“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.”
Leading the Future
WelcometoCIOLook’sspecialeditionof
Middle East’s Top Pioneering Business Leaders to Watch in 2025
Aswenavigateaworlddefinedbyrapidinnovation, economictransformation,andarenewedfocuson sustainablegrowth,thiseditionisacelebrationofthe visionarieswhoarenotonlyleadingtheirindustriesbut alsoreshapingthefutureoftheregion.TheMiddleEast standsatauniqueintersectionoftraditionanddisruption —andtheleadersfeaturedinthiseditionembodythat balancewithremarkableclarityandpurpose.
Fromtechdisruptorsandgreenenergychampionsto architectsofdigitaleconomiesandinclusivegrowth,these trailblazersreflectthedynamicspiritoftheregion.Their
storiesofresilience,ambition,andingenuityofferinsights intowhatittakestoleadinatimeofcomplexityand change.Whatunitesthemallistheirunwavering commitmenttoimpact—notjustwithintheir organizations,butacrossthebroadersocialandeconomic fabricoftheircommunities.
Thiseditiongoesbeyondtitlesandaccomplishments.It’s aboutthemindset,themission,andthemomentsthat defineleadershipinthemodernMiddleEast.Whether you'reanaspiringentrepreneur,anindustryveteran,oran observerofregionalgrowth,wehopetheseprofilesinspire andinform.
Aswelooktoward2025andbeyond,onethingisclear: thefuturewillbeshapedbyboldideasandthecourageous leaderswhodaretobringthemtolife.
MichaelWayne
16
20 From Silicon Valley to Global Entrepreneurial Leader
Visionary Strategies How Top Business LeadersAre Transforming the Middle East Economy
Business Leaders of Tomorrow
Emerging Business Leaders Reshaping Middle Eastern Markets
N T E N T S
Editor-in-Chief
Deputy Editor Anish Miller
Managing Editor Prince Bolton DESIGN
Visualizer Dave Bates
Art & Design Director Davis Mar n
Associate Designer Jameson Carl SALES
Senior Sales Manager Wilson T., Hunter D.
Customer Success Manager Nelson M.
Sales Execu ves Tim, Smith
TECHNICAL
Technical Head Peter Hayden
Technical Consultant Victor Collins
Research Analyst Eric Smith
SEO Execu ve Alen Spencer
www facebook.com/ciolook/ www.x.com/ciolookmagazine
Email info@ciolook com For Subscrip on www.ciolook.com CONTACTUSON
Copyright © 2025 CIOLOOK, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmi ed in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from CIOLOOK. Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK. FOLLOWUSON WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON
BillaBhandari Founder
Business Leaders
Billa
C O V E R S T O R Y
From Silicon Valley to Global Entrepreneurial Leader
Consuming a broad set of information about the world, history, politics, culture, religion, business, events, and human activity helps him synthesize unique patterns and gain actionable insights.”
"Innovation
distinguishes between a leader and a follower."
-SteveJobs
MichaelGale'sjourneyfromatechentrepreneur inSiliconValleytoaGlobalLeaderin investmentbankingandwealthmanagementis atestamenttothepowerofinnovationandadaptability.In themid-nineties,hefoundhimselfattheepicenterof technologicalandfinancialconvergenceinSanFrancisco. SiliconValley,rapidlybecomingtheglobalhubfor technologyandventurecapital,providedhimwith invaluableinsightsintothestart-upecosystem.
Hisexperiencesnavigatingtheentrepreneurialjourney, frominitialfundingroundstoIPOs,equippedhimwitha deepunderstandingoftheventurecapitallandscape.This knowledgefueledhisdesiretosupportotherentrepreneurs, leadingtothefoundingofoneofthefirsttwoVenture CatalystsinSiliconValley
Michael'stransitionintoinvestmentbankingandwealth managementwasanaturalevolutionofhisentrepreneurial endeavors.BybuildingtheVentureCatalystandworking withnumeroushigh-growthcompanies,hebecamea sought-afteradvisorforinvestorslookingtocapitalizeon emergingopportunities.Hisuniqueapproach,focusingon helpingentrepreneursgrowandexitsuccessfulcompanies, sethimapartintheindustry
AstheGroupCEOofTheEntrepreneursGroup,Michael emphasizestheimportanceoftrust,integrity,and innovation.Hisleadershipstyle,characterizedby empoweringhisteamandfosteringacultureof collaboration,hasbeeninstrumentalindrivingthe company'ssuccessinacompetitivemarket.
InfluencesofSiliconValley
Michael’sexperiencesasatechentrepreneurinSilicon Valleysignificantlyinfluencedhistransitiontoinvestment bankingandwealthmanagement.Inthemid-nineties,he foundhimselfinSanFrancisco,wheretechnology,ideas, andfinancewereconverging.SiliconValleyquickly becametheglobalhubfortechnologyandventurecapital, exposingMichaeltothestart-upjourneyfromfriendsand familyroundstoseedandangelinvestors,venturecapital, institutionalinvesting,tradesales,mezzaninerounds,and IPOs.
Understandingtheentrepreneurialjourneyandits intersectionwithventurecapitalledhimtosharehis
insightswithotherentrepreneurs.Hefoundedoneofthe firsttwoVentureCatalystsinSiliconValley,helping entrepreneursbecomecapital-readyduringthedot-com boom.
EvolutiontoInvestmentBanking
“Through building the Venture Catalyst and working with hundreds of high-growth companies, I naturally evolved into an investment banker through a non-traditional path. Over many years, investors increasingly sought my help in investing in high-growth companies, which naturally led to wealth management.” SaysMichelabouthisevolution.
Heneversetouttobeaninvestmentbankerorwealth manager;hisfocuswasalwaysonhelpingentrepreneurs growandexitgreatcompanies.Hisuniqueapproachand deepunderstandingoftheentrepreneurialecosystem allowedhimtotransitionseamlesslyintotheseroles, providingvaluablesupporttoentrepreneursandinvestors alike.
LeadingTheEntrepreneursGroup
MichaelbelievesthatthemostcriticalaspectofleadingThe EntrepreneursGrouptosuccessinacompetitiveand innovativemarketisthestrengthofitsteam.“I have learned to balance control with trust, recognizing that a harmonious work environment—where individuals can truly be themselves while performing their tasks—naturally fosters trust. Without trust, scaling a business is impossible.”
have learned to balance control with trust, recognizing that a harmonious work environment where individuals can truly be themselves while performing their tasks naturally fosters trust. Without trust, scaling a business is impossible.”
Heemphasizestheimportanceoflettinggoof micromanagementandallowinghisteamthefreedomto givetheirbest.Leadingbyexamplewithconsistencyand dedication,hecultivatestrustandmaintainspositiveenergy withintheorganization,ensuringitscontinuedsuccess.
SupportingEntrepreneurs
MichaelwasinspiredtobuildTheEntrepreneursGroupasa platformthatsupportsentrepreneursthroughouttheir growthjourney WhileSiliconValleyhasfostered technologyandventurecapital,innovationisoccurring everywhere,andventurecapitalhasspreadglobally
However,theventurecapitalmodeluniquetotheUSand SiliconValleydoesn'talwaystranslatewelloutsideofit.
“The Entrepreneurs Group is a convergence of like-minded individuals aligned around a shared vision to make capital and financial services accessible and personalized. The team believes in values like integrity, growth, and ethical business, bringing their unique global experiences to support a fresh approach.”
QualitiesinTeamMembers
Michaellooksforuniquequalitiesinhisteamtodrive innovationandcreateaworld-classplatformlikeThe EntrepreneursGroup.Headmiresstrongpersonalitieswho combinetheheartofalionwiththegraceofagazelle. Buildingabusinessrequiresvulnerabilityandbalancing betweensuccessandfailure,leadingtohumility.
Heseeksvisionarieswhoaretryingtofutureproofthe industrybythinkingaboutthenextevolutionofcapitalism. Hevaluesindividualswhostrivetogivetheirbestanddo notbelieveinshortcuts,ensuringthattheteamiscomposed ofdedicatedandforward-thinkingprofessionals.
GlobalBusinessApproach
WorkingindiverseregionslikeAsia,Europe,theMiddle East,andSiliconValleyhasprofoundlyshapedMichael's approachtobusinessandleadership.Eachregionbrings uniquechallenges,culturalnuances,andopportunities.In Asia,helearnedthevalueoflong-termvisionandpatience, whileEuropetaughthimtheimportanceofblending innovationwithtradition.
TheMiddleEastemphasizedtheroleofpersonal connectionsinbusiness,andSiliconValleyhighlightedthe powerofinnovationandanopenmindsettoward disruption.TheseexperienceshavemadeMichaela flexible,adaptable,andgloballymindedleader,capableof navigatingdifferentculturesandleadingwithintegrity, humility,andtrust.
ManagingWork-LifeBalance
Michaelacknowledgesthatmanagingahealthywork-life balanceisatrickyquestionoftenasked.Hebelievesthereis nowork-lifebalance,onlyalifeofbalanceoralifewithout it.Hefocusesondevelopinghimselfasanindividualand maintainingapositivemindsetathomeandwork,despite theblurredlinesbetweentheserealms.
The Entrepreneurs Group is a convergence of like-minded individuals aligned around a shared vision to make capital and financial services accessible and personalized. The team believes in values like integrity, growth, and ethical business, bringing their unique global experiences to support a fresh approach.”
Atthisstageofhislife,Michaeliscomfortableinhisown skinandhasneverbeenhappier.Heemphasizesthe importanceofnevergivingupondreamsandfindingthe rightmentor,channels,andteamtohelpachievethem, ensuringpersonalandprofessionalfulfillment.
StayingUpdated
Michaelkeepshimselfupdatedwiththefast-growing financialservicesandentrepreneurialecosystemsacrossthe globebyengagingwithpeopleandgainingabird'seye perspective.Hebelievesthathumanbeingsarepattern recognitionenginesanddowellwhenexposedtovarious experiences.
“Consuming a broad set of information about the world, history, politics, culture, religion, business, events, and human activity helps him synthesize unique patterns and
Having a clear vision and purpose is vital for guiding decisions and staying focused during challenges. Adaptability is crucial in a constantly evolving business landscape, with new technologies, market shifts, and regulations.”
gain actionable insights.” Michaelvaluestheknowledge andperspectivesofpeoplefromallwalksoflife,including taxidrivers,whooftenprovidevaluableinsightsinto popularcultureandcurrentevents.
AdviceforEntrepreneurs
Forentrepreneurslookingtoscaletheirventuresinthe complexfinancialsector,Michaeladvisesfocusingonthree keypillars:clarity,adaptability,andrelationships. “Having a clear vision and purpose is vital for guiding decisions and staying focused during challenges. Adaptability is crucial in a constantly evolving business landscape, with new technologies, market shifts, and regulations.”
Furthermore,headvicesbuildinggenuine,long-lasting relationshipswithclients,investors,andpartnersis essential,asthefinancialworldisbuiltontrust. Surroundingoneselfwithateamofexpertswho complementstrengthsandchallengegrowthisalso importantfornavigatingthecomplexitiesoftheindustry.
Long-TermGoals
Michael'slong-termgoalsforTheEntrepreneursGroup includebuildingasustainableorganizationthatservesasa one-stopdestinationforentrepreneursatanystageoftheir
growthjourney.Heaimstosimplifytheinteractionwiththe financialsectorandsupportentrepreneursinasmuchof theirjourneyaspossible.
BeingbasedinAbuDhabiallowsTheEntrepreneursGroup tobeatthecenterofthecurrentshiftinentrepreneurship andgrowth,intersectingwell-establishedandnewerhighgrowtheconomies.HeenvisionsTheEntrepreneursGroup asthefirst-placeentrepreneursturntoforsupportand guidancethroughouttheirgrowthjourney
LegacyandImpact
Reflectingonhisjourneyandachievements,Michaelhopes toleavealegacyofmeaningfulimpactintechnology, finance,andentrepreneurship.Intechnology,heaimsto advancethewayspeopleconnect,collaborate,and innovate,usingtechtosolvereal-worldproblemsand improvelives.Infinance,hewantstoshiftthefocusfrom treatingfinancialmanagementasacommoditytoseeingit asatoolforgrowthandopportunity.
Asanentrepreneur,Michaelhopestoinspireotherstotake risks,embracefailureasalearningexperience,andlead withintegrityandempathy.Hebelievesincreatinglasting valueandusingbusinessasaforceforgood.
Tanping Wang Senior Director, ML and AI Development
Jacqueline Karlin Senior Director of AI Product PayPal
Venkatesh Shivanna
Shardul Desai
Sandeep Jha
Eleonore Fournier-Tombs
Kailash Thiyagarajan
Naresh Dulam
How Top Business Leaders Are Transforming the Middle East Economy
MiddleEastisalsoexperiencingarevolutionary
economicrevolutioninthehandsofbusiness leaderswhoareindustrytransformers,innovation leaders,andguidingtheirbusinesstowardsustainability.In sectorssuchasenergyandtechnology,aviationandproperty, theleadersarespearheadingdiversificationandcreatingan oil-basedeconomy
EnergySector:TowardsSustainability
TheenergysectorcontinuestobethebackboneoftheMiddle EasteconomybutischangingwiththelikesofSaudiAramco CEOAminNasser.Nasserhasnotonlybeenaleaderin innovationbutaleaderinsustainabilitytoo,making investmentsincleanerenergyandevencutting-edge technologysuchasrenewableusesandcrudeoil-to-chemicals technology.SaudiAramcobecomesagloballeaderin sustainableenergytransformationduetohisvisionarystance towardsinnovationandefficiency.
Aviation:CreatingGlobalGiants
Aviationindustryhasbeenrevolutionizedbynamessuchas AdelAli,CEOAirArabia,andPaulGriffiths,CEODubai Airports.AlirevolutionizedAirArabiaasalow-costcarrierin theMENAregionbyleadingtherevenuegrowthwithout impactingprofitability.GriffithshasrevolutionizedDubai Airportsasatransporthuboftheworldbyinvestingin infrastructureandnewmodels,demonstratingthatMiddle Eastbusinessesarecapableofcompetingonaglobalscale.
RealEstate:UrbanVisionaryDevelopment
RealestatevisionarieslikeMohamedAlabbarhaveseen metropoliscityscapesforcitieslikeDubaiandAbuDhabi. Alabbar’sjointventurewithEmaarPropertieshascreated signatureskyscrapersandluxuryventuresthatturnDubai intoarealestatehub.Hisabilitytopredicttrendsinthereal estatemarketandhisforaysintoretail,e-commerce,and hospitalityareallproofofhisstrategicacumen.
Technology:DrivingDigitalTransformation
Technologyisalsooneofthecatalystsforeconomic diversification.e&GroupCEOHatemDowidarhasled telecomsandtechnologyinnovation,propellinglocal businessontoglobalstages.MiddleEasternCEOsare embracinggenerativeAIforbusinesstocreatevalue.The MiddleEast’sAIeconomywillbetransformedradicallyin thenextseveralyears.
FemaleLeadership:BreakingBarriers
Womenleadersarealsoappearinginthedevelopmentof theMiddleEasteconomy.LubnaOlayan,CEOofOlayan FinancingCompany,hasbeenafirmadvocateofdiversity intheSaudiArabiaworkforce.NoorSweid,co-founderof GlobalVentures,hasbeentheUAEventurecapitaland entrepreneurshiptrailblazer.Itisanindicationofhowmore womenareenteringthebusinessworldintheregionthat thesewomenarenowsurfacingontheleadershipstageas well.
SocialResponsibilityandSustainability
CEOsthemselvesalsobeganlookingbeyondprofittodayto considersocialresponsibilityaswell.Forexample,Kabir Mulchandani,whoownsFIVEHotels&Resorts,advocates forphilanthropyandenvironmentalresponsibilityin business.Thisispartofgreaterregionaleffortsatbalancing economicgrowthandthedestructionoftheenvironment.
EconomicDiversification:AStrategicImperative
MiddleEasterneconomiesareacceleratingdiversification awayfromoildependence.Theirgovernmentsarefocusing onsectorssuchastourism,logistics,healthcare,and renewableenergytocreatejobsandreducehydrocarbon dependence.Forinstance,AbdulAzizAlGhurair’s EmiratisationinAlGhurairInvestmentisnotjustabout buildinglocalhumancapitalbutalsoaboutdriving sustainabilityobjectives.
OptimismAmidGlobalChallenges
Whilethereisglobaleconomicstressintheformof inflationandgeo-politicaltensions,CEOsintheMiddle Eastareoptimisticaboutgrowth.Thatisduetothefactthat thereisinnovationthroughdigitization,decarbonization, andmodernizationacrossmostsectors.
GlobalInfluence:ShapingInternationalBusiness
MiddleEasternbusinessleadersincreasinglydominatethe world.Theirvisibilityontheglobalstagesandinalliances isproofthattheyarejustascompetentathandlingcomplex geopoliticsastheyareathandlinggrowth.Suchglobal exposureisthereasonwhytheregionisincreasingly becomingabusinesscenter
Conclusion
VisionarybusinessleadersareleadingMiddleEast economicreforms.Theyareusingtechnology, sustainability,andsmartinnovationtorevolutionize businessesandaddressproblemsofsociety.Theyputthe regiononthepathtosustainableprosperityandleadingthe globaleconomy
Business Leaders of
Emerging Business Leaders Reshaping Middle Eastern Markets
TheMiddleEast,whichhistoricallyhasbeenrichinoilreserves,hasbeen
experiencingasuddenchangeinthepastfewyears.Theemergenceof newbusinessleadersistakingcenterstageinredefiningthemarkets, reversingthetrendfromoildependencetodiversifiedeconomiesfueledby innovation,technology,andsustainability.Notonlyarethesenewbusinessleaders transformingindustries,buttheyarealsoopeningthedoorsforgenerationsto comeofentrepreneurswithintheregion.
The
EmergenceofaNewGenerationofBusinessLeaders
Traditionally,theMiddleEasteconomyhasbeendependentonoilexports.Asthe worldturnstocleanerenergysourcesanddiversificationisnolongeroptional,a newgenerationofbusinessleadershasemerged.Theseleadersaremoreandmore motivatedbytheaspirationtocreatesustainablebusinessesthatwillsurvivethe post-oilworld.Theyaredevelopinginnovativesolutionstorespondtoissueslike climatechange,unemployment,andeconomicdiversification,whicharetop prioritiesforgovernmentsintheregion.
Mostofthesebusinessleadersbelongtoanewgenerationthatiswell-educated, internationallynetworked,andambitious.Theyareknowledgeableaboutthe newesttechnologiesandtrendsandkeentomaketheirmarkinahistorically conservativemarketplace.Thisrevolutionisnotjustbeingwitnessedinthe traditionalbusinesscentersofDubai,Riyadh,andDohabutisalsobeingobserved insmaller,newermarketslikeBahrainandOman.
BusinessLeadersAdoptingTechnologicalInnovation
OneoftheprimeattributesofthenewgenerationofMiddleEasternbusiness leadersistechnologyandinnovation.Theleadersaremoreandmoreadopting digitaltransformation,withaspecificinterestinartificialintelligence(AI), blockchain,andfintech.Thehealthydriveoftheregiontobecomeaglobal technologyhubisareflectionofbusinessleadersadoptingtechnological transformation.
Dubai,forexample,hasattractedtechentrepreneursbecauseofitsgeographical location,pro-businesspolicies,andinvestmentsinadvancedinfrastructure. EntrepreneurssuchasCareem'sfounderMudassirSheikhaandSouq.com'scofoundersRonaldoMouchawarandSamihToukanarethebestexamplesofpeople whohaveusedtechnologytobuildsuccessfulcompaniesthatarenowhousehold names.
MiddleEasternbusinessleadersarealsoworkingtowards creatingsmartcities,wheretechnologycanbeutilizedto makecitiesmoresustainableandefficient.DubaiSmart CityandtheestablishmentofNeominSaudiArabiaare clearsignsofhowthesevisionarybusinessleadersare creatingthefutureofcitieswithtechinnovation.
SustainabilityandSocialImpact
Asnecessaryastechnologyis,however,manyofthenew businessleadersintheMiddleEastarealsoputtingahigh priorityonsustainabilityandsocialresponsibility As concernabouttheenvironmentgrows,theseleadersare lookingforwaystoincorporatesustainableprocessesinto theiroperations,fromcuttingcarbonfootprintstoinvesting inalternativeenergy.
Forinstance,theUAE'sMasdarGroup,spearheadedby businesspersonswhoareenthusiastaboutrenewableenergy, hasexcelledinthesolarenergysector.Inasimilarmanner, businesspersonswithintheregionaresupportingwaterconservingstartups,waste-managementstartups,and environment-friendlyproductcompanies.TheArabYouth ClimateMovement,spearheadedbyyoung businesspersons,isanotherexampleofabottom-up movementthatisbringingsustainablechangetothe environmentallandscapeintheregion.
Equally,socialentrepreneurshipispickingpace.Corporate CEOsarenotmerelyconcernedwithturningaprofit,but theyalsoaimtomeetsocietalchallengesintheareasof poverty,education,andmedicine.Thechairmanofthe socialenterprise'TheRedCrescent'isanexampleofan entrepreneurwhohascontributedsignificantlyingathering resourcestowardsfulfillinghumanitarianservicesregionwide.
GlobalizationandMarketExpansion
MiddleEasternbusinessexecutivesarealsoincreasingly lookingoutwardfromtheboundariesoftheirhomenations. Asglobalizationcontinuestocreatenewpossibilities,these executivesaretakingtheirbusinesses abroadintointernationalmarkets.ThesuccessofEmirates AirlinesandAramex,bothofwhichhaveexpandedinto globalcompanies,isproofoftheinternationalvisionof MiddleEasternbusinessleaders.
Businessleadersarealsoventuringintonewbusinessareas, suchastourism,realestate,andentertainment.Saudi Arabia'sVision2030todiversifythekingdom'seconomy beyondoilhasdrawnmanybusinessleaders,whoare developingprojectsthatwilltransformSaudiArabia's economicmap.Theconstructionofenormousentertainment centersandtheopeningofthekingdomtoforeigntourism arethrillingnewprospectsinaregionpreviouslydefinedby oilriches.
ChallengesConfrontingEmergingBusinessLeaders
Notwithstandingthenewgrowthanddevelopment, emergingbusinessleadersintheMiddleEastcontinueto encounterchallenges.Thepoliticalinstabilityoftheregion, volatilityofoilprices,andregulatorychallengescanpose challengestothoseattemptingtoestablishnewventures. Additionally,venturecapitalaccessislow,andmostyoung entrepreneurslackthefundingtotaketheirbusinessesto scale.
Culturalconsiderations,suchastraditionalsocialmoresand restrictedgenderequityinthelaborforce,arealso obstacles.Buttheemerginggenerationofbusinessleaders ismakingagrowingcallformoreinclusionanddiversity, seekingtoerodetheseobstaclesinbusinessandsociety.
Conclusion:ABrightFutureforMiddleEastern Markets
RisingbusinessleadersintheMiddleEastareatthe forefrontoftransformingtheregion'smarkets.Withtheir innovation,technologicalshifts,andemphasison sustainability,theyarepropellingeconomicdiversification andsettingthestageforamoresustainablefuturewith reduceddependenceonoil.Althoughtherearechallenges, theincreasingpoolofvisionaryleadersdedicatedtodriving meaningfulchangeintheregionpromisesaprosperous futureforMiddleEasternmarkets.
Asbusinessleaderscontinuetobreakbarriers,theMiddle Eastwillnotonlyremainacentralfigureintheworld economybutalsogrowintoaninnovationhub,a sustainablehub,andanentrepreneurialhub.Theinfluence ofthesebusinessleaderswillbeseenforgenerationsto comeandwillreshapethefutureoftheregionandthe world.
“The very essence of leadership is that you have to have vision. You can't blow an uncertain trumpet.”
