< PreviousTHE POWER LIST 70 Edge/ October 2024 Siddhartha Bhatia, Area Vice President and General Manager for Dataiku in the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa, has built a career blending a passion for technology with leadership. Originally from India, Bhatia launched Dataiku’s regional operations fi ve years ago and has overseen signifi cant growth. His leadership focuses on empowering teams and fostering innovation. “Leadership isn’t about directing; it’s about empowering others to succeed,” he says. Admiring leaders like Satya Nadella for their inclusive approach, Bhatia champions adaptabilit y over per fec tionism. “Execution is everything,” he believes. Bhatia’s approach to leadership is rooted in his belief that technology is a tool for real-world problem-solving, He led the integration of AI-driven analytics across multiple industries, helping organisations shift from reactive to predictive decision- making. “We’re transforming how businesses operate, unlocking new growth opportunities,” he explains. SIDDHARTHA BHATIA AREA VICE PRESIDENT & GENERAL MANAGER META - MIDDLE EAST, TURKEY & AFRICA DATAIKU David Boast, Managing Director for MENA at Endava, grew up surrounded by technology. From electric typewriters to gaming consoles, tech was a constant presence. “My dad and brother sparked my interest in tech,” he says, recalling how he built his fi rst x386-based PC at 13. His unconventional journey saw him drop out of college at 17 to manage a computer shop. “That ’s where my passion for s o l v i n g p r o b l e m s evo l ve d i n to people management,” Boast refl ects. This passion guided him through a career spanning 25 years, primarily in fi nancial services and payments, before joining Endava. At Endava, Boast is focused on innovation, including their new AI industry accelerator. “We’re bringing t r ansparenc y and scalabilit y to large language models, addressing complex challenges across sectors like healthcare and fi nancial services,” he explains. Boast values leading from the front with energy and humility. “Surrounding myself with smart people and removing roadblocks is key,” he says. DAVID BOAST MANAGING DIRECTOR EMEA, ENDAVA Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7030/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 71 Vibhu Kapoor, Epicor’s Regional Vice President for the Middle East, Africa, and India, has always been deeply connected to technology. From his childhood fascination with gadgets to being one of the fi rst Tesla buyers in the region, Kapoor’s passion for innovation is clear. “It wasn’t just about owning the car—it was understanding what it represented,” he says, refl ecting on how tech shapes the future. While not a coder, Kapoor’s impact is profound. His platform “Skill and Able” helps underprivileged communities worldwide by providing training and employment opportunities. “It’s about using technology to create opportunities for those who need it most,” he explains. Kapoor’s current fascination lies in health tech, where he explores how AI and apps can monitor well-being more precisely. “It’s exciting to see how personalised health care can become with the right advancements,” he shares. His approach to technology is rooted in solving global challenges, from reducing inequality to enhancing sustainability. VIBHU KAPOOR REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA AND INDIA EPICOR Kamel Tawil, Managing Director for MENA at Equinix, traces his passion for technology back to his fi rst Atari console. This love grew into a career spanning tech giants like AT&T, EMC, and Oracle. “Gaming was my fi rst foray into tech,” he recalls fondly, recalling his early experiences. After earning his master’s in business studies and computer science, he moved into sales and leadership roles, culminating in his position at Equinix, where he now oversees a region crucial to the global digital economy. At Equinix, Tawil’s work impacts nearly every internet user. “96 per cent of the world’s internet traffi c passes through our data centres daily,” he notes, emphasising how integral their infrastructure is to everyday life—from checking emails to online shopping. Yet, for Tawil, the human element of leadership is paramount. “I spend most of my day engaging with people, whether customers, partners or my teams. It’s about bringing the value of digital infrastructure to life.” Diversity is a crucial focus for Tawil, who takes pride in the gender diversity within Equinix’s MENA operations. KAMEL TAWIL MANAGING DIRECTOR FOR MENA EQUINIX Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7130/09/2024 16:16THE POWER LIST 72 Edge/ October 2024 Cybersecurity is more critical than ever in the rapidly evolving digital landscape of the Middle East, Turkey, and Africa (META). Leading the charge at SentinelOne is Meriam El Ouazzani, Regional Sales Director for META, who sees the region at a pivotal moment. “Digital transformation is happening at such speed that traditional security approaches are no longer enough,” she states. “Our AI-driven platform off ers real- time detection and response, allowing organisations to act within seconds.” El Ouazzani stresses the importance of automation. “With the sheer volume of threats today, manual intervention can’t keep up. SentinelOne’s AI ensures we’re ahead of the curve.” For her, cybersecurity is now about resilience. “It’s not if attacks will happen, but how quickly we can respond and recover. That’s the new battleground,” she adds. With El Ouazzani at the helm, SentinelOne is poised to redef ine how organisations in the META region safeguard their futures. MERIAM EL OUAZZANI REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR META, SENTINELONE Abdul Rehman Tariq But t , Regional Sales Director for the Middle East at SolarWinds, is a Dubai-born tech leader whose journey into the industry was anything but conventional. Despite dropping computer science in high school, Butt’s curiosity about technology was sparked by something as simple as burning CDs. “It was fascinating to see how the technology worked,” he recalls. Starting as a network administrator at Siemens, Butt quickly delved into network infrastructure, eventually leading him to roles at Cisco, Juniper, and now SolarWinds. “My career moves weren’t planned,” he admits, “but they’ve led me to manage teams globally and work with some of the best in the fi eld.” His leadership style is inclusive and built on understanding individual strengths. “I believe in getting feedback and making decisions as a team,” Butt says. Passionate about the fast-evolving tech landscape, he thrives on learning and adapting. For Butt, it’s the excitement of what’s next that keeps him motivated. ABDUL REHMAN TARIQ BUTT REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR ME, SOLARWINDS Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7230/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 73 Avinash Advani, Chief Executive and Founder of CyberKnight, has travelled a global path that began in Muscat, Oman, and now places him at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation in the Middle East. “I consider myself a global citizen,” he refl ects, though his Indian roots and international experiences have shaped his career. From an early fascination with technology—sparked by his father bringing home an Apple Macintosh in the late ‘80s— to founding one of the region’s leading cybersecurity companies, Advani’s journey has been driven by curiosity and ambition. By age 10, he had built his fi rst computer. “I saved my pocket money and bought components one by one, with advice from a kind salesman,” he recalls. This hands-on approach laid the foundation for his tech career, which began at Cisco Systems, but quickly shifted toward entrepreneurship. “I realised my passion was on the business side of technology,” says Advani. At CyberKnight, Advani has been instrumental in driving the adoption of Zero Trust Security across the region, curating solutions for enterprise and government clients. AVINASH ADVANI CHIEF EXECUTIVE AND FOUNDER CYBERKNIGHT Bashar Bashaireh, Vice President for the Middle East and Türkiye at Cloudfl are brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity and tech leadership. Previously, with global giants like Symantec and Fortinet, he joined Cloudfl are to further its mission of building a safer, more reliable internet. “I was drawn to Cloudfl are’s vision of creating a secure and accessible internet for everyone,” Bashaireh explains. His technology journey began with a deep interest in innovation, sparked during his studies in Electrical Engineering. Early roles working with IBM systems and satellite receivers helped him bridge the gap between tech solutions and business needs, turning him into a trusted advisor. Now, at Cloudfl are, Bashaireh leads initiatives like Workers AI and Zero Trust security, empowering businesses to navigate the complex digital landscape. “We’re giving companies the tools to regain control over their environments while improving security,” he says. BASHAR BASHAIREH VICE PRESIDENT FOR THE MIDDLE EAST AND TÜRKIYE CLOUDFLARE Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7330/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST 74 Edge/ October 2024 Federico Pienovi, Chief Business Offi cer & CEO for APAC & MENA at Globant, began his tech journey in Buenos Aires, where a simple PC sparked his curiosity. “I was fascinated by how software could infl uence hardware,” he recalls, a passion that would lead him to a career in software engineering. Now leading Globant’s expansion in the MENA and APAC regions, Pienovi is at the forefront of digital transformation. Under his leadership, the company has launched innovative products, including Hogwarts Legacy and the Intuit Dome’s cutting-edge tech. “We constantly push the boundaries of what technology can do,” he says. For Pienovi, the MENA region is crucial to Globant’s growth, with the area expanding by 25.1 per cent year-on-year. He attributes his leadership success to adaptability and vision: “Get comfortable with being uncomfortable. Innovation thrives when we push beyond our comfort zones.” Despite his demanding role, Pienovi prioritises balance, starting each day with a gym session and global news. FEDERICO PIENOVI CHIEF BUSINESS OFFICER & CEO APAC & MENA GLOBANT Hozefa Saylawala, Direc tor for the Middle East at Zebra Technologies, discovered his passion for technology during a high school internship. “I was sitting amidst a tech revolution,” he recalls, refl ecting on the moment that set him on an unplanned, yet rewarding, path in the tech world. Now at Zebra, Saylawala leads innovations like 3D sensors and AI- powered industrial scanners, which have helped businesses improve everything from logistics to manufacturing. “We empower workers at the edge of the business with real-time solutions,” he explains. Saylawala’s leadership style focuses on collaboration and fostering creativity within his teams. “Curiosity, agility, and transformation are key traits for a leader in this industry,” he notes. Outside of work, he fi nds balance in nature, hiking and kayaking to recharge. Despite the rapid pace of technological advancements, Saylawala remains grounded, always fi nding inspiration in both the digital and natural worlds. HOZEFA SAYLAWALA DIRECTOR MIDDLE EAST ZEBRA TECHNOLOGIES Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7430/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 75 Mudassir Sheikha, the CEO and Co-Founder of Careem, grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, where his early fascination with technology began. He later moved to the United States, earning a degree in economics and computer science from the University of Southern California and a master’s in computer science from Stanford. His tech career started in Silicon Valley, working with seed-stage software and internet companies. After gaining experience in the U.S., Sheikha returned to Pakistan and co- founded DeviceAnywhere, which Keynote later acquired in 2008. His journey then led him to Dubai, where he joined McKinsey & Company, sharpening his strategic skills in management consulting. In 2012, Sheikha partnered with Magnus Olsson, a former McKinsey colleague, to launch Careem. Their goal was more than just business; they aimed to create a platform to simplify and improve lives. Careem rapidly grew to become the leading technology platform in the Middle East, operating in over 120 cities across 15 countries. Despite Careem’s success, Sheikha remains hands-on. MUDASSIR SHEIKHA CEO AND CO-FOUNDER CAREEM In the fast-paced world of food delivery, few have risen as swiftly as Tomaso Rodriguez, Talabat’s newly appointed CEO. A seasoned entrepreneur and venture capitalist, Rodriguez has carved out a niche in the dynamic landscape of online service platforms, bringing him a wealth of global experience. From the streets of Singapore to the shores of the Mediterranean, he’s built a reputation for scaling food delivery giants into market leaders. At Grab, Southeast Asia’s tech titan, Rodriguez steered the company’s food division to dizzying heights, overseeing an expansion that spanned 200 cities in 18 months. Before that, his hand guided UberEATS across the Asia-Pacifi c region, where his sharp strategic eye shaped the company’s regional presence. In his new role at Talabat, Rodriguez faces perhaps his greatest challenge: fortifying the brand’s leadership across the Middle East and North Africa. His vision, as he puts it, is simple yet ambitious: “Our mission is to help people and communities enjoy moments that matter through technology.” TOMASO RODRIGUEZ CEO TALABAT Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7530/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST 76 Edge/ October 2024 From the outset, Lin Kayser and Josefi ne Lissner, the co-founders of LEAP 71, shared a bold vision: to revolutionise engineering through autonomous design. Their Dubai-based company recently took a signifi cant leap forward with the successful test fi ring of a liquid rocket engine created entirely by Noyron, their large computational engineering model. For Kayser, the test confirmed a paradigm shift in our approach to design. “The fact that the Noyron thruster operated nominally on the fi rst try confi rms that the approach is working,” underscoring the potential of computational engineering to accelerate innovation across industries. For Lissner, an aerospace engineer and the company’s Managing Director, this achievement is more than just a technical milestone—it represents a new era in space propulsion. “We can automatically create functional rocket thrusters and directly move to practical validation,” she explained. What traditionally took months or years, LEAP 71 accomplished in under two weeks. LIN KAYSER & JOSEFINE LISSNER FOUNDERS LEAP 71 Mohamad Ballout is the CEO and co-founder of Kitopi, a tech-powered, multi-brand restaurant platform founded in Dubai in January 2018. Under his leadership, Kitopi has grown into a food tech giant, operating over 200 locations across the Middle East with a workforce of more than 5,000. His strategic direction and innovative approach were instrumental in turning Kitopi into a unicorn by 2021, following a $415 million funding round led by SoftBank. Ballout’s diverse career includes leadership roles at Ripples Capital and BMB Group, experiences that paved the way for his entrepreneurial journey. He holds a Master of Science in Management from Imperial College London and a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Warwick, combining management expertise with strong analytical skills. Through his vision, Kitopi has become the world’s leading managed cloud kitchen platform, revolutionising the food delivery industry and setting new standards for the sector. MOHAMAD BALLOUT CEO KITOPI Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7630/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 77 Abdulaziz Fahad Al Jouf, known as “AA,” is the visionary founder of PayTabs, a Saudi-based payment processing company he launched in 2014 after struggling to fi nd a suitable gateway for one of his startups. His solution quickly transformed into a fi ntech powerhouse for SMEs in the MENA region, backed by Saudi Aramco’s Wa’ed program and attracting a $20 million investment by 2016. Before PayTabs, Al Jouf built a diverse career at Saudi Aramco and pursued studies in IT and business in the U.S. His leadership has earned PayTabs recognition as one of the top fi ntech startups in the Middle East, with its mobile app ranked among the top 15 in the MENA region in 2021. Under Al Jouf’s leadership, PayTabs has consistently garnered accolades, including being named one of the top 10 funded startups in the Middle East in 2020. The company is also among 15 Saudi startups poised to achieve unicorn status, according to the Monshaat Entrepreneurship Department. His vision for PayTabs goes beyond just payments; he aims to make fi ntech more accessible. ABDULAZIZ FAHAD AL JOUF FOUNDER PAYTABS Khaled Nuseibeh, newly appointed CEO of Hala, steps into his role with a wealth of experience and a clear vision for the future of smart mobility in Dubai. Having spent fi ve years as General Manager for Emerging Markets and the GCC at Careem, Nuseibeh brings a proven track record of success across nine key markets, including Qatar, Kuwait, and Morocco. His leadership saw Careem Qatar grow fi vefold in just 12 months, and he achieved record reliability and market share across the region. Hala, the joint venture between the RTA and Careem, has transformed how people move around Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. It off ers an aff ordable, tech-powered taxi service that has grown exponentially since its launch in 2019. Under Nuseibeh’s leadership, the company aims to build on its success, further enhancing customer experience and reliability while continuing to drive smart mobility forward in the UAE. Khaled’s approach to leadership is deeply rooted in his belief that people are at the heart of any successful business. Described as a ‘true people person,’ he empowers his team to excel, fostering a culture of growth and innovation. KHALED NUSEIBEH CEO HALA Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7730/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST 78 Edge/ October 2024 Mounir Nakhla, a seasoned entrepreneur, has built his career at the intersection of fi nance and technology. As Co-Founder and CEO of MNT-Halan, Africa’s fi rst unicorn of 2023 and Egypt’s fi rst private tech fi rm to surpass the $1 billion mark, he has driven the fi ntech boom in the MENA region. MNT-Halan is Egypt’s leading fi ntech ecosystem and the largest lender to the unbanked and underbanked, reshaping fi nancial inclusion for millions. With over 15 years of experience in the telecoms and technology, Nakhla has become a key figure in Africa’s tech landscape, recognised for his contributions to the continent’s digital growth. His ventures in microfi nancing have empowered SMEs and individuals, furthering his reputation as a visionary in emerging markets. Nakhla’s leadership at MNT-Halan has revolutionised access to fi nance in Egypt and positioned the company as a trailblazer in the region’s rapidly expanding fi ntech sector. Under his guidance, the firm has grown into a comprehensive ecosystem, off ering everything from lending and digital payments to e-commerce solutions. MOUNIR NAKHLA CO-FOUNDER & CEO MNT-HALAN Ahmad Al-Zaini, Co-Founder and CEO of FOODICS, has played a crucial role in reshaping the MENA region’s F&B sector through technology. Since founding FOODICS in 2014, Al-Zaini has transformed the platform into the leading cloud-based tech and payments ecosystem for restaurants in Saudi Arabia and beyond. Initially focused on streamlining res t aurant operations, FOODIC S has grown into a comprehensive management and f intech platform, empowering businesses to run more effi ciently. Under Al-Zaini’s leadership, FOODICS raised $170 million in MENA’s largest SaaS Series C funding round, backed by global investors like Prosus and Sanabil Investments. With over 600 employees and offi ces across the region, the platform has processed over six billion orders, solidifying its place as a leading SaaS company. Al-Zaini continues to shape the region’s tech landscape, serving as a board advisor, business consultant, and angel investor in various startups, while staying active in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. AHMAD AL-ZAINI CO-FOUNDER AND CEO FOODICS Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7830/09/2024 16:17THE POWER LIST Edge/ October 2024 79 Islam Shawky, Co-founder and CEO of Paymob, has been instrumental in shaping the future of digital payments in the MENA region. While studying mechanical engineering at the American University in Cairo, Shawky, alongside fellow students Mostafa Menessy and Alain El Hajj, co- founded Paymob in 2015 to address the growing gap in Egypt’s digital payments infrastructure. His vision to build the backbone of the digital economy has propelled Paymob’s expansion into Egypt, the UAE, KSA, Oman, and Pakistan, where it now processes millions of transactions worth billions annually. Under Shawky’s leadership, Paymob has rapidly become one of the fastest- growing fi ntech companies in the region. It serves over 250,000 merchants and has secured $68.5 million in funding from high- profi le investors, including PayPal Ventures and Kora Capital. Forbes Middle East has recognised Paymob as a top regional fi ntech company for three consecutive years, and It is at the forefront of fi nancial inclusion in MENAP. Named a Forbes 30 Under 30 game changer in 2021 and an Endeavor Entrepreneur in 2022, Shawky’s infl uence extends beyond Paymob. ISLAM SHAWKY CO-FOUNDER AND CEO PAYMOB Harish Chib, VP of Emerging Markets, Middle East & Africa at Sophos, has always had a deep passion for technology’s ability to transform industries. With a background in computer engineering from India, Harish’s early career focused on networking and security solutions. “From a young age, I was fascinated by how technology could make systems more interconnected and secure,” he recalls. His early work on AAA (Authentication, Authorisation, and Accounting) solutions and Unifi ed Threat Management systems played a pivotal role in shaping his path into cybersecurity. At Sophos, Harish leads eff orts to stay ahead of digital threats with cutting-edge solutions. “Our advancements in XDR and Managed Detection and Response have been crucial in helping businesses protect their operations,” he explains. With a strategic focus on the MENA region, he’s keen to address the growing demand for robust security as digital transformation accelerates. A strong advocate for adaptability and collaboration, Harish refl ects on his journey: “Every challenge and opportunity has taught me valuable lessons. I wouldn’t change a thing.” His leadership at Sophos continues to drive innovation in cybersecurity. HARISH CHIB VP EMERGING MARKETS, MIDDLE EAST & AFRICA SOPHOS Edge_Oct2024_42-79_The Power List_13391269.indd 7930/09/2024 16:17Next >