< PreviousTHE POWER LIST 60 Edge/ October 2024 In the evolving Middle East’s ICT industry, one journey stands out—a journey that began over 17 years ago, driven by a passion for technology and a vision for transformation. “My interest in technology was ignited during my university years,” says Eric Wan, General Manager, Alibaba Cloud, Middle East, Turkey and Africa, recalling how a leadership role in the university science union shaped their early career. “It was there that I realised the power of technology to reshape industries and societies.” Since 2018, the digitalisation wave has swept across the region, accelerating further during the pandemic. This surge led the spokesperson to a pivotal moment in their career—a transition into cloud computing. “I wanted to be at the forefront of the digital revolution,” they explain, refl ecting on their move into the industry just as cloud technology was gaining critical momentum. Their fi rst signifi cant project at Alibaba Cloud focused on Saudi Arabia, aiming to strengthen cloud infrastructure aligned with Vision 2030. ERIC WAN GENERAL MANAGER ALIBABA CLOUD META Mohammad Abulhouf, known as “Houf” in industry circles, has carved an impressive career in the IT sector, with roots in Jordan, where he earned a degree in Computer Engineering. His fascination with technology sparked during university, has since evolved into a passion for digital transformation. “I’ve always been captivated by how technology enhances lives, and today, I’m grateful to be part of this transformation,” he refl ects. Now VP & GM for Emerging Markets at Nutanix, Abulhouf is committed to simplifying IT infrastructure and helping customers embrace hybrid multi-cloud strategies. “Nutanix is not just a product—it’s a solution that helps businesses modernise their applications without the heavy lifting of re-platforming,” he explains. One standout innovation is Nutanix’s Data Lens, which can detect threats in less than 20 minutes, signifi cantly enhancing business security. Abulhouf ’s leadership is rooted in fostering a culture of innovation and empowering his team. MOHAMMAD ABULHOUF VP & GM FOR EMERGING MARKETS NUTANIX Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6030/09/2024 16:15THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 61 Shashank Sharma, Vice President and General Manager of Lenovo for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META), has been instrumental in shaping Lenovo’s growth across the region since assuming his role in 2018. An Indian national, Sharma’s leadership is marked by a deep understanding of the electronics manufacturing sector and the strategic markets within the META region. His rise within Lenovo, beginning in 2011, has been a testament to his global perspective, having previously held senior management roles in Chicago, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Sharma’s tenure has been pivotal, with one of his recent highlights being Lenovo’s successful entry into the Middle East Syndicate Loan Market. In April 2024, under his guidance, Lenovo secured a $500 million syndicated revolving credit facility arranged by Emirates NBD Capital. This fi nancial move marked a signifi cant milestone for Lenovo and solidifi ed the company’s expanding presence in the region. SHASHANK SHARMA VP AND GENERAL MANAGER LENOVO, MIDDLE EAST Brent Li, General Manager of Huawei Enterprise Business in the UAE, has been at the helm of Huawei’s rise as a critical player in the country’s digital transformation. Since taking on the role, he has spearheaded eff orts to solidify Huawei’s position as a leader in intelligent transformation, driving innovation across sectors like fi nance, transportation, and smart cities. “It has been a privilege to lead Huawei’s Enterprise Business in the UAE,” Li refl ects, emphasising his focus on building strong partnerships to deliver exceptional value and accelerate digitalisation. Under Li’s leadership, Huawei has expanded its infl uence and developed over 200 intelligent solutions tailored to meet the specifi c needs of industries across more than 20 sectors. With a global network of over 40,000 partners, Huawei has emerged as a consulting, sales, and services force, propelling digital and intelligent transformation in the UAE. Li notes, Looking forward, Li is committed to furthering Huawei’s mission to bring digital technology to every person, home, and business for a fully connected world. BRENT LI GENERAL MANAGER OF HUAWEI, ENTERPRISE BUSINESS, UAE Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6130/09/2024 16:15THE POWER LIST 62 Edge/ October 2024 Born and raised in Madrid, José Petisco, Vice President for Eastern Europe, Middle East, and India (EEMI) at NetApp, has long been captivated by the transformative power of technology. “Technology can change how we live, work, and play,” he refl ects. His journey into the tech world began in the 1980s, when he was fascinated by IP Local Area Networks, which revolutionised how personal computers were used, turning individual devices into collaborative tools. At NetApp, Petisco focuses on data as the driving force behind today’s technological advancements. “Data is the only asset that increases in value the more you use it,” he says, highlighting how technologies like AI, cloud computing, and blockchain are all powered by intelligent data management. Under his leadership, NetApp has introduced cutting-edge storage solutions like the AFF A-Series, designed to simplify cloud adoption and secure business- critical data. Petisco is committed to fostering innovation within his team, and believes creativity stems from understanding customer needs. JOSE PETISCO VICE PRESIDENT EEMI, NETAPP Thierry Nicault, Area Vice President and General Manager of Salesforce Middle East, has been driving customer success and business growth since stepping into the role in February 2023. His leadership is centred around harnessing the power of data, AI, and CRM to deliver exceptional value to regional businesses. “It’s about showing how technology can build trust and create tangible business value,” Nicault emphasises, refl ecting the core of his mission at Salesforce. With a deep expertise in international sales management and a special focus on CRM and business intelligence, Nicault is no stranger to navigating complex sales cycles and leading high-performing teams. “Building subsidiaries and expanding markets has been at the heart of my career,” he says, underscoring his talent for managing operational change while consistently forecasting business precisely. His leadership style, marked by a focus on execution and growth, has earned him the confi dence of his team, who trust his vision to expand Salesforce’s footprint in the region. THIERRY NICAULT AREA VICE PRESIDENT AND GENERAL MANAGER SALESFORCE MIDDLE EAST Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6230/09/2024 16:15THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 63 Born into a tech-savvy family in France, Felicien Mathieu, Chief Technologist for EMEA at World Wide Technology (WWT), was captivated by technology from a young age. “I was playing with computers before most kids even knew what they were,” he recalls, reminiscing about building his fi rst machine, a 486DX2, when he was just 10 years old. This early passion for understanding how things work laid the foundation for his career in telecom and system integration. At W WT, Mathieu has played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s capabilities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. “We’re in the midst of another paradigm shift, where AI touches every part of the business,” he says. WWT’s $500 million investment in an AI proving ground and developing an AI factory in the UAE exemplifi es his forward-thinking leadership. “It’s all about speed and effi ciency. Our clients want to move fast and with confi dence,” he adds. FELICIEN MATHIEU CHIEF TECHNOLOGIST EMEA, TELECOM & SYSTEM INTEGRATORS, WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY (WWT) As Managing Director for Zoom in the METAP region and founder of CyberX World, Mohannad AlKalash’s passion for technology began at an early age. “Growing up in Saudi Arabia, I was always fascinated by computers—not just for gaming, but to really understand how they worked,” he shares. This early curiosity laid the foundation for a career spanning more than 20 years in cybersecurity and technical consulting. AlKalash’s journey, supported by degrees in computer systems and networks and an MBA from the University of Manchester, led him to play a vital role in shaping Zoom’s regional expansion. AlKalash is deeply invested in how technology transforms communication and collaboration at Zoom. “Technology has the unique power to connect people across borders, breaking down barriers,” he says. Under his leadership, Zoom has introduced innovations such as Zoom IQ for Sales and enhanced security features, which have redefi ned virtual communication and solidifi ed Zoom’s position as a leader in the industry. MOHANNAD ALKALASH MANAGING DIRECTOR, METAP, ZOOM Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6330/09/2024 16:15THE POWER LIST 64 Edge/ October 2024 Hassan Alnaqbi, CEO of Khazna Data Centers, began his career in the UAE Army before transitioning into technology. “Technology found me,” he refl ects, recalling how his move into telecom engineering sparked his passion. Now, at the helm of one of the leading data centre operators in the MENA region, Alnaqbi is focused on innovation and sustainability. Under his leadership, Khazna has launched AI-ready data centres like AUH6 in Masdar City. “AUH6 is about building the future of AI in the UAE,” Alnaqbi notes, highlighting its cutting-edge design and eco-friendly features. His vision is to expand Khazna globally while committing to sustainable practices. Alnaqbi leads by empowering his team and fostering innovation. “Success is about building leaders within the organisation,” he says, aiming to position Khazna among the top global data centre operators. Hassan Alnaqbi’s leadership style fosters a culture of creativity and forward- thinking. “I challenge my team to fi nd innovative solutions, encouraging them to push boundaries,” he says. HASSAN ALNAQBI KHAZNA DATA CENTERS CEO Philippe Jarre, President of Mindware Group, hails from the picturesque city of Grenoble in the French Alps, where his early years were shaped by competitive skiing. Though his passion for outdoor sports remains, technology truly captured his imagination. “As a child, I was always tinkering with electronics,” he recalls. This fascination led him to earn a degree in IT and Telecom engineering from Centrale-Supélec in France, laying the foundation for his career in technology. At Mindware, Jarre spearheaded the launch of AI-specifi c solutions, building an entire business unit around artifi cial intelligence. “Our goal is to pre-integrate AI components to help our partners deploy AI projects quickly,” he explains. Under his leadership, Mindware’s AI initiative has empowered businesses across sectors to adopt cutting-edge technology more effi ciently. Jarre’s leadership style, which has evolved through years of experience, is rooted in collaboration and empowerment. His focus on fostering a culture of innovation has helped Mindware grow exponentially, positioning the company as a leader in the MENA region. PHILIPPE JARRE PRESIDENT MINDWARE GROUP Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6430/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 65 Santosh Varghese, Vice President at Toshiba Gulf, hails from Kerala, India, and embarked on his technology journey early, fuelled by a passion for electronics. He recalls being fascinated by an article on AI during his junior year at college in 1989, a topic he later wrote about, envisioning how AI would transform society. “Now, after 32 years, AI is rolling into action, impacting how we work and live—just as I imagined,” he says. Over his extensive career, Varghese has driven innovation at Toshiba, particularly in the data storage sector. “Toshiba launched the world’s f irst helium-fi lled HDD and introduced a 30TB capacity drive this year. By 2025, with global data expected to hit 188 zettabytes, our role in providing reliable storage solutions becomes even more critical.” Varghese’s leadership saw Toshiba cement its market dominance, with a consistent share of up to 55 per cent in the HDD market. Varghese’s leadership philosophy is grounded in self-discipline and strategy. “I start each day with a 30-minute ‘me time’ to strategise and plan. SANTOSH VARGHESE VP TOSHIBA GULF Mario M. Veljovic, General Manager at VAD Technologies, is a leader who blends tech innovation with a people-fi rst approach. For him, success on social media isn’t just about numbers but genuine engagement. “It’s about the organic engagement we get and how it resonates with our audience,” he explains. “We’re blending technology with leadership to reflect the industry’s dynamic landscape,” says Mario, highlighting his for ward -thinking approach. A keen obser ver of global tech adoption, Mario notes the hesitation in Europe and North America compared to regions like MENA, where younger demographics embrace IT solutions. “It’s all about perspective—embracing technology for its benefi ts rather than fearing it,” he says. On leadership, Mario emphasises empowerment and trust. “We don’t have a hire-and-fi re culture; people stay with us long term,” he says, promoting a stable, loyal environment. MARIO M. VELJOVIC GM VAD TECHNOLOGIES Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6530/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST 66 Edge/ October 2024 Alain Penel, Vice President for the Middle East, Turkey, and CIS at Fortinet, has spent nearly 15 years in the region, after moving from France to manage operations for Alcatel. “Dubai was a pivotal moment in my career,” Penel refl ects. Starting as an account manager at Digital Equipment Corporation, he transitioned into the cybersecurity world where he found his true passion. “I’ve always been fascinated by how technology shapes society and business, even though I’m not an engineer.” Now at Fortinet, Penel leads innovative eff orts, such as integrating AI-driven capabilities across the company’s Security Fabric, to improve proactive threat detection. “Our recent acquisition of Lacework strengthens our ability to secure both on-premises and cloud environments. It’s a game-changer for our customers,” he explains. Penel is particularly proud of Fortinet’s rise to the top in the Middle East, a region he describes as “highly strategic.” Under his leadership, the company has expanded signifi cantly in the region. ALAIN PENEL VP MIDDLE EAST, TURKEY AND CIS, FORTINET Miguel Khouri, General Manager of Gulf Business Machines (GBM) Abu Dhabi, has always been driven by curiosity. “From an early age, I was captivated by how things worked, whether it was taking apart gadgets or experimenting with new software,” he recalls. This passion for problem- solving naturally led him to a career in technology, where he has spent over three decades guiding businesses through digital transformation across the Middle East. At GBM, Khouri has championed innovation, particularly in AI and security solutions. “Our goal is to help businesses unlock the power of their data while ensuring robust protection,” he says. Under his leadership, the company has introduced cutting-edge products, enabling clients to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Khouri’s approach to leadership is grounded in empathy and collaboration. “The most rewarding part of leading a team is fostering a supportive environment where everyone can thrive,” he notes. Looking ahead, Khouri remains optimistic. “Our best is yet to come,” he affi rms, as GBM continues to drive digital transformation in the region. MIGUEL KHOURI GENERAL MANAGER GBM ABU DHABI Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6630/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 67 For a career that began in physical security, Yasser Hassan’s journey into IT was a leap into the unknown. “It was a risk, especially with my fi rst child on the way,” Hassan recalls. Yet, this pivot to IT coincided with his milestone, marking a turning point that would shape his professional life. “Two landmark moments in my life – becoming a father and my career pivot into IT –co-occurred,” he refl ects. Now, 12 years into his tenure at Barracuda, Hassan has found his niche in cybersecurity. “I haven’t looked back since,” he says with a conviction born of experience. His early years were defi ned by a thirst for knowledge, culminating in his fi rst IT certifi cation as a Cisco Sales Expert, an achievement he holds dear. “It’s interesting to me that this career move aligned with the birth of my son,” Hassan notes, underscoring the personal signifi cance of his professional choices. Under his leadership, Barracuda has continued to innovate, rolling out enhancements in email protection, data security, and AI-driven solutions. Hassan’s approach to leadership is refreshingly human: “Success is rooted in human connections,” he insists. TONI EL INATI RVP SALES, META & CEE BARRACUDA NETWORKS For a young boy growing up in New York during the 1980s, requests for a computer and science kit for birthdays were not typical, but they set the stage for a lifetime immersed in technology for this cybersecurity leader. “While most teenagers wanted a baseball glove, I wanted a computer,” he recalls. His early fascination with gadgets led him to build a door buzzer for his family’s jewellery store, a project that sparked his journey into technology and electrical engineering. By 16, he was already developing software, creating a program to measure muscle density for a doctor using a Radio Shack Color Computer TRS-80. “I still have that computer today, and it still works,” he says, a proud relic of a formative project. Now a seasoned veteran in the fi eld, he is driven by the constant evolution and challenges of cybersecurity. “Every day is fi lled with new challenges, news, events, and technology,” he explains. His journey has been anything but linear, moving from fl ight simulators to enterprise software and eventually landing in cybersecurity, where he’s made his mark for over 20 years. “Cybersecurity keeps me active and engaged, and no matter how much I learn, there’s always more.” MOREY HABER CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER BEYONDTRUST Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6730/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST 68 Edge/ October 2024 Emile Abou Saleh, Senior Regional Director for the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa at Proofpoint, began his journey in Lebanon, where he fi rst worked as a programmer after earning a master’s in computer science. “I always wanted to work in a dynamic and evolving fi eld,” he says, a drive that led him to cybersecurity. “I knew cybersecurity was just beginning, and I wanted to be part of it.” At Proofpoint, Abou Saleh oversees innovations in human-centric cybersecurity. “We invest over 20 per cent of our revenue into R&D to stay ahead of evolving threats. Our focus is on protecting people, wherever they work,” he explains. Known for his transparent leadership style, Abou Saleh fosters innovation by giving his team the freedom to succeed. “Clear communication and setting expectations are key,” he notes. Proud of his team’s achievements, he adds, “They’ve received recognition for being top achievers, which always makes me proud as a leader.” EMILE ABOU SALEH SENIOR REGIONAL DIRECTOR, MIDDLE EAST, TURKEY AND AFRICA MIDDLE EAST, PROOFPOINT Viswanath Pallasena, CEO of Redington Middle East and Africa, has spent decades in the tech industry, beginning his career in the mid- 1980s. “My passion for technology stems from my education in Applied Electronics,” he shares, recalling his fascination with how semiconductors work. After starting in test and measurement, Pallasena found his true calling in sales. “I love selling because it’s about solving problems and bringing value to both customer and seller.” Under his leadership, Redington focuses on bridging “technology friction” by investing in AI, analytics, and cloud platforms. “Generative AI is reshaping industries, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of that change,” he explains. Pallasena’s leadership style has evolved to emphasise openness and innovation. “I’ve learned that saying ‘yes’ more often fosters creativity,” he says. Looking ahead, he remains focused on the potential of the Middle East and Africa. VISWANATH PALLASENA CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, REDINGTON MIDDLE EAST, & AFRICA Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6830/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 69 From his early days of co-founding Kraken, Michael Gronager has always been at the intersection of big data and distributed systems. With a PhD in quantum mechanics, his fascination with digital scarcity led him deep into the world of Bitcoin. “I’ve always worked with big data,” Gronager explains, “but crypto caught my interest with its promise of transparency and immutable records.” This passion eventually led to the creation of Chainalysis, a company dedicated to making blockchains understandable and actionable. As blockchain technology evolved, Gronager saw a gap—a lack of clarity on who was transacting and why. Under his leadership, Chainalysis has pioneered tools like Crypto Investigations and Crypto Compliance, helping law enforcement and fi nancial institutions combat crypto crime and ensure compliance. For Gronager, the crypto space is about innovation, resilience, and adaptability. “The greatest companies in crypto are built during a downturn,” he asserts, emphasising his long-term vision. This philosophy has driven Chainalysis to engage with regulators and crypto exchanges globally,. MICHAEL GRONAGER CO-FOUNDER AND CEO CHAINALYSIS Benny, the founder and CEO of Opswat, is a visionary leader who thrives on constant innovation. His days start early, around 5 or 6 a.m., often with a cycling or boxing session. “Exercise sets the tone for my day. If I miss it, something feels off ,” he says. At 17, Benny built his fi rst tech product— an irrigation system on fl oppy disks—a sign of his knack for solving complex problems. Today, he heads Opswat, a company dedicated to critical infrastructure protection with a sharp focus on the Middle East. “The investment in AI and infrastructure here is incredible. The region has immense potential,” he notes. What drives Benny is more than just technology—it’s watching his team grow. “One of our interns from 17 years ago is now our Head of Product. That’s what makes me proud,” he refl ects. Despite his success, Benny is pragmatic. “Perfectionism is overrated. Progress is what matters,” he says. His leadership continues to push Opswat forward, with ambitious AI projects and acquisitions on the horizon. When not steering the company, Benny takes to the skies, piloting planes—a perfect metaphor for his ability to navigate the fast-evolving tech world. BENNY CZARNY FOUNDER AND CEO OPSWAT Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 6930/09/2024 16:16Next >