOs. Additionally, they are dedicated to environmental stewardship, implementing initiatives such as harnessing solar energy, recycling fashion and electronics, and minimising packaging. Across their brands and operations, Alshaya Group are working to enact positive change and continuously strive to make meaningful impact. RETAIL ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 1929/06/2024 06:07Next >