G7 FASHION PACT ELTIZAM ASSET MANAGEMENT DELL’S DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION CHOPARD INFINITI MOTORS LESSONS FROM LEADERS The region’s visionary business leaders on what drives them to succeed INNOVATION MASTERCLASS Thought leadership from MasterCard’s regional SVP, Gaurang Shah THE GREENEST LEADER Faris Saeed on building The Sustainable City SEPTEMBER 2019 # 152 THE GUIDE TO GOOD BUSINESS AND BETTER LIVING MAN OF VISION EGYTPIAN STEEL’S FOUNDER AHMED ABOU HASHIMA IS REWRITING THE RULE BOOK SUSTAINABLE DIAMONDS HOW TIFFANY & CO. IS LEADING THE WAY IN ETHICAL JEWELLERY PLUS : EXECUTIVE ELEGANCE STYLE FOR THE SUCCESSFUL POWER DINING TOP TABLES FOR DEAL-MAKING FOOD FOR THOUGHT ALABBAR ENTERPRISES’ TYRONE REID TALKS VISION & LEADERSHIP UA E AED 20 BAHR AIN BHD 2 KUW A IT KWD 2 OM AN OMR 2 Arabian Business SEPT 20 19CALIBER RM 63-02 WORLD TIMERSEPTEMBER 20 19 CEO MIDDLE E A ST 3 contents September 2019 14 15 22 24 34 32 30 Business 14 NEWS A round-up of regional news 18 BRAND VIEW: STIRLING HOSPITALITY ADVISORS What does it take to be a leader in hospitality sector-focused asset management? MD Donald Bremner reveals the inside track 20 HOT TOPIC: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Mohammed Amin of Dell Technologies explains how technology will change your world 22 HOT TOPIC: EXPONENTIAL INNOVATION Mastercard’s Gaurang Shah tells CEO Middle East why the word innovation is over-used 24 COVER STORY: MAN OF STEEL Ahmed Abou Hashima is forging a new future for Egypt and his steel and construction empire and doing it with a sustainable vision Leadership 28 LESSONS FROM LEADERS In part two of our special edition, we meet leaders with extraordinary visions and ambitious plans 30 CULTURE & EDUCATION: EMIRATES LITERATURE FOUNDATION Isobel Abulhoul OBE is the CEO and Trustee of the region’s leading book event 32 RETAIL VISIONARY: ALABBAR ENTERPRISES Tyrone Reid oversees retail, food and beverage and lifestyle concepts at the leading conglomerate 34 ASSET MANAGEMENT: ELTIZAM Success from the inside out means happy clients and a happy team, says CEO Chris Roberts4 C EO M I D D L E E A S T SEPTEMBER 20 19 36 AUTOMOTIVE: INFINITI Markus Leithe of Infiniti Middle East talks about innovation and artistry at the Japanese carmaker that is redefining the automotive world 37 RESTAURANTS: KIZA Joe Osawaye is a leader who inspires, so it’s no surprise his restaurant enjoys a loyal and passionate following and is the city’s ultimate African lifestyle destination 38 LOGISTICS: BDP GROUP Complex logistics and a global company underpinned by family values make BDP a results-driven entity, says Fikret Esroy 40 REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER: THE SUSTAINABLE CITY Diamond Developers’ CEO Faris Saeed on how he proved sustainable building can be profitable for all 42 LAW: AL BAHAR ADVOCATES Upholding justice is the primary purpose at this leading UAE law firm that is embracing technological changes 44 DISTRIBUTION: WORLDWIDE DISTRIBUTION CENTRE Khamid Ismatulleav explains why charisma and competence are key ingredients for great leadership at one of the region’s biggest FMCG distribution companies. 46 TRAVEL & TOURISM: NIRVANA Alaa Al Ali reveals how he created Nirvana Travel & Tourism, today an industry leader Pleasure 50 A SU STA I N A BLE S C ENT Chopard continues its journey of sustainability with a new fragrance crafted from precious oud that is responsibly sourced 54 HEART OF DIAMONDS A long-time leader in ethical practices, Tiffany & Co.’s chief sustainability officer Anisa Kamadoli Costa reveals how the jeweller is setting responsible standards across the industry 58 STYLE: MEN Fall into style with these luxe looks that draw on autumnal hues 60 STYLE: WOMEN The latest offerings from high fashion and jewellery 62 STAY: MANDARIN ORIENTAL HYDE PARK LONDON History and hospitality unite at this iconic property 63 RELAX: ADDRESS MONTGOMERIE A slick city golf hotel ideal for mixing business with pleasure 64 CLIENT DINING: ENIGMA AND BULL & BEAR Need to impress your guest? These top tables with a focus on great ingredients serve up the wow factor 66 FINAL THOUGHTS: CAN FASHION BECOME MORE SUSTAINABLE? Wit h the recent announcement of the G7 Fashion Pact, CEO’s editor- in-chief wonders if the industry can make meaningful improvements contents September 2019 65 50 36 37 42 64 61THE REGIONS FOREMOST PROVIDER OF TOTAL COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONSNEW THE PLEASURE OF FIRST CLASS8 C EO M I D D L E E A S T SEPTEMBER 20 19 ifteen years ago people were coming here to make a fast buck. Now, especially from 2009, there are more people wanting to contribute and be here long-term. I think management is stronger and higher-performing than ten years ago; to ensure our people stay at the forefront of their area of expertise, we offer training programs.” Chris Roberts is the magnetic yet down-to-earth CEO at the helm of Eltizam, a physical asset management company that faced the 2008 financial crisis head on, rewrote its business model and is now the region’s leader in its category. A robust combination of pragmatism, coupled with a sincere commitment to developing its staff and giving back to society has seen it go from strength to strength. Speaking to leaders such as Roberts, and others that appear in our second edition of Lessons from Leaders, my conviction that sustainable thinking is essential in today’s world has only been reinforced. The greatest mega-trend of our times may need no introduction, but to dismiss it as a fad or buzzword is more than folly; it’s a condemnation of our collective futures. In showing others that an alternative path is not just the moral decision, but can be profitable too, companies such as Tiffany & Co. and Diamond Developers continue to fly the flag for environmentally sound business approaches. Tiffany’s chief sustainability officer, Anisa Kamadoli Costa notes: “Tiffany has recognised the opportunity we have to influence culture and set the standards for excellence—not only in fine jewellery and craftsmanship but also in what it means to be a responsible corporate citizen. Diamond Developers’ Faris Saeed held onto a similarly holistic vision and today champions how sustainable construction and master planning can enhance the lives of people, the planet and turn a pretty nifty profit, too. Having spent several years researching nascent sustainable projects around the globe, he is now considered an expert and offers advice to others looking to replicate the success of Dubai’s Happiest Community. Speaking of happiness, it is heartening to see that this elusive quality is a real concern amongst leaders, who seek out ways to improve employee wellbeing through training, mentorship and the fostering of positive workplace cultures. And of course, life lived solely in service of the daily grind is no good for anyone, so as usual, we turn to the pleasurable ways in which to enjoy the spoils of your success in our aptly titled Pleasure section. Here you will find the latest accoutrements from the world of luxury, as well as insights from leading brands on how they are championing ethical business practices in their supply chain. We also check out two of the city’s best restaurants – Bull & Bear, and Enigma. The former is brand new and an absolutely superb addition to the DIFC dining scene, while the latter, a high-end Persian eatery at Palazzo Versace, epitomises mastery of flavour and flair. I think both would impress even the trickiest of clients. I’ll leave you with a favourite Maya Angelou quote of Alabbar Enterprises CEO, Tyrone Reid, himself a seasoned food and beverage expert: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” A shared meal is still one of my favourite, slow, authentic ways to feel connected, a true luxury in our digitally-led lives. Enjoy the issue! REGIONAL LEADERSHIP IS CHANGING FROM THE EDITOR F Share your views on thought leadership and innovation by getting in touch. Q U ESTI O N S? CO M M E NTS? Jola.Chudy@itp.com JOLA CHUDY Editor in Chief ED IT OR ’S P OR TR AI T: O LI VE R @ P HO TO SO LU TI ON S. M ENext >