


“Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magni cent profession.”


“Management is the opportunity to help people become better people. Practiced that way, it’s a magni cent profession.”
InCIOLook’sspecialeditionof The Most Influential
General Managers in the Middle East,weareproud tospotlightthevisionarieswhoarenotonlysteering theirorganizationstonewheightsbutalsoshapingthe futureofbusinessinoneoftheworld’smostdynamic regions.
TheMiddleEastcontinuestoemergeasaglobalhubof innovation,resilience,andstrategicgrowth.Attheheartof thistransformationarethegeneralmanagerswho,with sharpforesightandanunwaveringcommitmentto excellence,areredefiningleadershipacross industries—fromenergyandfinancetotechnology, hospitality,andbeyond.
Thiseditionisacelebrationofthosewhoexemplifythe bestofoperationalbrillianceandpeople-firstleadership. Eachfeaturedexecutivehasdemonstratedanabilityto
balanceambitiousgrowthwithsustainablepractices, navigateuncertaintywithagility,andinspirediverseteams inamulticulturallandscape.Theirstoriesoffera compellinglookintohowleadershipisevolvingtomeet theregion'suniquechallengesandopportunities.
Throughinterviews,profiles,andexclusiveinsights,we delveintowhatdrivestheseinfluentialleaders—their strategies,theirvalues,andtheirvisionforthefuture. Morethanarecognition,thisisatributetothepowerof bolddecision-making,localimpact,andglobal perspective.
Asyouturnthepages,wehopeyoufindinspirationinthe journeysandachievementsoftheseremarkablegeneral managers.Theirleadershipisnotonlyinfluential—itis transformational.
Happy Reading!
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A R T I C L E S
From Vision to Execu on The Role of Corporate Execu ves in Modern Business
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C O N T E N T S C O V E R S T O R Y
From Manager to Leader How to Cul vate Effec ve Business Leadership Skills
CONTENT
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
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Research Analyst Eric Smith
SEO Execu ve Alen Spencer
FeaturedPerson
AmeyaSapre
GeneralManager
CharbelHanna GeneralManager
MarcMatar
GeneralManager
NaderHalim
GeneralManager
OkanKaradag GeneralManager
RotanaHotelManagement Corporation rotana.com
CrownePlazaBahrain ihg.com
St.RegisHotels&Resorts st-regis.marriott.com
Hilton hilton.com
Saprethrivesattheintersectionoftechnologyandbusiness, drivingorganizationaltransformationthroughdigital innovation,strategicplanning,andaresults-oriented,inclusive leadershipstyle.
Hannadrivesgrowththroughtransformativestrategies, emphasizescustomer-centricsolutions,andbuildsstrongcrossfunctionalcollaborationwithafocusonlong-term sustainabilityandagileexecution.
Hospitalityleaderwithover20yearsofglobalexperience,known forelevatingluxuryguestexperiences,operationalexcellence,and inspiringteamstoachieveaward-winningresult.
Halimchampionsinnovationincomplexenvironments, aligningbusinessobjectiveswithefficientexecution,and thrivesindynamic,multiculturalteamstodeliversustained organizationalimpact.
Karadagcombinesanalyticalacumenwithpeopleleadership, deliveringhigh-impactbusinessoutcomesthroughdata-driven decision-making,processoptimization,andcross-cultural managementexpertise. Company
From the early stages of my career, I was captivated by the transformative power of luxury hospitality—how it creates emotions, tells stories, and crafts experiences that linger in guests’ memories.
MarcMatar,Multi-PropertyGeneralManager
atSt.RegisHotels&Resorts,hasbuilta distinguishedcareerinluxuryhospitality,driven byadeeppassionforcraftingunforgettableexperiences. Witharichbackgroundspanningsomeoftheworld'smost prestigiousproperties—includingTheBodrumEDITION, TheSt.RegisBaliResort,andLeMéridienBeachPlazain MonteCarlo—hehashonedhisexpertiseincurating refinedandpersonalizedluxury.HisleadershipatTheSt. RegisDohaandSt.RegisMarsaArabiaIslandreflectsa commitmenttoupholdingthebrand’slegacywhilepushing theboundariesofexcellence.
Marc’sapproachtohospitalitytranscendstraditional management;itisaboutstorytelling,culturalimmersion, andelevatingtheguestexperience.Underhisleadership, St.Regispropertieshavesetnewbenchmarksinluxury, seamlesslyblendingheritagewithinnovation.Hisvisionfor thebrandisnotjustaboutoperationalexcellencebutabout shapingdestinationsthatleavelastingimpressionson discerningtravelers.
Marc’sjourneyinhospitalityhasbeenshapedbya relentlesspursuitofexcellence. “From the early stages of my career, I was captivated by the transformative power of luxury hospitality—how it creates emotions, tells stories, and crafts experiences that linger in guests’memories.” His tenureacrossgloballyrenownedpropertieshasrefinedhis understandingofwhatdefinestrueluxury—beyond opulence,itisaboutcraftsmanship,precision,and personalization.
WhenpresentedwiththeopportunitytoleadTheSt.Regis DohaandSt.RegisMarsaArabiaIsland,Marcsawitasa chancetoelevatetwoalreadyexceptionalpropertiesinto premierdestinations.Today,thesehotelsstandasthe epitomeofluxuryintheregion,continuouslysettingnew standardsforexcellence.ForMarc,St.Regisismorethana hotelbrand—itisaheritage,alegacy,andalifestyle.His roleistoupholdthislegacywhileensuringthatthe propertiesevolvewiththeexpectationsofthemodern luminarytraveler
AstheGeneralManageroftwoiconicSt.Regisproperties, Marc’sroleextendsfarbeyondoperations.Heis responsibleforcraftingavision,curatingunique experiences,andensuringthateveryguestinteractionis
I believe that while a hotel can have stunning architecture and world-class facilities, it is the people who bring it to life. My focus is on nurturing and empowering my team to consistently deliver exceptional service. I see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and growth, approaching each new destination with agility and adaptability.
seamlessandmemorable.Oneofthebiggestchallengesin luxuryhospitalitytodayisstrikingabalancebetween heritageandinnovation.St.Regisisrootedintimeless traditions,yettoday’sguestsexpectexperiencesthatfeel fresh,immersive,andhighlypersonalized.Marc’sfocusis onfindingnewwaystodelightourguestswhile maintainingthelevelofgraceandelegancethatdefinesthe St.Regisbrand.
AcorepriorityforMarcistalentdevelopment. “I believe that while a hotel can have stunning architecture and world-class facilities, it is the people who bring it to life. My focus is on nurturing and empowering my team to consistently deliver exceptional service. I see challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities for learning and growth, approaching each new destination with agility and adaptability.”
Marc’sleadershipphilosophyisrootedinvision,precision, andpassion.Earlyinhiscareer,hewashighlyoperationally focused,ensuringthateverydetailwasflawlesslyexecuted. Overtime,heevolvedintoaleaderwhoempowershis team,fosteringacultureofexcellencewhereeverymember takesownershipoftheircraft.Hiscommitmentto refinementmirrorstheSt.Regisethos—constantly evolving,learning,andsettingnewbenchmarksfor excellence.
ForMarc,aluxuryhotelisonlyasstrongasitsteam. “I see hospitality as an art form where each team member, from concierge to butlers, plays a vital role in orchestrating seamless experiences.” Drawinginspirationfromevents liketheMidnightSupper,heemphasizesteamworkand sharedvision,ensuringthateachindividualfeelsvalued andmotivated.Opencommunicationandastrongsenseof purposearekeyelementsinfosteringahigh-performing team.
ItisrecentrecognitionsuchasHakkasanbeingnamedthe BestFine-DiningExperienceinQatarintheQatarTourism Awards,2ofthehotel’srestaurantsbeingselectedforthe inauguralMichelinGuideQatar,aForbes4*RatingandSt. RegisDohareaching#1rankinginthewholeofDohaon TripAdvisorthatareademonstrationthatthecollective purposeanddriveisdeliveringontheteam’svisionin everyphaseoftheguestsjourney
Marcfindsmotivationintheguestexperienceitself. Witnessingthejoyofagueststeppingintoabeautifully curatedspace,enjoyinganunforgettablemeal,orreceiving impeccableservicefuelshispassion.Hebelievesluxuryis defineddifferentlyacrosscultures,andexposuretodiverse destinations,culinaryinnovations,anddesigntrendskeeps hisvisionfreshanddynamic.Hisguidingprincipleis lifelonglearning—constantlyevolvingtoenhancebothhis personalandprofessionalgrowth.
Inthedemandingworldofluxuryhospitality,Marcsees balanceasfindingjoyinwhathedoeswhilestaying energizedandfocused.Efficiency,strategicdelegation,and structuredplanningallowshimtomanagemultiple properties,withover30brandsandmultiplelargescale activationsatanyonetime,whilemaintainingattentionto detail.Outsideofwork,heprioritizesfamily,traveland discoveringhowotherbrandsareredefiningluxuryand bringingnewexperiencestotheirguests—elementsthat rechargehiscreativityandleadership.
St.Regishasalwaysbeenapioneerinluxuryhospitality, andMarcensuresthatthebrandremainsaheadofthecurve byfocusingon:
I see hospitality as an art form where each team member, from concierge to butlers, plays a vital role in orchestrating seamless experiences.
• Experience-DrivenHospitality:Creatingcurated, immersivemomentsthatresonatewithguests.This meansdeliveringbeyondtheexpectedandoutsideof the‘norms’.
• IntegratedPartnerships:Collaboratingwithworldrenownedbrands,whetherit’sacity’shottestrestaurant orleadingfashionnamesthatcanworkinperfect synergywithyourbrand.
• DefiningaClearIdentity:Bringingyourbrandtolife isimportant,butinahyper-competitivehospitality landscapeeachpropertyshouldhaveitsownclearly definedidentityanddifferentiators.
ForMarc,thegoalisnotjusttomeetguestexpectationsbut toexceedthem,ensuringthatSt.Regiscontinuestobe synonymouswithtimelesseleganceandmodern indulgence.
Marcbelievesthatluxuryhospitalityisaboutmasteringthe artofrefinement.Forthoseaspiringtoleadershippositions inthisindustry,heemphasizestheimportanceofan unwaveringfocusondetails,astrueluxuryliesinprecision andpersonalization.Heencouragesfutureleadersto cultivatecuriositybytraveling,exploring,andimmersing themselvesindifferentcultures,astheseexperiencesenrich theirperspectivesandenhancetheirabilitytocaterto diverseguests.
“Leadership in hospitality is about having a clear vision—redefining the industry rather than merely adhering to established norms. Furthermore, resilience is essential; passion and perseverance are the driving forces behind long-term success. True leaders in hospitality do more than manage properties—they create exceptional experiences and inspire their teams to push boundaries and exceed expectations.”
MarcenvisionsTheSt.RegisDohaandSt.RegisMarsa ArabiaIslandastheregion’spremierluxurydestinations. Hisstrategicapproachfocusesonexpandinghigh-profile partnershipstointroduceexclusiveactivationsand experiencesthatelevatethebrand'sprestige.Thiswas broughttolifewiththerecentlaunchofVilebrequinLa Plage,a360brandimmersionlikeneverbeforeforthe world’sleadingluxuryswimwearbrand.Additionally,heis committedtoenhancingtheculinaryofferingstouphold theirreputationforaward-winningdining,ensuringthat
I see hospitality as an art form where each team member, from concierge to butlers, plays a vital role in orchestrating seamless experiences.
guestsenjoyexceptionalgastronomicexperiences.Brands introducedtothepropertiesincludenamessuchas Novikov,Fauchon,Roberto’sandChottoMatte.
Marclookstofurtherdevelopstrategicpartnershipsboth insideandoutsideofthepropertiesthatsetthetonefor successoverthepastyear,continuingthemomentumofthe hotel’srecentsuccessstories.Theseincludebeingnamed theofficialcatereroftheDohaExhibitionandConvention CenterwiththeadditionoftheSt.RegisandFAUCHON Caféintothecity’smostwell-knownconferencespace,and internationalrecognitionthroughthenominationasthe hotelpartnerofMichelinfortheQatarInternationalFood Festivalwherethehotelhostedandsupportedvisiting Michelinstarredchefs.Thehotelwasproudlynominated thecateringcontractsforlargeeventssuchasWEC’s2025 Qatar1812kmraceandMotoGPQatar2025,andlooksto continuetoestablishitselfasthebrandofchoicewhen cateringforhigh-profileVIPcity-wideevents.
My goal is to ensure that the experiences crafted today will be remembered for generations, cementing the properties’ status as icons of hospitality.
MarcMataraspirestoleavebehindalegacyofrefinement, innovation,andexcellence.HeenvisionsTheSt.Regis DohaandSt.RegisMarsaArabiaIslandaslegendary destinationsthatareasymphonyofexcitingexperiencedrivenluxuryandimpeccableservice. “My goal is to ensure that the experiences crafted today will be remembered for generations, cementing the properties’ status as icons of hospitality.”
Reflectingonhisjourney,Matarvaluesthemilestones,the transformativeactivations,andthededicatedteamthathas accompaniedhimonthispathtoexcellence.Hislegacywill beoneofrefinement,innovation,andacommitmentto timelesshospitality Ashereflectsonhisjourney,the milestones,theactivations,andthepeoplewhocontributed tothisexcellencewillremainattheheartofhis achievements.
Intoday’srapidlytransformingbusinessenvironment,
leadershiphasbecomeanessentialfactor.Toguide organizationsthroughcomplexity,ambiguity,and constantdisruptionvisionandleadershiparethe foundationsofsuccess.Strategicleadershipisthekeyto sustainablesuccess,anddevelopaculturethatdrives innovationandresilience.Thisarticlehighlightsthekey rolethatcanbeplayedbybusinessleadersinestablishing strategicdirection,influencingoutcomes,andshaping technologicaltransformationinabidtoattaincompetitive edge.
Modernbusinessesoperateinadynamicenvironment characterizedbyrapidtechnologicaladvancements,global
competition,andsocialchange.Insuchasetting,havinga strategicvisionactsasaNorthStar,guidingeverydecision, investment,andinitiative.Withoutaclearlydefinedvision, companiesriskdriftingaimlessly,chasingtrendsinsteadof settingthem.Strategicleaderscraftandcommunicatethis vision,helpingtheorganizationstayfocusedonlong-term goalswhileadaptingtoshort-termrealities.
Strategicleadershipensuresthateverypartofthe business—acrossdepartments,teams,andeven internationaldivisions—isaligned.Thecorporateexecutive oftodayalsohastobeagreatcommunicator.Tobuildtrust andmaintainreputation,communicatingeffectivelywith internalandexternalstakeholders—employees,customers, investors,regulators,andcommunity—iscritical.
Executivesmustarticulatethecorporatestrategy, performance,andvaluesinclearandconsistentlanguage. Intimesofcrisis,theyshouldpossessthecapacityto respondsensitivelytominimizereputationalriskand maintainstakeholderconfidence.Moreover,withthe growingpowerofsocialmedia,internalandexternal communicationsarenolongerclearlydemarcated. Executivesneedtohavehighlevelsofvisibleandcredible presenceasbrandchampionsofthecompanybrandand valuestosocietyasawhole.
Organizationalperformanceishighlydrivenbyleadership quality.Executivesaredecision-makerswhoneedto
operateincomplicatedenvironments,dealwithambiguity, andactontimetocreateanimpactonthewholeenterprise. Leadershipintoday'sbusinessisnolongertop-down commandbutempowermentandinfluence.Executives buildstronghigh-performingleadershipteamsandenable decentralizeddecision-makingtoberesponsiveandagile. Executivesholdpeopleaccountablewhileprovidingalso thefreedomandsupporttoexcelandinnovate.
Cultureisadominantforcebehindorganizational performance.Executivesplayacriticalroletobuildand cultivateaculturethatalignswiththepurposeandvaluesof theorganization.Throughbehavior-basedleadershipand buildingnormsthatappreciatecooperation,innovation, diversity,andresponsibility,executivesestablishan environmentwhereemployeesareencouragedtodotheir best.
Employeeengagement,specifically,iscloselylinkedto executiveleadership.Studiesrepeatedlyconfirmthat engagedemployeesworkmoreeffectively,arecommitted, andloyaltothecompany'sobjectives.Executivesleading throughopencommunication,appreciatingpeople'sinputs, andinvestinginprofessionalgrowthbringamotivated workforcethatenhancesperformancefromthegroundup.
Acreativecompanyisreallybasedonaculturethatfosters creativity,embracescalculatedrisk-taking,andinspires continuousimprovement.Corporateexecutivesplaya crucialroleinbuildingthisculture,establishingthetoneat thetop,anddemonstratingthewayinnovationisperceived, prioritized,andexecutedwithinthecompany.Bybuilding innovationintothecorevaluesandoperationalsystemsof anorganization,leadersempoweremployeesateverylevel tocreateideas,breakrules,anddrivetransformative change.
Corporateleadershaveanessentialroleinensuringthat innovationprojectsareconsideredandwell-targeted towardsmorestrategicgoalslikenewmarketentry, customerexperienceenhancement,orprocess simplification.Thisplannedfocusguaranteesthat innovationispursuednotasanendinitselfforthenovelty valuebutasasystematicprocessofcreatinglong-term, sustainablecompetitiveadvantage.
Technologyisthefundamentalsourceofinnovationinthe contemporarydigitaleconomy.Emerging technologies—likeartificialintelligence,machinelearning, blockchain,cloudcomputing,andtheInternetofThings (IoT)—aretransformingindustriesandredefining stakeholderengagementandvaluecreationbycompanies. CorporateleadersgenerallyworkverycloselywithChief InformationOfficers(CIOs),ChiefTechnologyOfficers (CTOs),andoutsidevendorsinanefforttoachieve successfulintegrationandimplementationofthesenew technologies.Thiscollaborativeprocessfacilitatesthe identificationofthemostrelevanttechnologiesandsets implementationinlinewithstrategicgoalsandbusiness requirements.
Leadershipstrategyisnotmerelydirection setting—inspiringcommitment,creatingagility,anddriving significantinnovation.Withrapidlychangingtimesand increasingstakeholderexpectationsbeingthenormin today'sworld,theexecutiveneedstopossessavisionary mind,beaninspiringcommunicator,andaculturalleader Theircapacitytoalignstrategyandaction,tomobilize people,andtonavigatetechnologicalshiftsdictateswhether organizationsonlyexistorindeedflourish.Throughthe infusionofvisionintoeachaspectofthebusiness,strategic leader’sfuture-prooftheirorganizations,renderthem resilienttochange.
Intoday’sdynamicbusinesslandscape,effectiveleadershipisnot
justadesirabletrait—itisessentialfororganizationalsuccessand personalcareergrowth.Greatleadersinspireteams,drive innovation,andnavigatechallengeswithresilienceandclarity.But howcanaspiringandcurrentbusinessprofessionalsactivelycultivate thesevitalleadershipskills?Here’sanin-depthguidetobuildingand honingeffectivebusinessleadershipabilities.
Leadershipisajourney,notadestination.Themosteffectiveleaders arecommittedtolifelonglearning,constantlyseekingnewknowledge andperspectives.Thiscaninvolveformaleducation,suchasattending workshops,enrollinginleadershipcourses,orparticipatingin executiveMBAprograms,aswellasinformallearningthrough reading,networking,andself-reflection.Bystayingcuriousandopenminded,leadersremainadaptableandpreparedforevolvingbusiness challenges.
Understandingyourleadershipstyleiscrucial.Effectiveleaders routinelyseekfeedbackfrompeers,mentors,andteammembersto identifystrengthsandareasforimprovement.Self-awarenessenables leaderstoplaytotheirstrengthswhileactivelyworkingontheir weaknesses.Toolssuchas360-degreefeedback,personality assessments,andexecutivecoachingcanprovidevaluableinsights intoone’sleadershipapproach.
Clear,purposefulcommunicationisatthecoreofeffectiveleadership. Leadersmustarticulatetheirvision,setexpectations,andprovide feedbackinawaythatiseasilyunderstoodandmotivatesaction. Regularone-on-onemeetings,teamcheck-ins,andopenforumsfor discussionfostertransparencyandtrustwithintheorganization.
Activelisteningisequallyimportant—leaderswho genuinelylistentotheirteamsbuildstrongerrelationships andmakemoreinformeddecisions.
Authenticityandintegrityarenon-negotiableforrespected leaders.Demonstratingthevaluesandbehaviorsyouexpect fromyourteam—suchaspunctuality,accountability,and resilience—setsapowerfulexample.Whenleaders’actions alignwiththeirwords,theybuildcredibilityandinspire theirteamstoupholdthesamestandards.
Disciplineisthebackboneofreliableleadership.Leaders whomaintainproductiveroutines,meetdeadlines,and managetheirtimeeffectivelysetastandardfortheirteams tofollow.Consistencyinactionsanddecisionscreatesa stableenvironmentwhereteammembersknowwhatto expect,fosteringtrustandhighperformance.
Modernbusinesssuccessdependsoncollaborationanda willingnesstoinnovate.Leadersshouldcreate environmentswhereteammembersfeelsafetoshareideas andchallengethestatusquo.Thiscanbeachievedthrough brainstormingsessions,cross-functionalprojects,andopen feedbackloops.Byvaluingdiverseperspectivesand encouragingcalculatedrisk-taking,leadersdrivecreativity andcontinuousimprovement.
Leadershipdevelopmentisanongoingprocess,notaonetimeevent.Structuredprograms—suchasworkshops, coaching,andmentorship—helpleadersrefinetheirskills andadapttonewchallenges.Encouragingleadership developmentwithinteamsnotonlypreparesfutureleaders butalsostrengthenstheorganization’soverallcapabilityto navigatechange.
Thebusinessworldisinconstantflux,andleadersmustbe agiletothrive.Thismeansbeingwillingtopivotstrategies, embracenewtechnologies,andrespondquicklytomarket changes.Agileleadersfosterinnovationandpositiontheir businessesforlong-termsuccessbycreatingculturesthat prioritizeflexibilityandproactiveproblem-solving.
Effectiveleadersrecognizethatsuccessisacollective effort.Buildingstrong,diverseteamsandempowering membersthroughdelegationandtrustisessential. Understandingeachteammember’sstrengthsandproviding opportunitiesforgrowthensuresthattheorganizationcan tacklecomplexchallengesandachieveambitiousgoals.
Studyingreal-worldleadershipcasestudiesprovides practicalinsightsintowhatworks—andwhatdoesn’t—in differentbusinesscontexts.Transparentleadershipduring crisesortransformingworkplaceculturethroughflexible policiesoffersactionablelessonsforaspiringleaders.These exampleshighlighttheimportanceofadaptability, communication,andstrategicthinkingineffective leadership.
Cultivatingeffectivebusinessleadershipskillsisa multifacetedandongoingprocess.Itrequiresacommitment tocontinuouslearning,self-awareness,clear communication,authenticity,discipline,collaboration,and adaptability.Byinvestinginpersonalandteam development,leadingbyexample,andlearningfromboth successesandfailures,businessprofessionalscanbecome theleaderstheirorganizationsneedtothriveinaneverchangingworld.Thejourneymaybechallenging,butthe rewards—bothfortheleaderandthebusiness—are substantialandenduring.