MAKING IMPOSSIBLE POSSIBLE–
Editorial
Leading with Purpose, Delivering with Impact
Leadershiptodayisn’tabouttitles—it’sabouttransformation.
It’saboutseeingtheunseen,doingwhathasn’tbeendone, andleavingalastingimpactoncommunities,industries,and nations.Inthisexclusivefeature, Most Influential Leader to Look Up To in 2025,weareproudtospotlightanindividualwhoseleadership isbothtimelyandtimeless—Dr.EvgeniyaDudinova,Directorof StrategicProjectsatAgthiaGroupPJSC.
Atamomentwhenglobalfoodsystemsareunderincreasingpressure fromclimatechange,supplychaindisruptions,andgeopolitical uncertainty,Dr.Dudinova’sworkemergesasapowerfulforcefor resilienceandinnovation.HerdedicationtosupportingtheUAE’s nationalfoodsecuritystrategyisnotjustremarkable—it’scritical. ThroughherleadershipatAgthia,oneoftheregion’sleadingfoodand beveragecompanies,shehaschampionedstrategictransformation, sustainability,andfuture-proofinitiativesthataddressbothcurrent challengesandlong-termgoals.
WhatmakesDr.Dudinova’sleadershiptrulyinfluentialisherability tobridgeglobalexpertisewithregionalpriorities.WithaPhDin PoliticalScienceandvastinternationalexperience,shebringsarare combinationofacademicdepth,real-worldpragmatism,andvisionary thinking.Whetherit’sspearheadingESGefforts,drivinginnovation acrossAgthia’sportfolio,oraligningwiththeUAE’svisionforfood sustainability,herapproachisdeeplypurposefulandimpressively results-driven.
Sheembodiesthekindofleadershipthatnotonlysetsdirection—but setsstandards.
Aswerecognizetheleadersshapingtheworldoftomorrow,Dr. Dudinova’sjourneyisapowerfulreminderthatinfluencebeginswith intention—andbecomeslastingthroughaction.Herimpactextends beyondbusinessperformance;ittoucheslives,strengthensnations, andinspiresagenerationtobelieveinwhat’spossible.
Thiseditionisdedicatedtothosewholeadwithclarity,courage,and commitment—andtoDr.EvgeniyaDudinova,aleadertrulyworth lookinguptoin2025andbeyond.
Making Impossible Possible–Dr. Evgeniya Dudinova
Supporting UAE’s Food Security with AGTHIA C O V E R S T O R Y
ARTICLES
Developing Next-Generation Procurement Leadership in the UAE
Essential Skills for Modern Procurement Leadership Excellence
Art
Business
Business
Digital
Co-designer
Marketing
Procurement Director - Commodities
AGTHIA
sourcing,AGTHIAbecameastrongregionalcompetitor, challengingmultinationaltradinghouses.Thecompany maintainedtop-tierqualitystandards,supportedbytheonly GAFTA-approvedlabintheUAE,whileachievingcosteffectiveimportdiversification—expandingfrommilling wheattoincludingBlackSeafeedbarleyandcorn.
WhatsetsDr.Evgeniya’sleadershipapartisherabilityto fostercollaborationovercompetition.Recognizingthe uniquespiritoftheUAE’simportmarket,shefacilitateda strongcooperativerelationshipwithotherkeyplayerslike AlGhurair.Ratherthanvyingfordominance,thetwo leadingmillerssharedstrategicinsights,managedoverlappingrisks,andsupportedeachotherintimesofsupply pressureorlatearrivals.
Hervisionhasreshapedprocurementdynamicsinthe region,transformingAGTHIAintoaresilientandforwardlookingplayerwhilestrengtheningamarketculturebuilton transparency,mutualgrowth,andsharedintelligence.Inher wordsandactions,Dr.Evgeniyacontinuestodemonstrate thatstrategicforesight,operationalexcellence,andtrusted partnershipscanmovemarkets—andfeednations.
ResilienceAmidstGlobalVolatility:Dr.Evgeniya’s StrategicLeadershipatAgthia
AsProcurementDirectorforGrainsandCommoditiesat AgthiaGroupPJSC,Dr.Evgeniyafacesanever-shifting landscapemarkedbyexportbans,geopoliticaltensions,and marketdisruptions.FromRussia’squotasystemstoIndia’s wheatexportrestrictionsandthevolatilityintheBlackand RedSeas,thechallengesareformidable.Yet,herapproach isgroundedinforesightandflexibility.
Unlikepapertrading,wherecontractscanbecanceled underforcemajeure,physicaltradingdemandsrobust contingencyplanning.Dr.Evgeniyameetsthishead-onby diversifyingsourcingstrategiesandalwayspreparing multiplefallbackplans—fromBthroughE.Thisensures continuityinsupplyevenunderworst-casescenarios.
Investmentsintechnology,suchasupgradingBuhler millinglines,haveenhancedtransparencyandoperational efficiency,supportingnewdiversificationeffortsacross flourandfeedprograms.Attheheartofherstrategylies relentlesscollaboration—withinherteamwithglobal suppliers,shippers,surveyors,andportoperators.The GrainDesk’sdailytrackingsystemhasbecomeavitaltool forriskmitigation.
Acknowledgingthecollectivecontributionsofeveryteam memberhasbeenkeytonavigatingcrises—fromthe pandemictotheBlackSeaconflictandRedSeadisruptions. Dr.EvgeniyacreditstheR&DandQAteams,particularly Mrs.MirasolBerjaandMrs.AdnanZafar,forensuring qualityremainsthetoppriorityamidalltransformations andherGrainDesk'sTeam:Mrs.LauraMartinezandMr. MohamedAlKhamiriforsmoothexecutionandgreat resilienceduringsomanyforce-majeuresingrainshipments Agthiawentthrough,especiallyduringlastcoupleofgrain seasons.
TheArtofBalance:Dr.Evgeniya’sDriveandDeterminationBeyondtheTradingFloor
Balancingthehigh-octaneworldofcommodityprocurementwithpersonalwell-beingisnosmallfeat,butforDr Evgeniya,it’sachallengesheembraceswithinfectious energyandpurpose.Sheexpresses,“While some may describe me as a workaholic and demanding perfectionist, I strongly believe in balancing hard work with each step of celebrating accomplishments: big and especially small to encourage other.”
Herformulaforbalanceisstraightforward:“Work hard—celebratesuccessharder.”Behindherrelentlesspace liesabeliefthatcelebratingeventhesmallestmilestones fostersawinningculturewithintheteam.
Shefurtheremphasizes,“Iwouldliketoofferonemore advicetojuniorgraintradersinphysical(notpaper):
Do not be discouraged if your initial attempts do not yield the desired results. View each challenge as an opportunity for growth, both in terms of margins and your broader perspective. Global View – learn and take notes – the market has a tendency to repeat its cycles and patterns. But stay practical and driven by your goals, but never give up, as already mentioned in Mr. Churchill’s speech.”
Dr.Evgeniya’sapproachblendsexperiencewithopenness tonewideas,ensuringthatAGTHIAnotonlykeepspace withtheindustrybutsetsnewbenchmarks.Herleadership provesthatwheninnovationispairedwithpurpose,the resultsresonatefarbeyondthesupplychain.
AVisionRootedinValues:Dr.Evgeniya’sBoldBlueprintforAGTHIA’sFuture
AsbothaseasonedGrainTraderandtheprouddaughterof agrainfarmer,Dr.Evgeniyacarriesadeeplypersonal visionforAGTHIA—onerootedinintegrity,agility,andan unwaveringcommitmenttoquality.Hermissionaligns seamlesslywithsomeofAGTHIA’scoreprinciples,where Agilityensuresfastandadaptiveresponsestomarket volatility,Growthmindsetfuelsunstoppableambition,and Human-centricityfostersanurturingenvironmentwhere everyteammemberisempowered.
SheenvisionsAGTHIAnotjustasamarketleaderbutasa force for good—safeguardingfoodsecuritywhilechampioningtransparencyandinclusivityintheglobalcommoditiestrade.“Wedon’tjustfocusonKPIs,”sheshares.“We focus on a shared responsibility—supporting farmers, suppliers, and consumers alike with a win-win spirit –which is in line with AGTHIA’s promise of doing business “For The Better”.”
Herstrategyinvolvescreatingfairopportunitiesfor emergingsuppliers,offeringthemalevelplayingfield againstlargetradinghouses.Throughrigorousonboarding andmulti-roundnegotiations,AGTHIAhassecuredhighqualitygrainatcompetitiveprices—attimes delivering a
$5–$10 per MT advantage without compromising on quality
Dr.EvgeniyaproudlynotesthatAGTHIAhas zero GAFTA arbitration cases,aremarkablefeatinthevolatilecommoditysector Thisisn’tjustamatteroflegaldiscipline—it’sa reflectionoftrust,mutualrespect,andmeticulousquality controlpracticesakintopharmaceuticalstandards.
“We’re not just trading grain,”sheemphasizes.“We’re building a secure, transparent ecosystem where suppliers thrive, consumers are protected, and every cent matters. That’s the future I see for AGTHIA—sustainable, humandriven, and globally respected.”
TheFinalChapter:ALegacyEtchedinSustainability andService
Dr.Evgeniya’sdedicationtoAGTHIA’ssustainability missionisaspassionateasherleadershipinprocurement. DeeplyalignedwithCOP-28andtheUAE’snationalgoals, shehasbeeninstrumentalinimplementingimpactful initiatives.ShealsopioneeredtheimportofCornFermentedProteinforAGTHIA’sfeedportfolio.This symbolizesthatherstrategiesareenvironmentallyconsciousandeconomicallysmart.
“We don’t just meet standards—we set them,”shesayswith conviction.ForDr.Evgeniya,sustainabilityisn’tacompliancecheckbox;it’sadailydrivepoweredbyinnovation andteamsynergy.“Ifwecanpassonvaluetoourconsumers—certifications,savings,sustainability—wedoit proudlyandforfree.That’souraddedvalue,notour margin.”
Asshereflectsonherlegacy,hervoicedeepenswith emotion.“Mylegacy,”shesays,“isnavigatingAGTHIA throughfourofthemostchallengingyearsinglobalgrain trading—pandemics,geopoliticalrisks,tradeshifts,and supplyshocks.”
FromintroducingUkrainianandBulgarianwheatinto theUAEmarkettomentoringmid-sizedsuppliersinto competitiveexporters,Dr.EvgeniyahasshapedAGTHIA intonotjustabusinessleader—butaresilientbridge betweenfarmers,traders,andconsumers.
Herclosingwordsresonatelikeamantra:“AGTHIA is here not just to trade—but to transform. To nourish the region. To stand firm in every storm. To grow together, always.”
Developing Next-Generation Procurement LeadershipintheUAE
WiththeUnitedArabEmirates(UAE)beingin
theprocessofgrowingitseconomyand increasingitscompetitivenessonthe internationalstage,procurementhasnowemergedasa leadingdriverfornationaldevelopment.Thedaysareover whenprocurementwasrestrictedtocostcontrol,and transactionalefficiencyasprocurementplaysacentralrole nowindrivinginnovation,sustainability,andresiliencein thepublicandprivatesector Withachangedworldledby vision-basedaspirationsliketheUAECentennial2071, procurementleadersmustreinventthemselvestomeetthe needsofadigitallyempowered,highlyinterconnected,and greeneconomy.
TheneedsoffutureprocurementleadersintheUAEarenot merelyabusinessneed—it'sanationalneed.Theymust rebalancethinking,design,andcapabilitiestoconnect procurementtomoreambitiouseconomictransformation goals,fromindustrializationandinfrastructuredevelopment tocleanenergyanddigitalization.
FromOperationaltoStrategicLeadership
Procurementwastraditionallytransactionally—compliance, tendering,andpricenegotiation.Today,next-genUAE leadersarelikelytobehaveasstrategicbusinesspartners. Thatistolinkprocurementobjectiveswithnationaland corporatestrategy,understandmarketbehavior,anddeliver valuethroughoutthesupplychain.
Theshifttostrategicprocurementrequiresleaderswhoare abletothinkend-to-endthroughouttheenterprise, collaboratewithC-suitestakeholders,andanticipateshifts indemand,regulatory,andinternationalsupplymarkets. Theseleadersneedtoprovidecommercialinsightand meaningfullycontributetoinvestment,risk,and sustainabilitychoices.
AdoptingTechnologyandData
DigitalizationisthecornerstoneoftheUAE'sVision2031, andprocurementisnoexception.TheconfluenceofAI, blockchain,predictiveanalytics,andsmartcontractsis transforminghowprocurementfunctionsare performed—fromvendorqualificationandcontract managementtospendanalysisandriskmanagement.
Thenext-generationprocurementleadersthereforemustbe technologicallyaware.Theymustleadtheadoptionofnew
technology,leadchangemanagement,andmakereal-time data-drivendecisions.Intoday'shighlytechnologicalworld intheUAE,particularlyinsectorssuchaslogistics, building,andhealthcare,thecapabilitytoleveragedataand automationasanenabler.
Upskillingindigitalprocurementtechnologies,e-sourcing solutions,andintelligentSRMplatformsisimperative. Beyondtechnologies,leadersmustunderstandhowto obtaininsights,maximizeperformance,andmakedigital strategyfunctioneffectivelywithhumanjudgment.
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BuildingResilienceinanActiveSupplyEnvironment
COVID-19pandemic,localturbulence,andglobal geopoliticshavehighlightedtheneedforsupplychain robustness.FortheUAEasakeyre-exportcenterand gatewayfortrade,theassuranceofsupplychains' adaptabilityandrobustnessisofstrategicimportance.
Thenextgenerationofprocurementleaderswillneedto havetheabilityforriskmanagement,diversificationofthe supplybase,andscenarioplanning.
Theseincludeidentificationofareasofsupplychainrisk, creatingalternativesourcingbasesforsuppliers(geographic andglobal)andengaginginpartnershipswithregulatorsto obtainunconstrictedflowsoftrade.Thedriversofdomestic manufacturingandlocalizationofsupply,fueledbynational industrialpolicies,alsonecessitateleaderstohavethe capacitytocreatesustainable,locally-tailoredprocurement systems.
SustainabilityasaLeadershipImperative
ThroughplansliketheUAENetZero2050strategyand expansionofESGinvesting,procurementisincreasingly beingrecognizedasaforceforsustainabledevelopment. FuturegenerationsofleadersshouldincorporateESG considerationsintotheevaluationofsuppliers, procurement,andperformancemeasurement.
Thisisnotcompliance-driven–itiscreatinglong-term value.Sustainableprocurementcreatesreputationthrough thebrand,reducesenvironmentalfootprint,anddelivers convergencetointernationalinvestorexpectations.Leaders intheUAEneedtogaincapabilityinthefieldsof sustainabilityreporting,ethicalprocurement,andgreen procurementpracticeinordertoleadinadvanceofregional andglobalbestpractice.
Withitsattentiononhostinginternationalforumssuchas COP28,thepriorityonbeingaclimateleaderfurtherput theUAEinthelead—prioritizingsustainabilityskillsatthe topofprocurementleadershipdevelopment.
TalentDevelopmentandLocalization
EmpoweringfutureprocurementleadersintheUAEalso requiresinvestinginlocalhumancapitalandcreating propercareerprogressionstreams.WiththeEmiratisation drivegainingprominence,moreeffortsarebeingdirected towardsfinding,developing,andchannelingEmirati procurementexpertsingovernmentagenciesandprivate industry.
Cultivatinggreatleadershipisachievedbycrossing technicalskillstofocusonsoftskillslikenegotiation, cross-culturalcommunications,andstakeholder management.Mentorshipinitiatives,globalcertification (likeCIPSandPMP),andexecutivecoachingcanequip emergingleaderswiththecompetenciesneededtohandle complexityandbuildhigh-performanceteams.
Aneffectivetalentpipelineguaranteescontinuityin procurementchangeeffortswhilesupportingtheUAE visionofdevelopingaknowledge-basedeconomy
CollaborationandEcosystemMindset
Procurementisnolongeranisolatedfunction—a technology-drivenfieldfueledbyecosystems.Theleaders mustworktogetheracrossindustries,engagewithstartups, technologysuppliers,anduniversities,andengageinpolicy discussion.Freezone-sovereign-multinational collaborationsofferplatformsforcollaborativeinnovation withinthehighlyintegratedecosystemoftheUAE.
Futureprocurementprofessionalsneedtoadoptan ecosystemleadershipapproach—facilitatingvaluecocreation,sparkinginnovationinsuppliers,andleveraging collectiveintelligence.Itisbestsuitedforhigh-impact sectorslikeaviation,energy,logistics,andinfrastructure whereprocurementintersectswithnationaldevelopment goals.
Conclusion:ProcurementLeadershipFitfortheFuture
TheUAEisbuildingitsfuturewithdintofvision-inspired boldness,investment-inspiredvisions,andaninnovation andsustainabilityculture.Thus,procurementleadership musttransform—notgraduallybutfundamentally.Itmust begivenanewdefinitionofcompetencies,embracedigital transformation,andholdvaluesofethics,strategy,andcocreationofvalue.
Asbusinessesstrategizeforthefuture,developing tomorrow'sprocurementleadersisnotonlyaquestionof talent—it'sacompetitivenessimperative.Theynotonly propeloperationalexcellencebutfacilitatethedevelopment oftheresilient,sustainable,andfuture-proofeconomythat theUAEisconstructing.
Procurementisnolongeranofficefunctionthat
EssentialSkillsfor Modern Procurement LeadershipExcellence
focusessolelyonmanagingcostsandtransacting efficiently.Procurementleaderstodayarecrucialto thestrategicdefinitionofanorganization'spower,agility, andcompetitivenessinthisday'scomplex,global,and technology-drivenbusiness.Asincreasinglyvolatilesupply chainsandenvironmental,social,andgovernance factors setthepace,procurementprofessionals'expectationshave entirelychanged.
Procurementleadershipnowneedstobeapowerfuland adaptivesetofskills—ablendofprovencommercial capabilitywithemerging-edgecompetenciesindata, collaboration,andsustainability Tothriveinthismodern age,itisnotnecessarilyaboutgettingthecheapestprice, butvaluecreation,transparency,andinnovationthroughthe supplybase.
StrategicThinkingandBusinessAcumen
Strategicthinkingliesatthecenterofprocurement leadershiptriumph.Leadershavetocomprehendhow procurementalignswiththeoverallbusinessvisionand makeorganizationallong-termsuccesschoices.That involveslookingatmacroeconomictrends,seeing opportunitiesandrisksinthesupplybase,andworkingwith internalstakeholderstogenerategrowthandinnovation.
Today'sprocurementleaderismorethana negotiator—today'sprocurementleaderisabusiness executive.Heneedstobeabletospeaktothevalue contributionofprocurementindrivingenterprisevalue, fromworkingcapitaloptimizationtoempoweringgo-tomarketstrategiesatafasterclipthroughagilesourcing.
DigitalFluencyandData-DrivenDecision-Making
Asprocurementgetsmoredigital,datafluencyandtechnical acumenhavebecomethestandard.Executiveswillneedto utilizedigitaltools—everythingfromspendanalysisandesourcingtechnologytoAI-powereddemand forecasting—leverageinsights,automateprocesses,and makefact-baseddecisionsinthemoment.
EasewithtechnologysuchasERPsoftware,SRMsoftware, andonlineprocurementdashboardsenablesleadersto remainincontrolofcomplexity,monitorperformance,and identifyareasofinefficiency.Muchmorecritical,the capacitytointerpretdataandconvertitintostrategicaction separatesthegreatfromthegoodprocurementleaders.
RelationshipManagementandStakeholderEngagement
Procurementsuccessisbasedonrelationships—both internalandexternal.Effectiveleadershavetoleadvarious stakeholders,fromfinanceandoperationstolegal,IT,and C-suiteexecutives.Internally,thisrequiresbuildingtrust andaligningprocurementeffortswithcross-functional objectives.Externally,itmeansbuildingsupplier partnershipsthatarecollaborative,transparent,and performance-driven.
Theeraofitbeingallabouttoughsupplierrelationshipsis over.Supplierpartneringtodayisallaboutvaluecocreation,reducingrisk,andanassuranceofcontinuityand innovation.Itwillrequireaveryhighemotional intelligence,empathy,andcommunicationcapabilityfora procurementleadertodevelopeffectivepartnershipsand influencewithoutpoweratmanylevelsoftheorganization.
RiskManagementandResiliencePlanning
Riskmanagementisaleadershipimperativeinthepostpandemicrealitywherethereissupplychaindisruption, geopoliticalrisk,andclimatevolatility.Procurementleaders needtocrafteffectivecontingencyplans,performsupplier riskanalysis,anddiversifysourcingmodelsinorderto facilitatebusinesscontinuity
Thisencompassesnotjustrecognizingandcontrolling operationalrisks,butalsointegratingESG-associatedrisks inprocurementplans.Themanagersneedtobeapprisedof duediligence,compliance,andscenarioplanningsothat theycananticipatedisruptionsandrespondwithagility.
SustainabilityandEthicalSourcing
Today'sprocurementleadershipisnecessarilyassociated withsustainability.Organizationsarenowmorethanever expectedtoportrayethicalprocurement,minimizecarbon footprints,andpursuesociallyresponsibleprocurement. Theleadersmustembedsustainabilityinsupplier assessment,contractnegotiation,andperformance evaluation.
Thisinvolvesinteractionwithsupplierstoensurelabor rights,environmentalandgovernancestandards,are respectedinthesupplychain.Leadersshouldalsobeaware ofsustainabilityreportingsystemslikeScope3emissions andhowprocurementcandrivemeaningfulchangeagainst theESGobjectives.
AgilityandChangeManagement
Asmarketsandtechnologiesarechangingatabreakneck pace,procurementleadersneedtorespondandadapt. Whetheritisimplementinganewdigitalplatform,reacting toregulatorymandates,ordealingwithglobalsupply shortages,theskillstoleadinthemidstofchangeare critical.
Procurementleadersaremostoftenrequiredtolead transformationprograms.Theseneedskillsinadvanced changemanagementapproach,stakeholdermanagement, training,androlloutsinstages.Agilityalsoimpliesa growthmind-set—embracingnewideas,testingnew models,andlearningfromfailure.
NegotiationandCommercialAcumen
Strategicleadershipismorethannegotiating,but commercialacumenisanecessity.Procurementleaders mustbemasternegotiators,capableoftradingcostagainst quality,service,andrisk.Aboveall,theymustknowwhen tonegotiatepriceandwhentonegotiatelong-termvalue.
Thisisaboutlearninghowtoreadcostdriversandmarket trends,contractlaws,andsupplierpsychology.Great leadersemployacombinationofhardfactsandsoftskillsin ordertobuildwin-winrelationshipsthatbenefitbusinessas wellassupplierinterests.
Conclusion:RedefiningExcellenceinProcurement Leadership
Procurementleadershipthesedaysisaboutalotmorethan conductingeffectiveness.It'saboutstrategicimpact,digital empowerment,values-basedstewardship,andagility The newleaderneedstobeeverythingtoeveryone—allchange agent,datascientist,sustainabilityadvocate,andtalent developer—allatonceandwithaconsistentconcentration onvaluecreation.
Asprocurementitselfbecomesincreasinglyastrategic forcebehindbusinesssuccess,somustitsleaders.Through theacquisitionofawide-ranging,holisticsetofskills, today'sprocurementleadersarenotonlydriving transactions—youbet—buttransformationaswell.
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