< Previous20 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 MOHAMMAD A. BAKER Deputy Chairman and CEO GMG Emirati businessman Moham- mad A. Baker is a visionary on a mission to redefine success within the global business community. Under his leadership, GMG has embarked on an exciting new chapter, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence and positive impact. GMG’s portfolio spans across five key verticals, each showcasing its relentless pursuit of innovation and excellence: GMG Sports, GMG Everyday Goods, GMG Health and Beauty, GMG Properties, and GMG Logistics. Baker strongly believes in empowering the UAE’s youth and has launched several initiatives to support their growth. He played an instrumental role in promoting healthier life- styles across schools in the UAE by collaborating closely with the government and integrating sports and active living into the curriculum. Baker’s creative brilliance has given rise to influential home-grown brands, including Sun & Sand Sports, Basket- bolista, Nu Athlete, and Dropkick. In July 2023, GMG signed a transformative franchise agreement with the renowned UK-based global sports retailer JD Sports, bringing its exper- tise to the Middle East. GMG partners with the world’s key sports brands, including Nike, Vans, and Columbia. Addition- ally, GMG successfully launched nike.ae and nike.sa for regional customers. Baker has orchestrated a comprehensive presence across the entire food consumption chain, aligning with GMG’s visionary ‘farm-to-fork’ approach and commitment to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. GMG has established state-of-the-art food manufacturing facilities, an expansive food retail network, and distribution of highly sought-after international brands. These facilities are enhanced by a cutting-edge R&D kitchen and food labora- tory, covering six diverse product lines: meat, seafood, Hima- layan pink salt, herbs and spices, sausages and cold cuts, butchery, and marination. GMG ventured into the food retail industry in April 2022 by acquiring the Middle Eastern operations of Groupe Casi- no’s prestigious brands, including Géant, Franprix, Monoprix, and Monop. GMG’s commitment to excellence continued with the acquisition of aswaaq LLC, consolidating its position as one of the UAE’s largest community mall operators. The group has also expanded its health portfolio within the UAE, introducing innovative concept stores such as Super- care, Arabella, Glu, and Good Health. Moreover, GMG’s global footprint is rapidly expanding, with Baker envisioning the opening of 100 stores in Southeast Asia by 2025. On 3 April 2024, GMG announced plans to expand the store network of VF Corporation’s brands, such as Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®, across the MENA region and Southeast Asia (SEA). Building on a partnership of over 12 years, GMG will increase the presence of VF’s brands through new mono-brand partner stores in MENA and SEA markets over the next five years. Currently, GMG operates 90 mono-brand stores for VF in MENA and SEA, with plans to roll out over 300 stores in the next five years. DIVERSIFIED ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2029/06/2024 06:07arabianbusiness.com 21 GREATEST CEOS 2024 MILA SMART SEMESHKINA Founder and CEO Lectera.com and the Women’s Empowerment Council Mila Smart Semeshkina, CEO and founder of the educational platform Lectera.com and the Women’s Empowerment Council, is a dynamic force in edtech and women’s empowerment. This visionary entrepreneur has transformed the landscape of online education while championing gender equality on a global scale. Born in 1991 in Krasnodar, Russia, Semeshkina’s journey to success began early. A gold medallist in high school, she earned honours at both Kuban State University and Lomon- osov Moscow State University. Her academic prowess extended beyond the classroom, authoring numerous publications in media economics and lecturing at Moscow State University. At just 18, Semeshkina plunged into the world of marketing and PR, quickly estab- lishing herself as a formidable presence. Over a decade, she masterminded promotion strategies for international brands in the Russian market and beyond, leading teams of over 50 professionals across multiple countries. In 2017, Semeshkina pivoted to entrepreneurship and high-level consulting, laying the groundwork for her most ambitious project yet. Enter Lectera.com, an international educational platform that has redefined online learning. Under her leadership, a team of experts from 25 countries has created a curriculum that reaches over 4.5 million students in 70 countries, offering courses in 15 major languages. Lectera.com’s success is a testament to Semeshkina’s innovative approach to education. The platform’s rapid growth and global reach have positioned it as a leader in the edtech space, challenging tradi- tional models of learning and skill development. But Semeshkina’s vision extends beyond education. In 2021, she founded the Women’s Empowerment Council, a Dubai-based organisation dedicated to elevating women’s voices and fostering leadership. The council’s flagship event, the Women’s Empowerment Convention (WE Convention), has quickly become one of the MENA region’s premier confer- ences for women in business and leadership. With a commu- nity of over 30,000 women, the council offers free access to empowerment courses, embodying Semeshkina’s commitment to tangible progress in gender equality. A thought leader, venture investor, and course producer, Semeshkina's influence spans multiple industries. Her exper- tise in launching and scaling international startups has made her a sought-after consultant for global enterprises seeking to enhance their marketing strategies and brand development. As CEO of Lectera Group, headquartered in the US and UAE, Semeshkina oversees all aspects of product develop- ment, branding, and operations. Her hands-on approach and strategic vision have been key to the company’s rapid expan- sion and success. Semeshkina represents a new generation of entrepreneurs who combine business acumen with social responsibility. Through her work in education and women’s empowerment, she is not just building successful companies but shaping a more equitable and skilled global workforce for the future. EDUCATION ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2129/06/2024 06:0722 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 NAJLA AL MIDFA CEO Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) Having joined Sheraa in 2015, Al Midfa transitioned to her current role in 2018, where she supervises a team of 48 employees tasked with nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah. Under her leadership, Sheraa has culti- vated a diverse portfolio of more than 150 startups, securing approximately $161m in investment and generating over 1,600 job opportunities. Alongside her key role at Sheraa, Al Midfa holds board posi- tions at prestigious institutions including the United Arab Bank, Emirates Development Bank, Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, Dana Gas, and Emirates Schools Establishment. This multifaceted engagement underscores her extensive exper- tise and commitment to fostering innovation, economic growth, and educational development within the UAE. Sheraa, which means “to sail” in Arabic, is a flagship endeavour in Sharjah dedicated to fostering a robust ecosys- tem for entrepreneurship and innovation. Having nurtured over 160 start-ups since its inception, Sheraa is ambitiously looking to elevate this number to surpass 200 in the upcoming year. While this figure represents the start-ups directly supported by Sheraa, the organisation’s broader network encompasses a diverse array of companies. With innovation hubs situated at esteemed institutions like the American University of Sharjah and the University of Sharjah, Sheraa serves as a major driving force for entrepreneurial growth and innovative breakthroughs in the region. On 29 March 2024, Sheraa launched their Centres of Excellence (CoEs) with the goal of stimulating and promoting multifaceted economic development in the region. These CoEs are set to redefine the landscape of entrepreneurial growth and innovation across key, future-focused sectors including manufacturing, edtech, creative industries, and sustainability. Through a strategic vision, the CoEs will empower start-ups to drive development and growth in the four key sectors through strategic partnerships. Providing market access facilitation and impactful assessments, the initiative aims to revolutionise the support system for start-ups and catalyse a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneurial ecosystem in Sharjah. Each centre aligns with key partners to maximise their impact. The Manufacturing CoE is championed by the Minis- try of Industries and Advanced Technology and has onboarded the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Emir- ates Development Bank (EDB) to support the start-ups with market access and financing. The Creative Industries CoE is championed by the Ministry of Culture. The EdTech CoE partners with the Sharjah Private Educa- tion Authority, and the Sustainability centre is championed by the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, as well as BEEAH Group and Sharjah Sustainable City. The CoEs’ scope includes nurturing startups in manufacturing to aim for technological advancements and increased efficiency in edtech focusing on educational transformation and digital learning solutions in the creative industries encouraging artistic and digital media ventures. ENTREPRENEURSHIP ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2229/06/2024 06:07arabianbusiness.com 23 GREATEST CEOS 2024 NOOR SWEID Founder and Managing Partner Global Ventures Sweid leads Global Ventures, a leading venture capi- tal firm overseeing a diverse portfolio of more than $300m in managed assets. The firm operates from strategically positioned hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Cairo, and Jeddah, which have played a key role in its impres- sive track record. With 63 investments under its belt and a commendable record of five successful exits across various markets, Global Ventures has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the realm of venture capital. Among the nota- ble companies within its investment portfolio are Thndr, Tarabut, Yodawy, and Pyypl, reflecting the firm’s commit- ment to supporting innovative and high-growth ventures in the region and beyond. In addition to her leadership role at Global Ventures, Sweid lends her expertise as a board member to Immensa, an innova- tive additive manufacturing start-up. Her illustrious career includes serving as the chief investment officer at the Dubai Future Foundation, co-founding Leap Ventures, and holding a founding board member position at Endeavor UAE. She is also credited with establishing ZenYoga, a network of yoga and Pilates studios that was later acquired by Cedarbridge in 2014. Sweid’s professional accolades include being part of the inaugural Finance Leaders Fellowship class and the prestig- ious Aspen Global Leadership Network. She has been recog- nised as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, highlighting her exemplary contributions to the business landscape. A defining moment in Sweid’s career was her historic achievement as the first Arab woman to scale, take public, and manage a public company in the MENA region. This milestone was materialised through her family’s business, Depa, which was listed on NASDAQ Dubai and the London Stock Exchange in April 2008, commanding a valuation of $1.1bn. Beyond her personal achievements, Sweid holds key lead- ership roles, including serving as the founding chairwoman of the Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA) and as a director of the Global Private Capital Association, TechWadi, and the Karman Fellowship. She remains an active member of esteemed organisations such as the Aspen Global Leadership Network and has held influential Board Director roles at MIT Sloan and as a founding board member of Endeavor UAE. Global Ventures, headquartered in Dubai, is a venture capital firm specialising in early-stage investments in high- growth companies throughout the MEA region. Their focus is on globally scalable enterprise technology companies, taking advantage of undervalued markets to accelerate the expansion of emerging businesses into international markets, with a goal of increasing valuation and revenue. Since its inception in 2018, Global Ventures has been led by Sweid, who brings a wealth of diverse business experience to the firm. While their primary target is startups in the MENA region with annual revenues exceeding $1m, Global Ventures criteria for investment include companies that are industry leaders, generate revenue, are scalable, capital-efficient, and have a clear exit strategy. INVESTMENT ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2329/06/2024 06:0824 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 OTHMAN IBRAHIM Vice Chairman and Group CEO Rawabi Holding For the past 30-plus years, Othman Ibrahim has been at the forefront of the constantly evolving and highly demanding world of supply solutions and consultancy services for the petroleum exploration and production industry. As the Vice Chair- man and Group CEO of Rawabi Holding, Ibrahim has led the company’s growth to become a leading conglomerate in Saudi Arabia and one of the fastest-growing companies in the Middle East. During his tenure at Rawabi Holding, massive expansion and diversifica- tion of products and services across a variety of industries have helped to strengthen the economic development of the region. Today, Rawabi Holding is the leading offshore services provider in the kingdom and recognised as an enabler of seamless services with a focus on safety, quality, on time delivery, and superior customer support. Ibrahim is also the Executive Vice Chairman of Rawabi Holding Board of Directors, the Chairman of the Board’s Investment Committee and the Vice Chairman of Rawabi Energy Company, one of the subsidiaries of Rawabi Holding. He played a pivotal role in overseeing Rawabi Energy and its subsidiaries successful conclusion of one of the largest private sectors syndicated financing in Saudi Arabia with the financial close of SAR7.175bn ($1.91bn) syndicated multi-currency senior secured term and revolving SAR and USD facilities. Realising the growing demand for high-end sustainable projects, Rawabi Holding established Magnom Properties, which Ibrahim also leads as the Vice Chairman. As countries in the region work towards fulfilling their Net Zero goals, Magnom Properties aspires to be part of the solution on climate change. Othman’s vision for this new venture is to create dynamic envi- ronments 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 the kingdom and across the region. The company’s belief that strategic business partnerships are vital to build competencies, enhance competitiveness and create entirely new market opportunities has led Othman to partner with Forbes to build zero-carbon commercial towers across the UAE, Saudi 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. As a purpose-driven and responsible business house, Rawabi Holding works under the goals of the kingdom’s Vision 2030, which places sustainability at the heart of everything it does. Ibrahim realises that the changing macroeconomic condi- tions, political climate and volatile oil prices are impacting project timelines of several developments across the region. Some of the more immediate challenges are evident in the path to meeting net zero targets where there are gaps in making firm commitments to push sustainable development opportunities. He believes that an integrated approach to sustainable development is required to improve competitiveness of the vari- ous sectors to be on par with mature markets worldwide. Over- coming challenges in sustainable development will require a shift in mindsets as well as continued collaboration and inno- vation, which Othman is working towards through his leadership role at Rawabi Holding. DIVERSIFIED ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2429/06/2024 06:08arabianbusiness.com 25 GREATEST CEOS 2024 PAUL GRIFFITHS CEO Dubai Airports With the responsibility for the operation and development of Dubai International (DXB) as well as Dubai World Central (DWC), Griffiths joined Dubai Airports as its first CEO in October 2007. One year later, he launched Termi- nal 3 at DXB and in 2010, launched the Emirate’s second airport, DWC. He achieved another milestone in Dubai’s aviation history in 2013 with the opening of Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built A380 facility followed by Concourse D in 2016. Under his leadership, Dubai Airports successfully managed the Covid-19 crisis and became one of the first airports to welcome back international tourists. Previously, he was the managing director of London’s Gatwick Airport. Before join- ing airport operator BAA in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a board director of the Virgin Travel Group. Dubai Airports reported a milestone as DXB registered 22.9 million passengers in Q3 2023, marking the highest quar- terly traffic since 2019. As of the first nine months of the year, the total year-to-date traffic reached 64.5 million passengers, reflecting a 39.3 percent increase compared to the same period in 2022. India retained its position as DXB’s leading country destination in terms of traffic volume, with 8.9 million passen- gers in the first nine months of the year. KSA followed closely with 4.8 million passengers, and the UK recorded 4.4 million passengers during the same period. Dubai International Airport (DXB) made a stellar start to 2024 by recording its busiest quarter in history, with 23m guests passing through its terminals, marking an 8.4 per cent increase compared to the same period last year. Dubai Airports said that the total passenger traffic for the quarter reached 23,052,060 guests, with January recording the highest traffic at 7.9m. Paul Griffiths, CEO of DXB, said: “The robust growth trajectory at DXB continued in the first quarter of the year, with the hub recording some truly impressive numbers. Thanks in part to the proliferation of cities being added to our network by our home base carriers, Emirates and flydu- bai, in recent months. “As Dubai emerges as a global leader in attracting talent, businesses, and tourists from across the globe, our focus remains on sustaining growth momentum and enhancing the overall airport experience for every guest passing through our terminals. “With a strong start to Q2 and an optimistic outlook for the rest of the year, we have revised our forecast for the year to 91 million guests, surpassing our previous annual traffic record of 89.1m in 2018,” he said. And in January this year, Griffiths was honoured as the Businessperson of the Year at the Arabian Business Achieve- ment Awards held in Dubai. AVIATION ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2529/06/2024 06:0826 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 SHAMSHEER VAYALIL Founder and Chairman Burjeel Holdings Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil, a distinguished figure in healthcare leadership and strateg ic in v estment, possesses an extensive track record within the healthcare industry. Helming Burjeel Holdings, he also holds the posi- tion of chairman at Amanat Holdings, a premier integrated healthcare and education investment company in the region, with a paid-up capital of $680m (AED2.5bn) listed on the DFM. With an entrepreneurial trajectory exceeding 17 years, Vayalil has been instrumental in leading two companies he founded, Burjeel Holdings and RPM, to listings on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. He serves on the Board of Response Plus Holding (RPM), the UAE’s larg- est provider of onsite healthcare, medical emergency services, and occupational health solutions. Furthermore, as the founder of VPS Healthcare, he oversees a diverse investment portfolio including entities such as LifePharma, Lakeshore Hospital, Ziva, Keita, and Educare Institute. Vayalil is also a member of the UAE Medical Council. He completed his medical training at Kasturba Medical College, India, after which he received additional specialty training in radiology. He has been the recipient of several local and global accolades for his continuous pursuit of excellence in developing healthcare and entrepreneurship. Vayalil is the recipient of the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, India’s highest civilian award presented to non-resident Indians, and the GPF Global Humanitarian Award. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, he remains committed to building capability and capacity in the region. Since launching his inaugural hospital in Abu Dhabi in 2007, Vayalil has been instrumental in propelling Burjeel Holdings to become the preeminent private healthcare services provider in the UAE. His leadership is instrumental in enhanc- ing the standard of care across various population segments, through Burjeel Hospitals, Medeor Hospitals, LLH Hospitals, Lifecare Hospitals, Tajmeel, and PhysioTherabia. His acumen in identifying market opportunities and driv- ing the expansion of healthcare services has established him as a top investor in the leading healthcare firms across the MENA region and India. Under his guidance, his portfolio companies have become pivotal in the healthcare sector, fostering a comprehensive and integrated network of hospitals, medical centres, pharmacies, and related services. Employing a strategic vision and innovative approaches, Vayalil addresses broader healthcare challenges. Under his guidance, RPM has broadened its operational reach to key markets, including KSA, Oman, India, and Ethiopia. Further- more, as the driving force behind Amanat Holdings, he sets strategic directions, manages corporate governance, and spear- heads efforts to generate value and exert a beneficial impact on shareholders, partners, and communities. Throughout his tenure, Vayalil has engaged in strategic collaborations with governments and key stakeholders to address humanitarian crises globally. As a distinguished figure in healthcare, he has led key initiatives in regions experiencing healthcare deficits worldwide. Under his stewardship, Burjeel Holdings has joined hands with the governments of the UAE and Egypt to provide critical medical assistance to individuals from conflict-affected zones. HEALTHCARE ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2629/06/2024 06:08arabianbusiness.com 27 GREATEST CEOS 2024 SHAYNE NELSON Group CEO Emirates NBD Shayne Nelson is a highly experienced banker with over 30 years in the industry. He currently serves as Group CEO and Director of Emirates NBD, one of the largest banks in the UAE. Under Nelson’s leadership over the past eight years, Emirates NBD has signif- icantly expanded its operations and digital capabilities. Prior to joining Emirates NBD, Nelson held several senior roles across Asia Pacific and the Middle East. He spent three years as CEO of Standard Chartered Private Bank in Singapore, where he also chaired the Islamic advi- sory board. Based in Dubai, Nelson acted as Regional CEO of Standard Chartered Bank for Middle East and North Africa from 2006 to 2010. Nelson’s other past positions include serving as CEO and Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia, Regional Head of Corporate and Insti- tutional Banking Audit for Asia Pacific and India, and Regional Head of Credit for Hong Kong, China and Northeast Asia. He also led Corporate and Insti- tutional Banking for Westpac Banking Corporation in Western Australia. At Emirates NBD, Nelson has overseen eight years of tremendous growth. The bank’s market capitalisa- tion has risen from AED15.8bn to around AED90bn under his leadership. Assets have grown from AED308bn to AED700bn, with acquisitions like the successful $2.7bn purchase of Deniz- Bank in Turkey. Emirates NBD main- tains the largest market share in both UAE corporate and retail banking. In addition to his Group CEO role, Nelson sits on the boards of various Emirates NBD subsidiaries and associated companies. He is also a member of bodies such as the Interna- tional Monetary Conference and Advisory Board of the Univer- sity of Wollongong in Dubai. Emirates NBD continues inno- vating under Nelson’s direction, introducing new digital banking platforms and mobile apps that are industry-leading. The bank is transitioning to data-driven, digital operations while expanding its focus on ESG and renewable energy finance. Outside of work, Nelson enjoys spending time with his family, which includes his Malaysian wife Siti Mariana Abdul- lah and their two children. An avid golfer and fisherman, Nelson also holds a world record catch. His three decades navigating Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern banking showcase his extensive experience and leader- ship driving corporate growth. Emir- ates NBD delivered a banner year in 2023, posting a 65 percent surge in annual profits to AED21.5bn. Quar- terly earnings in Q4 grew 3 percent year-over-year, reflecting solid busi- ness activity across the region. BANKING $5.85BN The profits posted by Emirates NBD in 2023; a 65 percent rise compared to the previous year ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2729/06/2024 06:0828 July 2024 GREATEST CEOS 2024 SUNIL KAUSHAL CEO Standard Chartered Africa and Middle East (AME) In addition to his current role, Kaushal is a member of Standard Chartered’s Global Management Team, the highest executive body within the bank. With over two decades of experience within the group and over 35 years in diverse banking markets across North Asia, Southeast Asia, South Asia, Middle East, and Africa, he has held senior roles throughout his career span encompassing wholesale, retail, SME banking, and country management. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Bombay University, India, and a post-graduate qualification as a Char- tered Accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India. Kaushal has also completed general management courses at Harvard Business School, INSEAD, Oxford Univer- sity, and London Business School. Prior to his career with Standard Chartered, Kaushal was appointed in diverse positions in investment banking, corporate finance, commercial banking, and foreign exchange at NatWest Markets, SocGen-Crosby, and American Express Bank in Mumbai, India. Within the bank, his previous roles include being the regional CEO of Standard Chartered South Asia and CEO of Standard Chartered India. He has also served as the head of Corporate Banking in the UAE, head of Originations and Client Coverage in Singapore, global head of Small and Medium Enterprises and New Ventures in Singapore, and CEO of Standard Chartered Bank in Taiwan. In March 2021, Kaushal joined MoneyTap, a leading fintech company in India, as a global advisor. He also spearheaded the acceleration of Standard Char- tered’s digital transformation in the AME region, launching digital banks across nine key markets across Africa. The Bank also digitised its wealth management offering and expanded accounts by 900,000. The successful establishment of these digital banks under his leadership serves as a testament to the bank’s expanding digital footprint in the region. With a presence in 52 markets and extending services to clients in an additional 64, Standard Chartered is guided by the brand promise #hereforgood and dedicated to driving commerce and prosperity through its diversity. As a super-con- nector international bank, Standard Chartered is deeply rooted in AME with an unrivalled presence across 18 markets. Notable milestones include enabling the region’s inaugural Receivables Financing Facility for Siemens in the UAE and launching the world’s first transition Sukuk for Etihad. The bank acted as the sole green loan coordinator for Masdar and PT PJB on a project representing the largest float- ing solar photovoltaic asset under construction globally (exclud- ing China) and as the sole sustainability coordinator for Majid Al Futtaim for the largest ever sustainability-linked loan from a non-government related entity in MENA. In 2023, the bank maintained momentum with promising first-half results. Operating income reached $1.44bn, a 34 percent increase on a constant currency basis. In the UAE and the Middle East cluster, they achieved the highest half-yearly operating profit since 2015, reaching $653m, a 39 percent rise on a constant currency basis. BANKING ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2829/06/2024 06:09arabianbusiness.com 29 GREATEST CEOS 2024 SUNNY VARKEY Founder and Executive Chairman GEMS Education Group Considered as Dubai’s trailblazer in education, Varkey has spearheaded the establishment of a worldwide educational group. Under his leader- ship, GEMS Education Group has expanded to own and manage over 60 schools in the MENA region alone. Currently, the group holds the distinction of being the larg- est non-governmental operator of private K-12 schools glob- ally, catering to approximately 140,000 students from over 150 countries with 400,000 successful alumni placed throughout the world. Born in Kerala, India, Varkey’s family shifted base to Dubai in 1959 and after going abroad to attend a boarding school, he returned to Dubai in 1970. By then, his parents had already inaugurated the Our Own English High School in Dubai. Varkey took over the helm in 1980 and throughout his career trajectory, has witnessed advancement within the realms of education in the region. Notably, he established the Varkey Foundation, a key force behind the prestigious $1 million Global Teacher Prize, an accolade widely acknowl- edged within the education sector. The GEMS Education Group boasts a diverse and inter- national presence, with operations spanning several countries across the globe, including but not limited to Singapore, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Libya, Jordan, the US, and Switzer- land. This extensive network underscores the group’s commitment to delivering high-quality education across different cultural and geographic landscapes. In parallel to his significant contri- butions in the corporate realm, he is also the visionary behind the Varkey Foundation, a charitable organisation dedicated to improving the standards of education for underprivileged children around the world. This initiative reflects his deep-rooted belief in the transformative power of education and his commitment to social responsibility. Further solidifying his dedication to philanthropy, Varkey has been honoured with the designation of UNESCO Good- will Ambassador, a role that recognises his persistent efforts and contributions towards educational and charitable causes globally. His philanthropic journey is further highlighted by his commitment to The Giving Pledge, an initiative that sees him dedicating a considerable portion of his personal wealth to philanthropic activities. This pledge not only exemplifies his altruistic spirit but also sets a precedent for impactful charitable engagement, aiming to address some of the most pressing challenges faced by communities worldwide. The group is poised to inaugurate a net-zero energy school within Abu Dhabi’s Masdar City in September 2024. The GEMS Founder’s School – Masdar City (GFA) is designed to be energy self-sufficient, aligning with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability by significantly reducing its carbon emissions. The facility will be equipped with a comprehensive solar panel system spanning 9,500 sq m, expected to produce 3.1 million kilowatts of energy annually. These panels will not only supply power to the entire school but will also offer shade for the building’s roof, car park, and pathways, enhancing energy efficiency. EDUCATION ABE_Greatest CEOs 2024_04-34_The List_13319689.indd 2929/06/2024 06:09Next >