< Previous120 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 77 Rahul Malhotra is the Head of Emerg- ing Markets and Member of the Executive Boards at Bank Julius Baer and Julius Baer Group. Based in Dubai, UAE since 2022, Rahul is responsible for expanding the business pres- ence and client base of Region Emerging Markets which accounts for a 28 percent share of Julius Baer’s assets under management (AuM). The Region covers five markets including Global India – Onshore and Non-Resident Indian (NRI) Market, Middle East & Africa, Central & Eastern Europe and Israel, Greece & Cyprus, Turkey with over 300 Relationship Managers based in almost 10 countries. Growth ambitions Under his leadership, Region Emerging Markets has embarked on an ambitious expansion strategy especially in focus markets such as the Middle East and India. While Julius Baer has a formidable footprint in the Middle East with a first presence in Dubai as early as 2004 followed by offices in Manama and Doha, the organisation is further focussing on a strong growth trajectory to capture the immense wealth creation in the region especially the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). Malhotra is also overseeing the five-year business trans- formation of Julius Baer India, which has a solid positioning as the largest foreign wealth manager in the country. Currently present in seven cities, Julius Baer has plans to expand to more than 10 cities to capture the new wealth created in India. Julius Baer also launched its first ever equity fund for inves- tors looking to capture the opportunities presented by the Indian market with the fund hitting over $350m. Career highlights Malhotra brings with him over 35 years of extensive experi- ence in financial services and is deeply familiar with the evolv- ing needs of clients. Before taking on the role as a member of Julius Baer’s Executive Board, he was heading the Global India business for the bank. Passionate about philanthropy, Malhotra is also a member of the Julius Baer Foundation working closely with colleagues from across the globe on education and wealth inequality initiatives. Prior to joining Julius Baer, Malhotra was Head of Southeast Asia and previously Head of South Asia at J.P. Morgan Private Bank for 11 years covering clients in Singa- pore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Australia and NRIs across regions, and was most recently responsible for special projects of the International private bank. Before that, he was Head of Wealth Management for Asia at Merrill Lynch and successfully built the Global India busi- ness. Earlier in his career, Malhotra spent 20 years in Citibank where he was based in India, Dubai, London, and Singapore. About Julius Baer Julius Baer is the leading Swiss wealth management group with origins dating back to 1890 and is a premium brand in this global sector, with a focus on servicing and advising sophisticated private clients. Julius Baer is present in around 25 countries and 60 locations. Julius Baer established its presence in the Middle East in 2004 with an office in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It is the proud recipient of Licence no. 1 in the DIFC and is the oldest company in the financial centre. Julius Baer has capitalised on its first mover advantage in the country and is currently one of the largest wealth managers in the UAE; celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2024. Rahul Malhotra Head Emerging Markets and Member of the Executive Boards Bank Julius Baer Private Banking ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 120ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12028/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35arabianbusiness.com 121 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 In February 2022, Sadik was appointed to her current role, a culmination of her career trajectory that began over three decades ago in the banking sector. Notably, she had spent more than a decade as the deputy CEO at Arab Bank, Jordan’s largest financial institution, as well as 24 years in diverse leadership capacities. Her journey featured a prominent stint as the group general manager of the International Banking Group at the National Bank of Kuwait (NBK). Sadik’s strategic guidance has been a driving force behind Arab Bank’s expansion and growth trajectories. Her leadership and key accomplishments have significantly contributed to Arab Bank’s local and regional prominence. Recently, Arab Bank Group reported a 25 percent increase in net income after tax for the first half of 2024, reaching $503m, compared to $401m for the same period last year. It has also maintained its strong capital base with total equity of $11.5bn. Meanwhile, net operating profit grew by 11 percent due to core banking activities and controlled oper- ating expenses. In alignment with the bank’s growth strategy, it is embarking on establishing its operations in the Iraqi market in 2024. This initiative aims to deliver a range of compre- hensive banking solutions and services to both existing and prospective customers in that specific market. Other growth areas Sadik is committed to include wealth management, private banking, and Islamic banking. Sadik is also dedicated to digital transformation as a top priority at the bank. This vision led to the establishment of Acabes International, the bank’s technological divi- sion, as a leading global competence centre, servicing the bank’s operations globally. Additionally, the bank rolled out Arabi Shopix, a pioneering service that allows Arab Bank customers to construct and customise an e-commerce website as part of integrated digital banking solutions formulated to meet the requirements of SMEs through the Arabi SMEs initiative, a comprehensive suite of integrated banking solutions specifically tailored to meet the unique requirements of small and medium-sized enterprises. At the core of Arabi SMEs are multiple cutting-edge digital solutions, spear- headed by Arabi Next, an innovative app meticulously designed to cater to the needs of SMEs. Empowering women A holder of an MBA degree from the American University of Beirut, Sadik’s commitment to the business community extends beyond financial endeavours. Under her leadership, the bank has also partnered with Dar Abu Abdullah in the Women’s Economic Empowerment project. This initiative empowers women by facilitating their enrolment in programmes that offer income stability and elevate their living standards. She also serves as a board member of Oman Arab Bank, chairs the board of Arab Tunisian Bank, leads the manage- ment committee of Al-Arabi Investment Group, and holds the vice chairman position at Arab Bank Australia Ltd. Addi- tionally, Sadik holds several positions within the Arab Bank Group, including chairman of the Arab Tunisian Bank, vice chairman of Arab Bank Australia, board member of Oman Arab Bank, and chairman of the Management Committee of the Al-Arabi Investment Group. Randa Sadik CEO Arab Bank Banking 78 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 121ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12128/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35122 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Haider Ali Khan is a tech visionary at the helm of Bayut & dubizzle, steer- ing these platforms into the future of proptech. With a background in electrical engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, US, Khan’s journey into tech- nology and leadership began in 2000 as a programming analyst at Goldman Sachs. He then honed his skills in product management at National Instruments, where he spent six years, before moving to Silicon Laboratories as a systems engineer in the broadcast division. At Silicon Labs, he collaborated with tech giants like Apple, Nokia, and Bose, integrating cutting-edge solutions. His return to National Instruments in 2007 as a section manager allowed him to lead a global team, overseeing 20 managers and over 100 employees across the US, Europe, China, and India. In 2014, Khan brought his extensive expertise to the UAE, taking on the role of CEO at Bayut. com, the leading property portal. His leadership prowess was further recognised when he became the CEO of dubizzle after Bayut’s parent company acquired it in April 2020, creating a unicorn with a valuation of $1bn (AED3.6bn). Today, Khan serves as the CEO of both Bayut & dubizzle, as well as the CEO of Dubizzle Group MENA, where he is also a board member responsible for driving expansion strat- egies. Dubizzle Group, backed by industry stalwarts such as Naspers, KCK Group, and Exor Seeds, stands as the most well-funded property classifieds company in the UAE. Under Khan’s leadership, Bayut has grown into a national powerhouse, expanding its influence across the region. Simul- taneously, he has strengthened dubizzle’s position as the leading platform for buying, selling, and finding anything from vehicles and homes to jobs and services, engaging millions of active users across the UAE. Khan also contributes his strategic expertise as a member of the Advisory Council of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting the government’s ambitious plans for digital transformation and the growth of the digital economy in the region. Surging property market With the UAE’s property market consistently showing posi- tive trajectory, Dubai’s off-plan property market has experi- enced significant growth in the first six months of 2024, according to the latest report by Bayut. The sector has seen sales transactions reach AED103.8bn, indicating robust investor interest and market performance. The report highlighted that demand continues to outpace supply in the emirate’s property sector. This growth, coupled with a thriving rental market, has contributed to higher rental yields for investors. “Over the past year and during the first six months of 2024 in particular, Dubai’s off-plan market has been thriving like never before and showing promising signs of extraordinary growth. With approximately 48,000 new units being launched during H1, demand is still high with the influx of new resi- dents continuing to rise,” Khan said. Haider Ali Khan CEO Bayut and dubizzle Group MENA Real estate technology 79 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 122ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12228/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35arabianbusiness.com 123 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 While he has only been in his current role for three years, Yasser Abdul Malak has over two decades of experience with Swiss manufacturing giant Nestlé, where he has held multiple senior lead- ership positions across key regions. Previously, he was appointed as the CEO in Nestlé Turkey from April 2021 to January 2022, where he delivered robust results and helmed expansion projects that led to the company’s growth in the country. Prior to this, he was the CEO for Nestlé’s Northeast Africa region based in Egypt until he was assigned the role of Dairy Category Head Zone Europe Middle East and North Africa in 2018 at the Nestlé headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. Nestlé, a company with a heritage spanning more than 150 years, has had a presence in the MENA region for over a century, beginning with the sale of the first infant cereals in Egypt. The company’s portfolio in the region comprises more than 60 innovative product brands across various cate- gories, including dairy, infant nutrition, coffee, creamers, confectionery, bottled water, breakfast cereals, and pet food. Abdul Malak embarked on his career trajectory with Nestlé in KSA in 1999. Following his first assignment, he moved to their regional head office to helm the MAGGI business as the senior brand manager until mid-2003. This was followed by an appointment as the global marketing advisor for the food business in Switzerland. In 2005, he was promoted to lead the food business in the Southeast Africa region. Three years later, he returned to the Middle East as the business executive officer prior to his assignment as the countr y manager. Driving growth As chairman and CEO of Nestlé MENA, Abdul Malak oversees the operation of its 24 food and beverage factories across 19 coun- tries in the region, which provide direct employment to over 14,000 people. Nestlé’s regional office for the MENA region is located in Dubai South, with operations across the UAE in cities such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. The company works with more than 1,700 retail outlets in the UAE, including supermarkets and pharmacies. It also locally produces confectionery, dairy, culinary, and coffee at two food and beverage factories in Dubai, along with oper- ating two water manufacturing sites, one in Dubai and the other in Abu Dhabi. ESG programmes Under his guidance, Nestlé Middle East has made substan- tial strides in its commitment to sustainability, achieving a 52 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 35 percent decrease in energy consumption. Furthermore, Nestlé is embracing renewable energy on a broader scale, with 25 percent of its MENA sites now being powered by renewable sources. Since 2008, gender balance has also been a priority for Nestlé, driving an increase in the number of women at all levels in the organisation. Nestlé’s global and local initiatives on gender diversity include development opportunities through mentoring and coaching programmes, a flexible and supportive work environment, leadership development training, and the Maternity Protection Policy. Yasser Abdul Malak Chairman and CEO Nestlé MENA Industry 80 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 123ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12328/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35124 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Former investment banker Mona Kattan-Elamin is on a mission to create another multi-billion-dollar empire with KAYALI. In 2018, she established the fragrance company as the inaugural sub-brand under the umbrella of Huda Beauty . This marked the commencement of a new chapter in her career, with a specific focus on perfume manufacturing. Kattan-Elamin has nurtured a lifelong passion for fragrances that became the corner- stone of her journey as an entrepreneur. After achieving success with the launch and expansion of Huda Beauty alongside her sister Huda in 2013, she delved into the creation of her own brand. Together, Huda Beauty, KAYALI, and Wishful, the latter focusing on skincare, form the beauty empire built by the Kattan sisters. KAYALI, meaning ‘My Imagination’ in Arabic, positions itself as an accessible luxury niche fragrance brand blending Middle Eastern heritage with Kattan-Elamin’s American upbringing. The brand ethos revolves around empowering individuals to feel regal through self-love and fragrance, emphasising KAYALI’s commitment to provid- ing exceptional scent experiences to a worldwide audience. Between 2022 and 2023, KAYALI distinguished itself within the fragrance industry by launching an impressive line-up of 10 new fragrances, showcasing the brand’s commit- ment to innovation and excellence. It’s now onto its 21st and is growing at 100 percent each year. The products can be found in 1,750 stores across 30 countries in four continents. By the end of the year, they will be in 2,715 stores. It is already one of the top 10 fragrance brands in Sephora US, is taking Europe by storm and set to enter China for the first time. Social media giant Kattan-Elamin’s business approach is notably influenced by social media, through which she has effectively cultivated an engaged community, amassing over 4 million followers across various platforms. She also made an appearance in Dubai Bling on Netflix during its second season, which featured the launch of KAYALI. As co-founder of Huda Beauty, along with her sisters Huda and Alya, Kattan-Elamin has a proven track record of having the corporate Midas touch. What started as a blog in 2010 has turned into a company that has since been valuated at over $1bn in 2017, when a minority stake was sold to TSG Consumer Partners, and is likely to be worth much more today. Since December 2017, Kattan-Elamin has served with distinction as co-founder, president, and board member of HB Investments in Dubai. The company’s diverse invest- ment portfolio includes Kitopi, a comprehensive cloud kitchen network; Fresha, a refined tool for salon reserva- tions; Humantra, a brand offering wellness supplements; and The Luxury Closet, a high-end consignment platform for luxury goods. Kattan-Elamin’s involvement in various capacities, including as an advisory board member at The Retail Summit since August 2023, a board member and partner at Heroine Sport since May 2023, and a creative council board member at Waldencast since the same period, high- light her diverse contributions to the business landscape. Furthermore, her membership in the YPO UAE chapter underscores her engagement with a global community of chief executives. Mona Kattan-Elamin Co-founder and Global President; Founder Huda Beauty; Kayali Retail 81 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 124ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12428/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35arabianbusiness.com 125 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Athought leader in education technology, Geoffrey Alphonso has been listed among the Top 30 CEOs list by Arabian Business and among the 100 Most Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East list, also by Arabian Business. Alphonso brings a background of strategic thinking. He has over 25 years of experience implementing business transformations in the North American, Australian, and Middle Eastern markets and has held senior positions in edtech, telecommunications, and finance globally. Prior to joining Alef Education, Alphonso was General Manager and Head of Pearson Education’s digital business practice in the Middle East and Africa for over nine years. He currently sits on the board of THAKI – a non-govern- mental organisation that provides digital education products and services to underprivileged children in the MENA region – and is a member of the Forbes Technology Coun- cil. He holds an MBA from London Business School. Industry leader Under his leadership, Alef Education has grown from a startup in 2016 to a prominent organisation. As CEO of Alef Education and founding member of the AI award-win- ning Alef Platform, Alphonso leads the over- all vision, design, innovation, and product portfolio to cater to global growth at scale. He rapidly grew the company into five new markets, serving more than 1 million learners. In an interview with CEO Middle East, Alphonso shared his views on the evolving education sector. He said: “Our mission is to provide accessible, personalised, and innova- tive education solutions that inspire a love of lear ning and empower students with 21st-century skills. We recognise the trans- formative power of technology in education, and our solutions are designed to make education accessible anytime, anywhere.” “Our ser vices make education more inclusive and address the needs of learners of all levels. We advocate for systemic change and improve educational outcomes world- wide by working with educators, schools, and policymakers. We also work closely with teachers to provide professional development and training that enables effective integration of technology in the class- room,” he added. Cutting-edge education Alef Education has laid out a strategic vision to leverage innovative technologies and expand globally to reach more students and have a more significant impact on K-12 educa- tion. The company envisions a future where every student, regardless of where they live or their circumstances, has access to high-quality, personalised education. With cyber security a top priority among Gulf organisa- tions, Alef Education is making sure it aligns with the times. “At Alef Education, we understand the importance of cyber security and student privacy – our primary focus is online safety. We have taken various measures to protect student data, comply with relevant data protection regulations, and ensure secure access to the platform,” Alphonso explained. As the demand for educational services in the region increases alongside a demographic boom, organisations like Alef Education, led by Alphonso, are poised to play a signif- icant role in the Middle East. Geoffrey Alphonso CEO Alef Education Education 82 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 125ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12528/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35126 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 83 With over 40 years of experience in the automotive sector, Irfan Tansel embarked on his career as a teenage apprentice in a car workshop. Today, he heads one of the most prominent automotive companies in the UAE and won esteemed awards such CEO of the Year by CEO Middle East. He has also been listed in the Greatest CEOs in the Middle East by Arabian Business. Shaping success In his role as CEO of Al Masaood Automo- biles, Tansel has steered the company to numerous milestones and accolades. Under his leadership, the company not only clinched the esteemed Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award 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. 2023 marked a significant triumph in Irfan’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. Leadership excellence 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. Building leaders of tomorrow As a revered voice in the automotive world, his insights on business disruption, leadership, and the future of the auto- motive industry are frequently featured in notable publica- tions such as Bloomberg, CNBC, CEO Middle East, Al Bawaba, The National, Gulf News, Entrepreneur, Economy ME, and many others. Tansel also shares his expertise internationally, delivering motivational keynotes on topics ranging from preparing busi- nesses for disruption to leadership, autonomous vehicles, the future of mobility, electrification and future dealerships. Tansel is keen to groom his leadership team to become the next superstars in the industry. Irfan Tansel CEO Al Masaood Automobiles Mobility ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 126ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12628/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35arabianbusiness.com 127 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 President and CEO Riyad Bank Banking As the CEO and president of the fifth largest bank in the GCC region, boasting an impressive asset value exceeding $100bn, Nadir Al Koraya’s lead- ership at Riyad Bank has been instrumental in steering it towards a trajectory of growth, innovation, and customer-centricity. Al Koraya’s key role in the strategic transformation of Riyad Bank has contributed to its reputation as one of the region’s fastest-growing and most dynamic financial entities. Riyad Bank stands out as one of the premier financial insti- tutions in KSA and the wider Middle East region. Their illus- trious history traces back to 1957, highlighting a legacy of excellence and financial prowess. A cornerstone of their success lies in their dedicated and proficient workforce, comprising over 7,880 professionals who embody excellence and commitment. With an emphasis on nurturing local talent, Riyad Bank boasts an impressive national employment rate of 96 percent, positioning them as a vital contributor to the Saudi employment ecosystem. Renowned for its pioneering role in finance and investment across KSA, Riyad Bank has garnered acclaim as a leading financier and arranger of syndicated loans, particularly in pivotal sectors such as oil, petrochemicals, and key infrastruc- ture projects crucial to the kingdom’s development. Their expansive network of 334 licensed branches, coupled with over 232,243 POS terminals and 2,117 strategically located ATMs, ensures convenient access to their services for custom- ers across the kingdom. Recognising the importance of global connectivity, Riyad Bank maintains a presence in London, alongside offices in Houston and Singapore, catering to the international bank- ing requirements of their clients operating beyond Saudi borders. Rise to the top Al Koraya first joined the bank in 2013 as group treasurer, before being promoted to chief treas- ury and investment officer in 2017, backed by a wealth of experience spanning over three decades in both KSA and global financial markets. He embarked on his professional jour- ney at Samba Financial Group, where he spent 20 years honing his expertise in treasury management before transitioning to Riyad Bank. As chief treasury and investment officer, Al Koraya orches- trated comprehensive overhauls in funding mechanisms, capi- tal management, asset and liability management, product development, and investment strategies, driving Riyad Bank’s exceptional expansion. He spent over seven years in this role, before he assumed the position of CEO in February 2024. By the end of the following month, the bank had recorded total assets of $108bn and operating income of $1.1bn. Beyond his leadership remit at Riyad Bank, Al Koraya actively contributes to the broader financial landscape as the chairman of the board at Jeel Innovation Digital Company, a board member of Riyad Capital, and a member of the Mastercard Middle East and Africa Advisory Board. His diverse portfolio showcases a commitment to fostering innovation and excellence across various sectors within the financial realm. Al Koraya holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineer- ing and MBA from California State University at Fullerton. Additionally, he has attended various executive and leadership programmes at Harvard Business School, IMD, JP Morgan, UBS and Citibank. Nadir Al Koraya 84 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 127ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12728/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35128 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Alisha Moopen serves as the managing director and group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare FZC. Since joining the company as a director in 2013, she has played a pivotal role in guiding the direction and development of the company, particularly in spearheading the group’s expansion into new markets. She also assumed the role of deputy managing director for over four years before taking on her new position. Since its inception in 1987, Aster DM Healthcare has grown from a single medical centre to a performance-driven healthcare enter- prise across the GCC and India, with its Gulf network comprising 15 hospitals, 117 clinics and 285 pharmacies spread across the UAE, KSA, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain. This expansion cements Aster DM Healthcare as a leading healthcare authority in the Middle East and India, and one of the largest and fastest-growing conglomerates in the MENA region. Providing quality healthcare Aster DM Healthcare boasts an expansive portfolio that includes hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, diagnostic centres, educational institutions, healthcare management, and healthcare support systems. Headquartered in Dubai, the Aster DM network now encompasses over 19,657 employees, including doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals. In November 2023, Aster announced a significant restruc- turing, with Fajr Capital-led consortium acquiring a 65 percent stake in its UAE-Gulf operations. This strategic move positions Aster DM to strengthen its presence in KSA, complementing its existing footprint in Oman and Qatar. In parallel, its found- ers, the Moopens, increased their stake in the India operations to 42 percent, a strategic realignment that sets the stage for Aster DM’s focused expansion and heightened market presence. In recognition of her contributions to healthcare, Moopen was elected by the World Economic Forum (WEF) as a Young Global Leader in 2018. This accolade inducted her into a five- year programme that brings together like-minded individuals committed to tackling the world’s main challenges, with health- care being a primary focus. A chartered accountant from the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland with a background with Ernst & Young, Moopen holds degrees from the University of Michigan in Finance and Accounting, as well as Global Leadership and Public Policy Change from Harvard University, both in the US. Women in leadership roles Beyond her responsibilities at Aster DM Healthcare, Moopen was also the first female Chapter Chair of YPO’s Dubai Chapter, facilitating connections among chief executives from over 130 countries. With a fervent commitment to women’s empower- ment and mental health, she initiated the Women in Leadership programme at Aster DM Healthcare, an initiative fostering growth and leadership opportunities for talented female employ- ees, ultimately breaking through the glass ceiling. Moopen is also a philanthropist, serving as a trustee of the Aster DM Foundation and participating in social welfare initi- atives through the Aster Volunteers programme. The programme bridges the gap between those willing to help and those in need. Her focus is on ensuring humanity benefits from scientific advances and personal lifestyle choices, maintaining physical and mental health, and leveraging technology to enhance health outcomes through precision medicine, connected care, and arti- ficial intelligence. Alisha Moopen Managing Director Aster DM Healthcare Healthcare 85 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 128ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12828/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35arabianbusiness.com 129 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 In his current role at du, a prominent player in the tele- communications sector, Fahad Al Hassawi helms opera- tions within digital lifestyle and innovation divisions with finesse. His responsibilities span a diverse spectrum, including steering digital transformation, infrastructure devel- opment, technological implementations, network investments, and the ongoing expansion of 5G capabilities. Beyond his operational roles, Al Hassawi remains steadfast in nurturing the growth of the next generation of Emirati entre- preneurs and business leaders. As a thought leader, his influence resonates through his commitment to fostering the development of local talent, thereby shaping the trajectory of the industry. Al Hassawi’s journey within du dates to its inception in 2006, when he was appointed as the executive vice president of Human Resources until 2009. His responsibilities encompass various business units, ranging from enterprise and consumer engage- ment to branding, communication, strategic planning, and government relations. Noteworthy achievements include spear- heading strategic partnerships, amplifying network experiences, and elevating customer engagement standards. Now, Al Hassawi is guiding du through a digital transfor- mation journey aimed at enhancing customer experiences and unlocking the full potential of the company’s operational capacities. Notably, in March 2024, du, part of Emirates Integrated Telecommuni- cations Company (EITC), announced a part- nership with Microsoft to drive innovation in the digital landscape of the UAE. Through the inte- gration of Generative AI technology powered by Microsoft Azure and Azure Open AI Service, du aims to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across its operations by utilising the latest advancements in the industry. Boosting fintech Moreover, in April 2024, the telecom introduced a new fintech service, du Pay, to revolutionise digital financial services across the UAE. Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, du Pay offers an array of digital financial and payment services, ranging from international money transfers to mobile top-ups and bill payments. The platform supports salary deposits through IBAN, serving as a versatile account available in six languages. Among its standout features are the options for international money transfers to over 200 countries at competitive rates, peer-to-peer transfers within the UAE, and the provision of a unique IBAN for direct fund deposits. Buoyed by these strategic implementations, for H1 2024, du’s net profit increased by over 54 percent year-on-year to $321.3m, while revenue rose 5.7 percent to almost $2bn. Its mobile subscriber base went up by 2.9 percent per annum, while its fixed-base customer base soared nearly 13 percent. Al Hassawi started his career as the first lieutenant engineer for the Dubai Police. He also worked across multiple leadership roles at Emirates for seven years including as senior industrial engineer, performance development manager, manager of National Recruitment and Development, and vice president of Human Resources. With a rich background that includes leadership roles at esteemed organisations like Emirates, Al Hassawi brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the telecoms sector, poised to drive innovation and excellence in the industry. Fahad Al Hassawi CEO du Technology 86 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 129ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_120-143_entries 77-100_13363793.indd 12928/08/2024 12:3528/08/2024 12:35Next >