Abdulkarim Abdulaziz Al Swayegh

Group HR Business Partner & Talent Acquisition, Director

SPIMACO

I positioned the HR Business Partner role as a strategic advisor to leadership, strengthening alignment between people strategy and business priorities while supporting organizational performance and transformation.

Led the advancement of HRBP engagement from operational support to enterprise-level strategic partnership, reinforcing leadership confidence and organizational discipline.

Led and empowered a highly committed HRBP and Talent Acquisition team whose collective expertise and collaboration were central to the achievements realized during the year. Through clear direction, trust, and partnership, the team played a critical role in translating strategy into impact across the business.

Together with the team, we drove the development of integrated talent and leadership pipelines by introducing structured capability-building pathways that strengthened professional, supervisory, and leadership effectiveness. Succession planning was expanded across critical leadership layers, reinforcing organizational resilience, leadership continuity, and long-term sustainability.

Repositioned talent acquisition as a strategic workforce lever by leading the design and delivery of graduate and early-career programs in close partnership with business leaders. The team’s contribution was instrumental in strengthening national talent pipelines, supporting localization objectives, and accelerating the readiness of future professionals aligned with organizational culture and values.

Enabled greater organizational agility through strategic workforce planning, supporting informed organizational design, leadership capacity planning, and capability alignment. These outcomes were achieved through close collaboration between HRBPs, business leaders, and enabling functions.

Ahmad Asseiri

Sr. HRBP

Ascend Solutions

A results-oriented HR professional with 15+ years of experience, I have a proven track record of driving HR initiatives that deliver measurable business impact. My expertise includes talent acquisition, performance management, organizational development, and HR operations. I have successfully implemented numerous employee development programs and career development initiatives. Currently, I am leading the HR function at Ascend.

Ahmed Alhomoud

Chief HR Advisor

Noviro Solutions

Business HR Leader with over 25 years of diverse experiences in diverse business sectors (FMCG, Energy, Healthcare, Real Estate & Retail) and worked for multinational companies (Proctor & Gamble & General Electric) and local reputable companies (Madar, Emaar the Economic City, eXtra, Roshn and Cenomi). Recognized for leading HR transformation, navigating complex business dynamics, and providing strategic counsel to CEOs and boards.

Akif Tashkandi

People & Organization Head

Novartis

Highly experienced HR leader, working mostly with multinationals across the Middle East. Akif has a broad and practical HR background, particularly focusing on HR strategy, Talent Management, Nationalization, Employee Engagement & Culture, Diversity & Inclusion, and managing and delivering complex HR projects

Aklilu Admekom

Group Head of Talent Management & Development

Intercat Hospitality

Aklilu is a Group Head of Talent Management & Development at Intercat Hospitality. With his international luxury hospitality hotels & resorts, F&B and Retail organizations, he’s a well experienced leader. He’s a strategic and people-oriented leader with multinational companies, established organization’s high-performance cultures and learning & development centers across workforces of 45+ nationalities in the GCC. Working with board members, CEOs, Managing Directors, and executive leaders, he has demonstrated strategic people & culture transformation and enhanced employees’ engagement.

He is a certified NLP performance coach and multi-awarded HR & Talent Development leader in the Middle East and Africa. His experience in articulating organizations culture, employee engagement, and organizational transformation has been well recognized throughout his career’.

Al Hosam Al Ghamdi, MBA, Assoc CIPD

Consultant - Human Capital & Corporate Governance | Strategic HR Advisory

Al Hosam Al Ghamdi is a Results-driven Human Resources Executive with over 14 years of hands-on experience championing strategic HR leadership, organizational design, and corporate governance for large-scale operations and joint ventures in KSA. Specialized in bridging the gap between global business strategies and local operational execution, ensuring absolute compliance with local labor reforms while preparing entities for high-growth or M&A readiness. Expert in executive talent acquisition, succession planning, and building sustainable workforce capabilities that mitigate institutional risk. Deploys digital HR strategies and data analytics strictly as levers to optimize talent performance and maximize organizational profitability.

Alex Png

Chief People Officer, APAC

The Hoffman Agency

Alex Png is the Chief People Officer for Asia Pacific at The Hoffman Agency, where he leads regional HR strategy, talent development, and organizational transformation. With prior leadership roles at Intrepid, Omnicom, Flywheel, Grab and Circles.Life, Alex brings deep expertise in people and organisational design, employee experience, employer branding, diversity and inclusion, and people operations across fast-growth tech and consulting sectors. Known for his high emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and calm leadership style, he excels in building scalable HR frameworks and fostering inclusive, high-performing cultures. Alex frequently travels across APAC to align HR policies with business goals, support hiring initiatives, and represent the agency at industry events. His appointment marked a pivotal step in strengthening Hoffman’s people-first approach, contributing to improved retention and promotion rates across the region.

Anand Wong

Founder & CEO

Heron

Anand Wong is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of leadership experience across Asia Pacific, specializing in HR strategy, transformation, and operations. He is the founder of Atlas Waves HR Consulting, where he advises organizations on people strategy, fractional HR leadership, and HR tech implementation. In parallel, Anand is currently building his own HR tech venture, with the goal of shaping meaningful, people-first solutions that reflect everything he has learned so far.

Throughout his career, he has led large-scale initiatives in M&A integration, HRIS deployment, organizational design, talent and change management at leading companies such as American Express, Metso, Sigma-Aldrich (now Merck KGaA), Lazada, Chope, and Love, Bonito. He is known for his collaborative and empathetic leadership style, stakeholder engagement, and passion for driving continuous improvement.

He holds an Executive MSc in HR & Global Leadership from Baruch College (CUNY), and is certified in SHL OPQ/MQ, DDI Targeted Selection, and 360 Feedback tools.

Anisha Sasheendran

Managing Partner

One People Team Sdn Bhd

Anisha Sasheendran is a builder of high-performing teams, bold cultures, and purpose-driven companies. A Biotechnology graduate who found her calling in HR, she began her journey as the first Malaysian selected for AIESEC International’s global team in Rotterdam, where she led leadership development programmes worldwide. She later returned to Malaysia to start her HR career with PwC, then helped scale a social tech startup into a multinational as Chief Talent Officer. At Maxis, she led Young Talent Programmes, bringing fresh talent into the telco industry. She went on to become Regional Head of People at Fave, managing teams across Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. Today, Anisha is the founder and Managing Partner of One People Team, an advisory and training company
working with business and HR leaders across Southeast Asia. A TEDx speaker and endeavor mentor, she combines startup agility, corporate depth, and global perspective to unlock people’s potential and drive performance.

Anja Henschel-Idriss

Independent HR Leader | People Strategy & Transformation

Anja is an Independent HR Leader specialising in people strategy and transformation, with over 18 years of international experience across hospitality, wellness solutions and modular building. She has led HR in complex, fast-paced environments, supporting organisations through growth, change, and moments where people practices are truly tested.

Her approach is both human-centred and commercially grounded, with a strong belief that employee experience should be intentional, practical, and embedded in how organisations operate, not treated as an add-on. Anja is particularly passionate about recognising work that creates meaningful, lasting impact for people at work, and about supporting the continued development of the HR profession through mentoring and shared learning. 

Ashraf Al Eid

Founder

ASHRAF HR Innovation Strategies Foundation

With over 30 years of experience as a dynamic and visionary HR executive, Ashraf has excelled in navigating rapidly changing and competitive markets. Passionate about building high-performing HR teams, he has successfully led organizations through transformational change to achieve strategic business objectives. Currently serving as Vice President of Human Resources at Al Muhaidib Group, Ashraf oversees more than 15,000 employees across 20 sectors. Drawing on his certification as a Wharton Chief Human Resources Officer, he brings deep insights and best practices in HR innovation and leadership to the role.

Ashraf's extensive career includes key executive positions such as Senior Director HR at Majed Al Futtaim Ventures KSA, Chief Human Resources Officer at Najim, and Executive Director HR at McDonald's. Other notable roles include Chief Administration Officer at SAMA Airline, General Manager-HR at Al Issa Group (General Motors), Senior HR Manager at Hamrani (Nissan), and Regional Manager at Al Awal Bank. With expertise in people strategies, talent management, and organizational development, he has consistently driven organizational success.

Dedicated to fostering a positive work culture and enhancing employee engagement, Ashraf has established a reputation for aligning human capital strategies with business objectives. As an entrepreneurial and driven HR leader and board member, he is recognized for driving performance improvement and delivering growth through human capital. Known for his inspirational leadership style, Ashraf communicates direction and strategy effectively, creating personal connections that promote a healthy, innovative, and success-driven organizational culture.

Avinash Kohli

Founder and CEO

intalent.ai

Avi Kohli is the Founder and CEO of intalent.ai, a Silicon Valley–based startup building an Agentic Hiring OS that is transforming how organizations hire talent.

Prior to founding intalent.ai, Avi spent nearly two decades in senior HR leadership roles at Boeing, GE, and Citi, working across India, the United States, and Singapore, where he is currently based.

His corporate career includes serving as CHRO of Boeing India, where he was a strategic partner in scaling the company’s commercial and defense businesses. At Citi, he led HR for its global technology center, helping scale it into a key global pillar. Earlier, he was part of the Executive Development team at GE’s global headquarters, working on enterprise talent reviews and CEO succession.

Avi plays an active role in the global HR community. He serves on the Board of the National HRD Network, a 20,000+ member organization, and is the President of its Singapore Chapter.

He holds an MBA in Human Resources from the University of Delhi and is a graduate of GE’s Global HR Leadership Program.

Badr Alrowaili

Chief Human Resources Officer

Almana Hospitals

Badr Alrowaili is an accomplished HR professional with 23 years of experience in the industry. Currently serving as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Almana Hospitals, he has a proven track record in driving transformative solutions that enhance the healthcare sector. Badr holds an Executive MBA in Business Administration from King Saud University and is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD. Recognized for his leadership, he was named one of the top 10 HR leaders in Saudi Arabia in 2023 and is listed among the World’s Top 25 Most Influential CHROs & HR Leaders in 2024 by the Global Society for Human Capital Management (GSHCM). His expertise and dedication continue to make a significant impact in the HR landscape.

Bashayer AbuAlFaraj

Co-Founder

BESIDE HR Consultation

Human Resources leader, trainer, and HR consultant with more than 15 years of experience across hospitality, healthcare, investment, and corporate sectors. As Co-Founder of BESIDE HR Consultation, I specialize in strategic HR management, organizational development, employee engagement, talent development, and performance enhancement. Throughout my career, I have held leadership roles in regional and multinational organizations, leading HR transformation initiatives, workforce development programs, and people-centered strategies that align business goals with organizational growth.

Passionate about empowering individuals and creating meaningful workplace experiences, I have also designed and delivered professional training programs in Human Resources and organizational development. My work focuses on building positive workplace cultures, enhancing employee well-being, and enabling organizations to achieve sustainable performance through people-focused practices.

Chee Gay Lim

Managing Director – GOC APAC

The Access Group

Chee Gay Lim is the Managing Director for APAC at The Access Group, where he leads regional growth, digital innovation, and people-centric transformation for one of the world’s largest business management software providers. With nearly three decades of cross-functional leadership across manufacturing, supply chain, IT, and human resources, Chee Gay brings a rare blend of operational depth and strategic foresight.

His career journey spans global organizations like Intel, Samsung, AIA, and TDCX, where he has been instrumental in pioneering Industry 4.0 adoption, HR digitalization, and AI-driven decision-making frameworks. As a champion of continuous improvement, he has applied lean methodologies beyond factory floors—infusing agility, empowerment, and performance culture across enterprise functions.

Recognized among Asia’s Top HR Leaders and Southeast Asia’s HR Icons, Chee Gay is also a TalentCorp Fellow and Adjunct Professor, committed to nurturing future-ready talent and advancing human capital strategies across sectors. His leadership philosophy is rooted in purpose, impact, and human connection—translating into business transformations that are both scalable and sustainable.

Outside of work, he channels his passion for service and discipline as President of the Life Saving Society Malaysia and an active triathlete. Chee Gay continues to inspire with his unique ability to lead with both heart and strategy.

Chloe Gan

Human Resources Director

Arvato Systems Malaysia

Chloe Gan is an accomplished HR leader with over 24 years of experience across IT, retail, and pharmaceutical industries. She currently serves as Human Resources Director at Arvato Systems Malaysia, where she partners closely with business leaders to align people strategies with long-term business sustainability. In parallel, Chloe also heads the Software Services division — bringing a rare blend of people leadership, operational insight, and commercial acumen.

Recognised as a trusted HR Business Partner, Chloe has played a pivotal role in building high-performing workplaces with strong employee engagement, reduced attrition, and consistent multi-year Best Employer recognition. Her work spans employee experience, leadership development, rewards and recognition, and HR digital transformation. A SHRM-SCP certified professional, certified performance coach, and frequent conference speaker, Chloe brings a practical, data-informed, and deeply people-centric lens to evaluating organisations that genuinely place employee happiness at the core of business success.

Datuk (Dr) Nora Manaf

Chairman | Board member

MGA | MBSB Group Berhad

Datuk (Dr) Nora Manaf is the Chairman of Manaf Gardner Associates (MGA) and was recently appointed as an Independent and Non-Executive Director and Board member of MBSB Group. Nora is a qualified Chartered Accountant,Chartered Banker (CIB, Scotland), Master Professional (IHRP, Singapore), Chartered Fellow CIPD (CIPD, UK), Strengths Coach (Gallup) and Black Belt Sustainability Practitioner.

Nora is an alumnus of Harvard (HBS AMP), Heriot-Watt (PhD by Practice), Cornell (School of Industrial Relations) and UiTM (School of Accountancy).She is an appointed Adjunct Professor at prestigious universities, including the University Utara Malaysia (UUM) and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), as well as appointed CEO@Faculty of UUM, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and UiTM. Nora holds various Board membership; Board of Trustees for Yayasan Khazanah (Khazanah Foundation), Board of Investment (UiTM), Advisory Board (Yayasan Peneraju), Asian Advisory Board (Harvard Business Publishing), Chief People Officer Board (i4CP), Board of Examiners (Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers), Asia Pacific Industry Advisory Panel (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants), University-Industry Advisory Council of UUM and Academic Advisory Board Member of Putra Business School (PBS). Nora is also a member of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC).

Significant achievements across several leading organisations mark Nora’s career. Nora’s career is marked by significant achievements across several leading organizations. From August 2008 to October 2024, she served as Group Chief Human Capital Officer at Maybank, where she spearheaded the HR strategy and execution of the successful Leap30 Transformation. Under her leadership, Maybank's employer ranking rose from 17th in 2008 to 1st in 2014, maintaining its top position in all National level and Global rankings thereafter, including Willis Towers Watson’s Global High Performing Companies and Bloomberg’s. She also successfully defended and increased employee engagement levels from below 70% to above 80% throughout the 2009 Leap30 Transformation programme to-date (2024). These accomplishments demonstrate her ability to drive organizational transformation and enhance
employee satisfaction.

During her tenure at Maybank, Nora led the restructuring of the group from a local focus to global structures, improving employee productivity ratios. She successfully reduced headcount by 6,000 between 2009 and 2018 without retrenchment programs, and strengthened talent pipelines at all levels, maintaining an 80% internal realization rate for vacancies over the last 10 years. Additionally, she improved staff compensation and rewards without negatively impacting the staff cost-to-income ratio, maintaining revenue per staff above RM320K PA/Staff. This showcases her expertise in balancing organizational efficiency with employee well- being.

Prior to Maybank, Nora held key positions at Standard Chartered Bank from March 1999 to 2008, where she supported the CEO in turning around the Wholesale Banking business in Malaysia. She was handpicked for roles such as CHRO of Scope International, leading HR for the post-Chase Retail Bank HK Acquisition, addressing talent drain in London, and preparing PT Bank Permata for divestment. Earlier, from 1994 to 1999, at Maxis, she managed a retrenchment program and launched innovative approaches to secure alternative employment for affected staff, while also sponsoring self-directed learning initiatives. These experiences highlight her adaptability and strategic approach to human capital management across diverse
organizational contexts.

Nora was conferred the World Women Legend and Icon Leadership Award 2025,Global Women Leadership Lifetime Award 2024, national-level LAWA CHRO Champion Award 2023, national-level Woman Beacon of Light Award 2016, Outstanding Global Islamic Women Manager Icon Excellence Award (2023) and Top 50 Impact Lifetime Achievement Award for Women Excellence (2021) by KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific. Nora is also immediate Past President of the Malaysian Commercial Banks Association (MCBA), Chairman (HRNG), Council Member (MEF), Co-Chair (ARC) and CouncilMember (IAC)
.
Nora was also appointed as the Project Champion in 2024 for the Industry’s Future Skills Framework (FSF) that was launched by the BNM Governor and HR Minister in July 2024. She is Founder Sponsor of the acclaimed eMpowering Youths Across ASEAN programme and inaugural First EXCO Sponsor of Maybank’s Sustainability Culture and Governance Pillar. Nora is also Founder Council of the Malaysia Chapter of the 30 Percent Club, Executive Sponsor for Maybank’s Women Mentor Women Council, as well as a Mentor for the ICAEW-TalentCorp Women in Leadership Programme.

Recently, she was featured in the “Top 10 CHROs to Follow on LinkedIn” by NewInAsia.com, the leading platform for business insights across Asia. The globally recognised wisdom of Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast is proven under the leadership of Datuk (Dr) Nora Manaf in her work alongside the Group President CEO and his Top Team’s significant Milestone Leap30 Transformation of a leading ASEAN Bank and Malaysia’s largest company by market capitalisation listed on the Malaysian Stock Exchange, Maybank. In her capacity as Group Chief Human Capital Officer appointed in September 2008, Nora influenced and ensured the key success factors of a Business strategy were enabled and targeted Results realised. This was captured in a Case Study written and published by the Singapore Management University in 2019 titled “Maybank: Organisational Transformation through Human Resources”.

Despo Michaelides

Strategic Advisor, Partnerships, People & Culture

Transform8

Despo Michaelides is a global Chief People Officer, board advisor, non-executive director, and certified executive coach with more than 25 years of experience across the GCC, EMEA, and Africa. She has led people, culture, talent, wellbeing, and organisational transformation across multinational, high growth, and regulated organisations, including AXA Gulf/GIG Gulf, MTN, du and NEOM.

With a legal background and extensive board and committee experience, Despo brings commercial insight, strong governance, empathy, and a genuine passion for helping people and organisations thrive. She currently serves as Strategic Advisor, Partnerships, People and Culture at Transform8, supporting organisations to strengthen leadership, build AI fluency, and apply AI, automation, and neuroscience in practical, responsible, and human-centred ways.

Despo also holds two non-executive advisory board roles within AI- and talent-focused organizations. She mentors young people and emerging leaders and actively supports philanthropic causes that advance education, inclusion, equity, and opportunity.

Dina Karim

Chief People & Culture Officer

PIF Projects

Dina Karim is a seasoned Human Capital executive with over 20 years of experience leading governance, talent strategy, and large-scale organizational transformation across leading local and multinational organizations. She brings a strong track record in shaping enterprise-wide people strategies that align with business priorities, enhance leadership effectiveness, and enable sustainable organizational growth.

Her experience spans the full spectrum of Human Capital, including operating model design, executive and board-level advisory, leadership development, talent and succession strategy, culture transformation, and organizational capability building. Dina has led the design and execution of enterprise-wide initiatives to strengthen leadership pipelines, elevate performance, and embed inclusive and high-performing cultures. She has also established and scaled leadership and capability academies, developed tailored executive development programs, and implemented integrated frameworks for coaching, mentoring, and workforce development, driving long-term talent sustainability and organizational impact.

Dina's career trajectory has spanned various sectors, where she has consistently taken on roles of increasing responsibility. She began her journey in the banking sector, holding key HR positions at the Saudi National Bank (SNB) and Barclays Capital & Wealth. She then transitioned to the pharmaceutical industry as the HR country leader for Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka at Novartis. Following this, she advanced to General Electric (GE) as the Executive country HR leader for Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

After her impactful tenure at GE, Dina made history as the first Saudi female Executive Vice Director of the Executive Leadership Development Center (ELDC) at the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC). She later returned to the banking sector as the Head of Talent Management for Riyad Bank, she then moved to the Public Investment Fund (PIF) at a subsidiary Project serving as the Chief People & Culture Officer, while also serving as a member of the Nominations & Remunerations Committee.

Dina holds a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in Public Administration with a focus on Human Resources Management from the University of Colorado at Denver and a Bachelor’s degree (B.Sc.) in Business Administration from King Saud University.

Dinesh Chaudhari

Director of Human Resources and Talent

Palazzo Versace Dubai

Dinesh N. Chaudhari is a seasoned HR and hospitality professional with over 24 years of experience across world-renowned five-star hotel brands, including Kempinski, Jumeirah Group of Hotels & Resorts, and Palazzo Versace Dubai. His career spans iconic properties such as Leela Kempinski, Burj Al Arab, Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Jumeirah Creekside Hotel, and Palazzo Versace Dubai where he has led transformative people and culture initiatives.

Beginning his journey in Rooms Division, Dinesh built a strong foundation in hotel operations before transitioning into Human Resources and Learning & Development. He successfully led the pre-opening L&D setup for Jumeirah Creekside Hotel and later served as Associate Director of L&D at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, overseeing people development and HR strategies. He currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Talent at Palazzo Versace Dubai, driving engagement, inclusion, and organizational excellence.

Dinesh has played a key role in several award-winning projects, including the Dubai Quality Appreciation Award (DQAA) and Emirates Benchmarking Management (EBM) Award, supported by the Dubai Economic Department (DED). His work on UAE National Development at Burj Al Arab earned him Jumeirah’s highest recognition — The Colleague of Exceptional Value.

His numerous accolades include:

• Excellence in Training & Development (2015) – Hozpitality Awards MENA
• HR & L&D Team of the Year (2019) – CIPD
• HR Leader of the Year 2023– HR Tech MENA
• Top Most HR Leaders – Middle East (2023 & 2024) – World HRD Congress
• Most Influential HR Leaders in the Middle East (2024 & 2025) – ETHR (Economic Times HR)

Recognized as a thought leader in HR and hospitality, Dinesh has been a judge for the Future Workplace Awards (HRSE) for two consecutive years (2024 & 2025) and a Grand Jury member for the Economic Times Human Capital Awards MENA 2025 and WOW Workplace Awards 2025.

A certified Instructional Designer and Results Coach from the NeuroLeadership Institute, Dinesh also serves on the Advisory Board of the Dubai College of Tourism (DTCM). As a frequent speaker at global conferences such as ATD Middle East, HR Tech MENA, HR Summit & Expo, HR Leaders Conference, Wellbeing @ Work MENA etc, Dinesh continues to inspire with his human-centric approach to leadership and organizational culture.

Dr Jerry Gule

Director | Executive Coach | Facilitator |Board Chairperson

Gule Executive Coaching (Pty) Limited

Dr. Jerry Gule is a Director and Executive Coach at Gule Executive Coaching (Pty) Limited and has a passion for people development, transformation, and mainstreaming of persons with disabilities in the general economy. His passion is demonstrated by his long service as Chairperson of the South African Employers for Disability (SAE4D), a body he was a founding member of, together with other HR professionals. The core purpose of the SAE4D is to enable employers to be disability confident and to exchange best practices in hiring, retaining, and ensuring career growth for employees with disabilities. He has served in an advisory capacity on disability integration to executive teams, helping them develop executable strategies. development.

He served as CEO of the Institute of People Management (IPM) South Africa. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors, Southern Africa. Dr. Gule is an experienced HR professional who practiced his craft in different settings and sectors. As a coach, he has helped diverse professionals in many organizations.

He is an effective leader who has worked with executive teams and Non-Executive Directors in the private sector as well as the non-profit sector in the role of Lead Independent Non- Executive Director, Chairperson of Board Committees, and Chairperson of the Board.

Dr Kohinoor Shweta Vohra

Strategic HR Consultant

Kohinoor is a Strategic HR & People Strategy Consultant with over a decade of experience partnering with leaders to build healthy, high-performing workplaces. She has led HR transformation, employee relations, and performance management initiatives across diverse environments, including technology, shared services, and multinational client-facing operations.

Most recently, Kohinoor has supported SMEs in Malaysia as an independent consultant, acting as a trusted advisor to founders and senior leaders on people strategy, organizational effectiveness, and employee experience. Prior to this, she served as HRBP Lead at TDCX Malaysia, where she led and mentored HRBPs supporting global clients such as Google, Disney, and Agilent, and advised leaders on culture, change, and complex employee relations matters.

Kohinoor is known for her balanced, pragmatic approach to workplace challenges, combining business acumen with empathy, fairness, and a strong commitment to employee well-being.

Dr Sane Ngidi

Executive Head of People

Imagine Worldwide | SIOPSA President (2025/2026)

Dr. Sane Ngidi is an internationally recognized HR leader and an Industrial and Organisational Psychologist with 20 years’ experience across Imagine Worldwide, the Gates Foundation, Heidrick & Struggles, Rand Merchant Bank, Nedbank and MultiChoice. She is passionate about empowering people, driving transformation and champion for humane workplaces. Founder of NGISAMILA, a platform for authentic leadership, she is a certified coach, lecturer, and passionate advocate for inclusive growth.

Dr. Adham Fayad

Senior Lecturer in Business Management

De Montfort University Dubai

Dr. Adham Fayad is a distinguished academic and industry expert currently serving as a Senior Lecturer in Business Management at De Montfort University, Dubai. He brings nearly two decades of diverse industry experience to the classroom, having held key positions within some of the MENA region's most prominent conglomerates, including Al Ghurair, Al Naboodah, Al Hoshan, and Al Fardan.

A champion of experiential learning, Dr. Fayad is dedicated to connecting students with dynamic, real-world business scenarios. Grounded in this approach, he recently led the acclaimed and award-winning Sustainovation Challenge at DMU Dubai. His global commitment to sustainable development is reflected in his role as a United Nations SDG Global Impact Fellow, alongside his contributions as a member of the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council. Additionally, Dr. Adham is a turnaround specialist and an active business consultant.

Dr. Farhan Sher

Group Director – Operations and Human Capital

Fakeeh Health

A distinguished international healthcare professional, Dr. Farhan Sher is a strategic leader with a proven 21-year track record of driving excellence within leading multinational corporations (MNCs) across both private and public healthcare sectors. Dr. Farhan Sher possesses a unique and powerful blend of operational and human capital expertise, enabling a holistic approach to organizational leadership and performance.

Dr. Farhan Sher's career is defined by a consistent ability to deliver success in complex, high-stakes environments. Core competencies include the design and implementation of robust Workflow Strategies that enhance efficiency and productivity. Dr. Farhan Sher is also adept at Brand Building, positioning organizations for market leadership, and is a specialist in Benchmarking and Standardization to ensure world-class practices.

A central pillar of Dr. Farhan Sher 's expertise lies in integrating high-performance Human Resources Management with core operations. This includes developing talent strategies that foster engagement, drive productivity, and align with key performance indicators (KPI management) to achieve business objectives.

As a recognized authority on quality and safety, Dr. Farhan Sher has deep, hands-on experience guiding organizations through stringent international accreditation processes. This includes expertise in Joint Commission International (JCI) standards, Investors in People (IIP) framework, enhancing the Patient Experience, and achieving Center of Excellence (COE) Accreditations.

Dr. Ghenwa Habbal

Enterpriae Architect | Leadership Futurist | Global Advisor

Dr. Ghenwa Habbal is a Business & Organizational Psychologist and enterprise leadership architect operating at the intersection of human intelligence, strategy, and systems. With two decades of experience across complex, multi-market environments in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, she advises senior leaders, boards, and institutions navigating volatility, scale, and transformation.

Her work is grounded in one principle: leadership is not performance—it is infrastructure.

Dr. Habbal is the creator of the F.A.S.T.™ Leadership Model and CultureGPT™, proprietary frameworks designed to build focus, adaptability, strategic clarity, and trust—elevating human judgment as a strategic advantage in an AI-accelerated world.

Blending behavioral science, systems thinking, and executive pragmatism, she designs leadership and culture as architecture—translating vision into execution where decisions carry both human and economic consequence. Her advisory spans enterprise transformation, leadership systems, culture design, and future-of-work strategy in environments shaped by complexity and uncertainty.

A sought-after keynote speaker, moderator, and judge at global platforms, Dr. Habbal is co-author of The Talent Matrix™ and a trusted voice on human-centered leadership, performance, and wellbeing. Her work aligns leadership with truth, trust, and long-term value—positioning human intelligence as the defining infrastructure of sustainable success.

Dr. Jojo O’Driscoll-Kearney

Professor at Hult, Senior Faculty at Harvard Business Impact, Workforce Intelligence Advisor.

Jo is a former Chief Learning Officer, HR VP, Executive Psychometric Assessor, Harvard Business and Hult Professor of practice, and a leading voice on intercultural strength, leadership development and AI-enabled learning across public and private sectors. With 20 years of c-suite experience spanning five continents - from Silicon Valley to Saudi Arabia - she advises governments, F500 companies, and boards on talent strategy, transformation, and leadership at scale.

As former Chief Learning Officer at Majid Al Futtaim and Head of Learning at Meta, Jo has designed and delivered learning strategies for 50,000+ employees globally. She currently serves as a Professor of Practice in Dubai and the GCC, bringing evidence-based, research-led approaches to executive education and national human capital strategy.

Jo is a trained actor and now sought-after keynote speaker on culture, leadership, AI disruption, and organizational transformation. Her work bridges academic rigor with practical impact - whether coaching executives, advising governments on policy, or teaching at Harvard. She holds an MBA-F from Oxford, and is a CLO100 board director, Global Policy Network Advisor, ICF / Gallup Strengths Coach, and accredited mediator.

Dr. Loo Leap Han

Head of People

Infinity Logistics & Transport Sdn Bhd

Dr. Loo is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience across manufacturing, healthcare, and construction. As Head of People at Infinity Logistics & Transport, he leads the people and culture agenda, driving strategic HR initiatives. His expertise spans talent management, people productivity, HR analytics, and organisational development. Dr. Loo is also a sought-after speaker, trainer, and academic, having published HR research and lectured at universities. He is passionate about shaping future-ready HR practices and continues to inspire the industry through his leadership and contributions.

Dr. Louise Lambert

Head of Happiness Programming & Policy Design

Happiness Matters

Dr. Louise Lambert, PhD, is a Registered Psychologist (Canada), Researcher, and Workplace Consultant with 20 years of experience in counselling, mental health, education, and primary healthcare. She has lived in the UAE for 18 years doing organizational and educational consulting, as well as teaching and research in the field of happiness and wellbeing. 

Her expertise is in positive psychology and the empirical strategies used to attain greater subjective wellbeing; this has been the core of her expertise for more than 20 years. As such, she has several peer-reviewed empirical publications in positive psychology applications, overall programming, including cultural impact, as well as more current studies in organizational signaling around corporate wellbeing programs. Many of these have been conducted in the MENA region. She is Head of Happiness Programming & Policy Design with HappinessMatters.org. 

Her work includes the design, delivery and assessment of the positive education programs at Dubai College and Kuwait’s AlNowair Foundation, with prior employee training with clients such as Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, KAUST (KSA), Cigna Insurance Middle East, and others. She is also the Editor of the Middle East Journal of Positive Psychology, a peer-reviewed journal dedicated to regional wellbeing.

Dr. Miskyah Toth

CEO & Owner

BDCS and Miskyah.com

Dr. Miskyah Marie Toth is a globally recognized entrepreneur, speaker, and author known for her transformative leadership in workforce development, business strategy, and women’s empowerment. As the founder and CEO of Business Directive Contract Services (BDCS), she leads one of South Africa’s leading outsourcing and workforce management companies, operating across more than 50 locations and employing thousands of staff.

With over two decades of experience, Dr. Toth has pioneered innovative HR solutions, digital workforce systems, and AI-driven planning that help organizations scale effectively. Beyond business, she is the founder of Miskyah.com, a leadership and coaching platform dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and women to lead with purpose and resilience.

Her global influence has earned numerous accolades, including Top 50 Fearless Leaders 2026 (IAOTP), Global Power Leader 2025, Empowered Woman of the Year 2025 (IAOTP), and CIO Times Woman of the Year 2025, recognizing her impact in leadership, innovation, and global business transformation.

Dr. Nabil Batawi

Chief Shared Service Officer

Misk Foundation | Chairman of the committees | Advisory Board Member

Nabil Batawi is a seasoned executive with over 25 years of leadership experience in Human Resources Management and Shared Services, having worked with multinational, local, and joint venture companies.

Nabil has a proven track record in driving strategic HR initiatives that align with corporate goals, focusing on talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management, and organizational development.

As a board member and advisory committee member for several prominent organizations, including the Public Investment Fund (PIF) projects and Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development initiatives, Nabil has significantly contributed to the Saudi labor market and leadership development.

Recognized for his exceptional contributions, he has received multiple awards, 

Nabil's expertise and strategic vision continue to shape the HR landscape, fostering growth and excellence within the organizations he serves.

Dr. Salima Hamouche, SHRM-SCP

HR, AI & Workplace Wellbeing Expert | HR Consultant | Corporate Trainer | Professor and Keynote Speaker

Dr. Salima Hamouche is a Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP). She is an assistant professor, corporate trainer, and HR consultant at the University of Sharjah, UAE. She graduated from the University of Montreal (PhD) and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières (Canada). Dr. Salima has a strong academic background and practical experience in HRM and employees` mental health and well-being at work. Besides her academic experience, she has extensive corporate experience in leadership roles, as an HR consultant and HR director in small and large organizations, as well as multinational companies. She has also served for several years on the boards of directors as an administrator and vice president in Canada. Her research interests are centered on HRM, employees’ well-being, and corporate happiness. She has contributed significantly to these fields through numerous publications and active involvement in initiatives aimed at advancing HRM practices, integrating AI into HR, and promoting workplace well-being.

Dr. Soha Chahine

Organizational Psychologist & Founder

Forward Training & Consulting

Dr. Soha Chahine is an Organizational Psychologist, ICF-accredited PCC coach, and founder and Managing Director of Forward Training & Consulting.

Grounded in behavioral science, her work examines the human systems that shape behavior, decision-making, and performance across individuals, teams, and leadership, influencing how culture, accountability, and resilience evolve in complex organizational environments.

She is the co-author of The Talent Matrix™ Playbook and Shaken, Stirred but Not Deterred, and a contributor to Harvard Business Review Arabia, where her work bridges theory and practice across Emotional Intelligence, Human Intelligence, resilience, and leadership effectiveness.

Dr. Chahine is a certified psychometric assessor, Adjunct Faculty in Business Ethics, and a global jury member for international HR and leadership awards. Her professional work also extends into governance and ethics through service in an independent ambassadorial capacity as Arab Women Ambassador for Human Sustainability, aligned with the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights & International Cooperation (UNHCHRIC).

She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication (Public Relations), a Master of Science in Human Resource Management and Training, and a Doctorate in Organizational Psychology with a focus on talent and culture transformation.

Dr. Tana M. Session, JD

CEO & Founder

TanaMSession.com

Dr. Tana M. Session is the CEO & Founder of TanaMSession.com, a certified Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB), and Women Minority Business Enterprise (WMBE) with over 30 years of Human Resources experience. Dr. Session is a recognized cultural transformation architect, specializing in facilitated experiences and leadership & organizational development with a particular focus on addressing incivility and polarization in the workplace. She has spent 10 years as the top Human Resources executive for both domestic and international organizations where she led various change initiatives and up-leveled entire departments, including talent, systems, and operations. She has partnered with hi-tech start-ups and fast-growth companies as well as McDonald's, Creed Perfumery, Interscope Geffen A&M Records, Spotify, HOORAE, City of Richmond, Federal Executive Board, Department of Health & Human Services, NASA and many other multi-national for-profit & not for profit organizations and government agencies. She believes courageous leadership is a necessary ingredient for organizational success.

Tana has been recognized as a “Top Company Culture Consultant” by Fond.co, “Top Employer Branding Expert” by Eightfold.ai, and a Huffington Post “Top Female Expert to Follow.” Tana is the official LinkedIn Learning expert for Recruiting, Organizational Development, and Performance Management, and was also recognized by Forbes as a “Next 1000.” Additionally, her business was recognized by Design Rush as a ""Top 5 California Business Consulting Firm"" and a ""Top 10 California HR Outsourcing Company,"" and CORE Magazine/USA Today recognized her as ""CORE 100 Most Influential Blacks Today."" Tana was also selected as the winner for the 2024 “Business Hall of Fame” from Los Angeles Awards in the category of Human Resource Consulting.

Dr. Session is an international speaker who has spoken at professional events throughout the U.S. as well as Bangkok, Dominican Republic, Cuba, and Jamaica. She completed her undergraduate degree in Business Administration and her MBA in Organizational Psychology & Development. In 2019, Tana received her Honorary Doctorate (PhD) degree in Philosophy. Recognized by the University of Phoenix as one of its Distinguished Alumni of Southern California, Tana also joined the team of UCLA Extension and California State University – Long Beach as an Instructor/Adjunct Professor. In 2019, Tana was selected as the only MBA alumni in American InterContinental University’s history to speak as the keynote speaker for the commencement ceremony where she shared a powerful message to over 7,000 attendees in Houston and Atlanta.

Tana is a 2025 JD candidate, where her focus will be Civil/Human Rights Law, and was confirmed as a speaker for SXSW 2023.

Tana is the author of multiple books, including the #1 Best-seller Get Your Career Life in Order. Tana is a recognized media contributor and has been a contributing writer for Forbes.com, Entrepreneur, Thrive Global and BlackEnterprise.com, and has been featured in Huffington Post, Essence Magazine, Savoy Magazine, Sheen Magazine, and on various local news, syndicated radio, television and podcast shows.

In her free time, Tana likes to travel, participate in high adrenaline adventures, and spend time with family and friends.

Dr. Tina Mistry

Director of Corporate Wellbeing | Mental Health Consultant

Dr. Tina Mistry is a Mental Health Consultant specialising in workplace mental health, organisational psychology, and digital health across the GCC. She advises organisations on evidence-based strategies to strengthen culture, leadership decision-making, psychological safety, and employee experience — from governance and strategy through to programme design and measurable outcomes. Her background includes large-scale mental health system design within complex, future-focused environments, bringing a human-centred and commercially grounded approach to sustainable impact. Tina is also a speaker and advisor committed to raising the standard of workplace mental health practice in the region.

Dr. Tommy Ng

Founder & Chief Guru

HR Guru Pte Ltd

Dr. Tommy Ng is the Founder and Chief Guru of HR Guru Pte Ltd and a well-recognised HR practitioner with hands-on experience across the corporate world of Asia Pacific, EMEA, Europe and the Americas, as well as in the consulting space. Over three decades, he has held senior CHRO and C-suite roles at Raffles Holdings, Fairmont Raffles Hotels International, SMRT Corporation, GuocoLand, and Tiger Airways.

At HRguru®, Dr. Ng provides strategic HR advisory, executive compensation expertise, and on-demand solutions to organisations and leaders navigating people and culture challenges. He is a Fellow of the Singapore Human Resources Institute and recipient of multiple accolades including the NTUC Medal of Commendation and the Asia Best Employer Brand HR Leadership Award.

Beyond work, Dr. Ng is a dog lover, an avid reader and author of the book “Nothing Surprises Me - I Work in HR (A Personal Journey). He continues to shape the regional HR landscape through advisory, board, and community roles.

Edalyn “Lyn” D. Hadjula-Legarde

Country People and Culture Director

Dutch Lady Milk Industries – Malaysia Berhad

With more than 25 years’ solid HR experience focused on People and Culture Strategy and Management in large multinational and local organizations, Lyn distinguished herself in the HR field. Inclusion and Diversity, Talent and Leadership Development and Strategic Rewards are passions and advocacies that she drive. 

She worked for well-known brands such as AMA Group of Companies, Emerson Electric Asia Ltd, Red Ribbon Bakeshop Inc. a company by the Jollibee group, Philip Morris HR Shared Services, Philip Morris Asia Ltd and Alaska Milk Corporation. She is currently the Country People and Culture Director for Dutch Lady Milk Industries – Malaysia Berhad, a company by Royal Friesland Campina. She has led several DEI Interventions locally, regionally and globally such as Equal Salary Certification, Wellness and Well-being Programs, Psychological Safety, Women Leadership Development, and she champions Unconscious Bias.

Lyn also is an Adjunct Professor and Program Director of the Center for Executive Education of the Asian Institute of Management in Manila, Philippines, a premiere Business School in Asia. She is also currently representing Dutch Lady Milk Industries - Berhad at the CAN-DEI Workstream, 30%+ Club and the Malaysia Lead Women.

She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Management major in Legal Management from Ateneo de Manila University, a Diploma in Industrial Relations from University of the Philippines and HR-related certificates from prestigious institutions including Ateneo CORD, Pennsylvania State University and London Business School. Lyn is also a holder of the Level 3 CHRME designation and she is a Certified Senior HR Practitioner by the CPHR/CAHR United Kingdom. 

Lyn has been recognized: 
• Top Most HR Leaders (ASIA) Award by the World HRD Congress August 2022 
• Top Most HR Leader (PH) Award by the World HRD Congress June 2023
• Women of Excellence, Rising Tigers Organization October 2023 (PH)
• 2023 Global 200 Power Leaders in HR White Pages International (Global)
• PH Top 100 Talent Leaders 2024 The Bridge Club (PH)
• Most Iconic Global HR Leader by the World HRD Congress Global HR Excellence Awards February 2024 (Global)

She has been a consistent speaker for Total Rewards, Transformational HR, AI in HR, Learning & Development, Talent Management, Leadership Development and Inclusion & Diversity, across countries and regions. 

Lyn has 6 kids – 2 human who are both finishing university, 3 dogs and 1 kitty cat. She loves to cook, read and travel. 

Eid Altharb

Senior Consultant, Organizational Management

Accomplished C-level executive with extensive leadership experience in organisational transformation, corporate governance, human capital strategy, and business growth across telecommunications, banking, retail, education, and mining sectors.

Proven track record of leading complex organisations through restructuring, operational optimisation, and strategic expansion while building high-performing teams and sustainable business models.

Recognised for strong strategic vision, executive leadership, and the ability to align corporate objectives with long-term growth and operational efficiency.

Holds an MBA from Leeds University Business School and BA from California State University.

Eman Serafi

Chief Executive Officer | Board Member and NRC Chair

Global Mentors Group, Middle East | CGS

Eman Serafi is a distinguished C-suite executive with over 19 years of experience leading human capital, commercial strategy, and organisational transformation across leading Saudi and multinational organisations. Currently serving as Chief Executive Officer, Middle East at Global Mentors Group, and as a Board Member and NRC Chair at CGS, Eman brings a strategic, governance-led approach to leadership and business growth. 
 
Eman has a proven track record in building high-performing, future-ready organisations by aligning people strategies with commercial objectives, strengthening leadership capability, and fostering cultures of excellence and innovation. Expertise spans organisational transformation, employee experience, corporate affairs, and executive development. 
 
A Misk 2030 Leader, Eman is deeply committed to advancing human capital excellence and empowering individuals to thrive, contributing to sustainable impact in alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

Emma Davies

COO

Massar Business Solutions

Emma Jordaan

Founder & CEO

Infinite Consulting

Emma Jordaan is a Cultural Intelligence (CQ) thought leader, international training facilitator, and author of ‘Dubai Decoded – Cultural Intelligence Strategies for Thriving in Dubai’. As the Founder of Infinite Consulting, Emma helps leaders and organisations decode the complexities of multicultural workplaces. From keynote stages like GITEX and HRSE to boardrooms of global firms, Emma’s insights empower high-performing teams to build trust, influence across cultures, and turn difference into strategic advantage. Based in Dubai, she works at the intersection of leadership, inclusion, and cross-cultural behaviour, delivering training, coaching, and advisory services grounded in real-world results and backed by research. Emma is also a TEDx speaker and co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast.

Emma is the author of Dubai Decoded and the creator of two proprietary Cultural Intelligence frameworks CultureVantageTM and R.A.P.I.DTM that equip leaders and organisations to turn cultural difference into a competitive advantage.

CultureVantage helps leaders identify their cultural strengths, close capability gaps, and embed inclusive behaviours that drive trust, influence, and performance.

R.A.P.I.D provides a simple, repeatable process for recognising cultural dynamics, adapting effectively, and delivering results in multicultural environments.

Both frameworks are exclusive to Emma’s keynotes, workshops, and advisory programmes, leaving audiences with tools they can immediately apply to improve communication, collaboration, and retention in diverse teams.

Fahad Al Aqeel

Vice President - People & Culture

International Maritime Industries

Fahad Al Aqeel, Vice President of People & Culture at International Maritime Industries (IMI), is a seasoned human resource with over 19 years of experience in leading HR functions. The vice president of people and culture Fahad Al Aqeel brings a wealth of expertise in talent management, organization development and HR strategy.

With his professional background, with a strong track record of driving HR excellence, Fahad Al Aqeel has successfully partnered with executive leadership teams to create and execute HR Strategies that align with business objectives. He has a proven ability to build high performing teams, develop and implement policies & procedures, training & development, and foster positive workplace culture.

His career highlight led talent acquisition efforts resulting in a reduction in time-to-fill and increase in the quality of new hires. Spearheaded the development and implementation of innovative employee engagement initiatives, resulting in an increase in employee satisfaction scores. Implemented a comprehensive leadership development program that contributed to improvement in leadership effectiveness and succession planning. Successfully managed complex HR projects, such as Ras Al Khair employees Mobilization, ensured seamless integration of people and culture, and ensured compliance with all HR-related legal requirements and regulations, maintaining a track record of zero compliance violations.
Fahad Al Aqeel is committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, and inclusion. He believes in creating an environment where employees are empowered, motivated, and encouraged to achieve their full potential. His leadership style is characterized by a collaborative and strategic approach to HR management, focused on delivering measurable results.

Fahad Al Aqeel holds a master’s degree in business administration from New York institution of Technology (NYIT) with honors and is dedicated to continuous professional development in the field of People & Culture.

Fahad Ibrahim Rashad

CEO

HR Lines Company

Fahad Rashad is the Chief Executive Officer of HR Lines Company, bringing over 19 years of executive-level experience across leading national and international institutions. Throughout his career, he has served in strategic leadership roles including CHRO at Wallan Holding, Director of Shared Services at Misk Foundation, HR Operations Director at the National Center for Privatization & PPP, and HR leadership roles with Diaverum AB and Eli Lilly. His experience spans corporate strategy, HR transformation, shared services, governance, organizational restructuring, and executive leadership.

Mr. Fahad is known for his strong professional presence and ability to lead organizational change, aligning strategic HR programs with national transformation priorities. In 2025, he was awarded globally in Innovation in HR Strategy and Employee Engagement, and recognized among the Top 100 HR Leaders in Saudi Arabia. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Financial Management from King Saud University.

Gavin Walford-Wright

Group Chief Corporate Development Officer

Ajlan & Bros Holding

Gavin Walford-Wright MA, FCIPD, FInstLM, FCPHR, FCMI, FIDM, FIRP, MCIM, is the Group Chief Corporate Development Officer of Ajlan & Bros Holding Group (ABHG). ABHG is a leading private sector conglomerate in the Middle East and North Africa region established in 1979, employing over 20,000 people in more than 25 countries and across 75 companies with assets worth US$ 15 Billion and annual revenues of more than US$ 2 Billion. In addition, as a Board Member of Dussmann-Ajlan & Bros Holding Company, and NexVenue, Gavin oversees governance, strategy, M&A, financial planning and performance. 
 
With 25 years of experience in various markets and industries, Gavin has successfully led and delivered strategic initiatives, change management, and cross-functional collaboration in government, semi-government, public, and private organisations. He is a start-up and turnaround expert with a strong track record of driving performance, innovation, and growth, as well as championing positive and inclusive culture and values. Gavin is passionate about contributing to the Saudi Vision 2030 and empowering the next generation of leaders and talent. He holds multiple Chartered Fellowships and a Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management, and is an author, speaker, and adjunct professor at various universities. 

Gcobisa Ntshona

Founder and Director

Mavuka People Advisory

Gcobisa Ntshona is an accomplished Human Resources and People Development professional with a proven track record in building high-performing, people-centric organisations. With extensive experience across Human Resources strategy execution, organisational development, and employee engagement, she brings a balanced perspective that integrates business performance with employee wellbeing. Her career spans diverse sectors, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping workplace cultures that prioritise both operational excellence and human capital growth. Gcobisa is particularly recognised for her ability to translate organisational strategy into meaningful people practices that enhance employee experience, strengthen leadership capability, and drive sustainable performance.

A strong advocate for employee wellbeing and inclusive workplace cultures. A thought leader on the changing world of work and the role of digitisation in the workplace, she has led and contributed to initiatives focused on employee engagement, talent development, performance management, and organisational effectiveness. Her approach is grounded in the belief that empowered employees are central to long-term organisationalsuccess.

Gcobisa’s professional strengths lie in:
• Human Resources strategy alignment with business objectives
• Employee engagement and workplace culture transformation
• Leadership and organisational development
• Talent management and capability building
• Integration and harmonisation of systems to drive operational efficiencies
• Driving accountability and performance through people practices

Her work reflects a deep commitment to fostering environments where employees feel valued, motivated, and enabled to perform at their best.

As a Jury Member for the Employee Happiness Awards South Africa 2026, Gcobisa brings thoughtful insight, professional integrity, and a strong appreciation for organisations that are redefining the future of work through people-first practices. She is passionate about recognising organisations that not only achieve business success but also create meaningful and fulfilling employee experiences.

Gemma Morris

Senior HR Business Partner

Savills

Gemma Morris is a Senior HR Business Partner at Savills Middle East, driving strategic people initiatives in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. With extensive experience shaping high-performance cultures, driving employee engagement, and embedding inclusive people practices, Gemma partners closely with executive leadership to translate business strategy into meaningful people outcomes. She is particularly passionate about inclusive workplaces, neuro-inclusion, and mental well-being, championing practical frameworks and lasting change that enable individuals and organisations to thrive.

A frequent speaker and advocate for progressive HR practices, Gemma combines data-driven decision-making with deeply human leadership. As a Jury Panelist for the Employee Happiness Awards, she brings a strategic yet empathetic perspective, recognising organisations that place sustainable well-being, inclusion, and culture at the heart of their business strategy.

Grant ‘Upbeat’ Bosnick

Award-Winning Author, Keynote Speaker and Musician

Grant ‘Upbeat’ Bosnick is an award-winning Author, Keynote Speaker, Musician, and the Managing Director of YES (Your Empowering Solutions), a boutique HR consultancy. Using psychology and neuroscience, he has partnered with over a hundred Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 clients in 45 countries on 6 continents to transform people’s mindsets and behaviour to achieve results and perform at a higher level. He loves switching on light bulbs with people – triggering those ‘aha moments’ - insights - that change mindsets and open up new possibilities. His passion is all about helping people, teams and organizations re-imagine the future, for a better vision and better results... His latest award-winning book, Tailored Approaches to Self-Leadership: A Bite-Size Approach Using Psychology and Neuroscience, was published by Routledge in 2023, with a foreword by Marshall Goldsmith

Haikal Akmar

Chief Human Resources Officer, UOA Group

CEO, UOA Academy

Haikal Akmar is the Chief Human Resources Officer of United Overseas Australia Ltd (UOA Group) and CEO of UOA Academy. UOA Group, a listed company, is one of the region’s leading real estate development and property investment groups with a presence in Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

With over 18 years of experience across hospitality, retail, real estate, property development, and financial services, Haikal’s portfolio extends beyond human resources to include business P&L leadership, culture building, capability development, and leadership growth. He is also active in advancing the use of Artificial Intelligence. Through the Laurence Yap School of AI at UOA Academy, he drives corporate application of AI, and contributes nationally as a member of AI Council.

Haikal further supports future skills and industry growth as Council Member of MyMahir Future Skills under TalentCorp and Co-Chair of the Tourism Productivity Nexus with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation. His work reflects a commitment to building meaningful, resilient, and future-ready workforces.

Hani Al Khusaibi

Chief HR & Support Services Officer

Towell Group

Hani is a seasoned Human Resources Manager with over 20 years of experience leading the Human Resources division in various sectors.

Hani worked extensively with large family groups in the Sultanate and the GCC countries and was responsible for leading mergers, acquisitions, and exits on the human resources aspect, in various types of regional and international companies. His experience also covers sectors such as retail, real estate, automotive, food industry, and shopping malls.

Hani is a professional HR leader who has worked in several companies in different geographic. He has extensive experience specializing in start-up settings, mergers, and corporate restructuring.

Hani started his career in the Automotive sector with the Zubair Group in the Sultanate of Oman, then he was entrusted with the tasks of leading the human resources division in the Sultanate of Oman for Majid Al Futtaim Group (Hypermarket Operations - Carrefour). He was tasked with managing and developing the human resource operations associated with express retail stores covering the GCC region. Later he moved successively to work in several companies, including international, local, and regional ones within various sectors, including heavy automobile Manufacturing, industrial food manufacturing, and renewable energy for the oil & gas and energy sectors. Currently, Hani is holding the position of Chief HR & Support Services Officer at Towell Group.

Hani holds an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in law. Hani also holds an accredited international certificate in management and leadership from the Swiss-based IMD institution.

Harpreet Singh Chhatwal

Vice President People & Culture

Radisson Hotel Group

Harpreet is VP-People and Culture for Radisson Hotel Group for Middle East, Africa, South Asia and Southeast Asia Pacific. In his role Harpreet manages all aspects of Talent across his countries through diverse cultures. Harpreet has lived and worked in 4 countries. He has contribute immensely in shaping the culture and talent strategy at Radisson Hotel Group. He has played a pivotal role in fostering an environment where open, transparent, and empathetic communication is central to building strong teams and achieving business success. Harpreet is passionate about empowering employees at all levels to communicate more effectively, whether through leadership or everyday collaboration. At RHG Harpreet has been part of several Global initiatives that have helped strengthen internal communication, enhance employee engagement, and align teams towards a common purpose. Outside work Harpreet Loves Emceeing, Presenting and Coaching. Hotelier by Domain, Public Speaker by Passion and Motivator by Choice.

Hisham Ayub

Group Chief Shared Services Officer

Nesma United Industries

Hisham M. Ayub is an accomplished enterprise leader with extensive regional and global experience in shared services, organizational transformation, operational excellence, and strategic business enablement. As Group Chief Shared Services Officer at Nesma United Industries, he leads enterprise-wide initiatives focused on enhancing organizational performance, employee experience, governance, and sustainable growth across complex business environments. 
 
Over the course of his career, Hisham has contributed to transformational leadership initiatives across diverse sectors and internationally recognized organizations, bringing a people-centric and innovation-driven approach to business transformation. His expertise spans enterprise shared services, digital transformation, service optimization, leadership development, and organizational effectiveness. 
 
Known for his collaborative leadership style and passion for empowering teams, Hisham actively supports initiatives that foster employee engagement, workplace culture, innovation, and high-performing organizations across the region.

Hisham Elsaied

Partner Learning and Development

ICAN MENA

Hisham is a leading voice in leadership development, organizational transformation, and cross-cultural intelligence across the MENA region. With over two decades of HR leadership experience at global powerhouses like Alstom, Daikin, and Bombardier, he has built a reputation for shaping high-performing teams and enabling leaders to achieve full potential. 

As Managing Partner at Highbreed, Hisham leads a boutique leadership development firm built exclusively for middle managers in the GCC. Highbreed’s modular, data-backed training model equips organizations to develop culturally agile, future-ready leaders,

In his capacity as a Non-Executive Advisory Board Member in ESG, Hisham advises on sustainable leadership strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), integrating human-centered development into the heart of corporate responsibility. 

A certified coach, CQ® facilitator, and MBTI assessor, Hisham has personally delivered hundreds of leadership assessments and development sessions. His trilingual fluency (Arabic, English, and French) and global mindset position him as a trusted advisor for organizations navigating complexity across borders. 

He is also the host of The Edge podcast—a platform dedicated to empowering middle managers through insights, strategies, and real-world stories from across the leadership landscape.

A sought-after speaker, award juror, and executive advisor, Hisham brings strategic clarity and practical wisdom to every conversation he leads.

Houssam Adel

HR & Shared Services Director

Tamer Mölnlycke Care

Houssam Adel is a senior HR and Shared Services Director leader with over a decade of experience shaping organizational strategy, culture, and operational excellence across complex, fast-growing organizations in Saudi Arabia.

He has served as a Board Member on both Advisory and Strategic Committees, contributing to institutional strategy, governance oversight, and long-term capability development. In these roles, he partners with senior stakeholders on high-impact decisions, ensuring accountability, sustainability, and sound judgment at the leadership level. 

Professionally, he leads enterprise People and Shared Services functions spanning Human Resources, Technology, Cybersecurity, Facilities, and Procurement. He has led large-scale cultural and HR transformation initiatives, strengthening leadership capability, and building high-performance, future-ready organizations. 
 
With an MBA earned with distinction, an engineering foundation, and multiple international certifications, he brings analytical rigor, objectivity, and balanced decision-making—offering a thoughtful, strategic perspective well suited for jury and evaluation roles. 
 

Ibrahim Abuzinadah

Chief People Officer of Human Resources & Administration

Abdul Latif Jameel Enterprises

Ibrahim is a dynamic HR leader with over two decades of experience across global industries. As the Chief People Officer at Abdullatif Jameel Enterprises, he has earned a reputation for revolutionizing HR operations, cultivating talent, and driving human capital strategies that align seamlessly with business goals. Ibrahim's expertise spans HR digital transformation, strategic planning, and talent management, all while promoting a people-centric culture. His leadership journey includes impactful roles at international giants like PwC and Al-Futtaim, where he consistently delivered results. He has pioneered innovative initiatives, such as integrating AI into HR processes, enhancing both employee engagement and operational efficiency. He holds a Master’s degree in Business, Entrepreneurship, and Technology from the University of Waterloo, blending strategic vision with cutting-edge technology to empower people and drive organizational success.IbrahimIbrahim

Javeed Ashraf Khan

Co-Founder & Chief Growth and People Officer

TidyHire

Javeed (Jav) Khan is a global talent leader, founder, and advocate for human-centered workplaces with over two decades of experience across IBM, MasterCard, and KPMG — spanning the Middle East, Africa, India, and Turkey. 
 
As Co-Founder and Chief Growth & People Officer at TidyHire, Jav is building the Hiring Operating System that puts recruiters — and the human experience of work — back at the center of how organizations grow. 
 
His career has been defined by one conviction: that people are the most powerful growth engine any organization has. From hiring 12,000+ professionals at IBM, to driving 45% female representation at KPMG, to building communities where TA leaders stop feeling alone at the top — Jav has consistently championed workplaces where people feel seen, valued, and empowered. 
 
He is co-founder of FiesTA, a global TA leadership community, and a recognized voice on the future of work, AI, and human-first hiring.

Jessica Duvall

Head of People and Culture

Chinese Palace Group

Jessica Duvall is a visionary People & Culture leader with over 17 years of global HR experience across the Middle East and Asia-Pacific. As Head of People & Culture at Chinese Palace Group in Dubai, she leads strategic initiatives for a workforce of 1,800+ employees across multiple brands. 
 
Her expertise spans talent acquisition, compensation & benefits, employee engagement, learning & development, HR transformation, and culture building. Known for creating scalable HR functions, she drives both operational excellence and strong, inclusive workplace cultures. 
Jessica holds a Master’s degree in Business and certifications in Strategic Leadership, HRM, and Organizational Development. Having lived in seven countries, she brings a strong cross-cultural perspective to her work. 

Jessica is passionate about creating environments where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Jing Yng Voo

Chief People and Culture Officer

The Alice Smith School

With a 20-year journey in HR, Voo advanced from HR Practitioner to Group Director of HR Operations at YTL Hotels and Properties, demonstrating continuous leadership growth. In 2016, she became Head of Human Resources at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, supporting the university’s 5-year people development plan and successfully implementing an ERP HR system to streamline processes from recruitment to onboarding and managing leavers.

Currently Chief People and Culture Officer at The Alice Smith School, Voo leads change management initiatives and works closely with stakeholders. Her leadership philosophy emphasizes a people-centric environment, positioning HR as a strategic partner for organizational excellence. She leverages strategic insight and innovative HR practices to drive organisational change and develop high-performing teams.

Kateryna Byelova

CEO

Sage XP

Kateryna Byelova is the CEO of Sage XP, a consultancy specializing in internal communications and corporate culture.

With over 18 years of experience in leadership roles across the metallurgy, oil & gas, and logistics industries, Kateryna has designed and built internal communication and culture functions from scratch for companies with up to 350,000 employees, often during complex transformations, mergers, and restructuring.

Kateryna is the author of the first data-driven study on Internal Communications and Culture development in the Gulf region, introducing the market’s first benchmarks. She is a member of the MEPRA Strategy Board, contributing to the advancement of the communications profession in the region.

Kateryna holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Johns Hopkins University and regularly speaks at regional and international conferences on internal communications, culture, and employee performance. She also lectures at universities, including Johns Hopkins University, contributing to the next generation of communication professionals.

Kristina Vaneva

Employee Experience Professional

Beyond Plus

Kristina Vaneva is a celebrated HR industry leader who has garnered numerous accolades and industry awards for her remarkable contributions to the field of employee experience. 

With a career journey spanning over two decades, she specializes in employee engagement and internal communication. Esteemed for her ability to reduce employee turnover rates and turnover costs, and seize opportunities for positive organizational change, Kristina is a devoted leader with a proven track record of crafting impactful communication strategies tailored to business objectives. 

Her newly published book “Beyond Employee Engagement” aims to her readers elevate organizations from ordinary to extraordinary through cultural best and “next” practices, where each step shapes an outstanding employee and customer experience. It is a roadmap for leaders, managers, and HR students and professionals, empowering them to shape a purposeful journey, impacting a future where work is transformative for employees, customers, investors, communities, and beyond.

Maan Fatani

Executive Business Leader - Board Member

Maan Fatani Chartered FCIPD - Board Member - C-Suit Executive Business Leader

Executive business leader with extensive experience in leading and driving transformation from the top of the corporate ladder to the execution level on the front line. Hands-on experience with business performance, Strategic Planning, Organization Development, and Human Capital Development. Demonstrated hands-on expertise in Mergers & Acquisitions for seamless integration. Proven 25 years in various industries in different size of companies including Healthcare, FMCG, Building Materials, Oil and Gas, paper board production, and Waste Management. Great Exposure in working with Multi-National Companies. Focus on increasing shareholders value, Sustainable Development, and support Corporate Governance Framework

A results-driven Board Member with a focus on aligning business strategy, financial performance, and stakeholder interests to drive sustainable growth and long-term success. A champion of Corporate Governance, strengthening Board and Committee effectiveness, building institutional integrity and governance driven decision-making.

Magdolin Boukhary

Chief People & Culture Officer

EVIQ

Magdolin Boukhary is a distinguished Human Resources professional with over 25 years of experience specializing in talent management, HR systems implementation, and boosting employee engagement. Her extensive career includes pivotal HR roles at esteemed organizations, ensuring she experienced diversified industries such as King Abdulaziz Medical City, Saudi National Bank (Alahli previously), Tasnee (Cristal previously), and Binzagr Company. Additionally, she is a graduate of the 2030 Leaders program by MISK and is a member of the Saudi Leadership Society. Boukhary also provides freelance Career Enhancement Services through MaGlorious and has co-authored the empowering book, "She Dares."

Renowned for her adeptness in navigating diverse cultural environments, Boukhary excels at unifying teams and dismantling barriers to enhance collaboration across departments. She leverages data-driven insights to foster talent development and retention, underpinning her reputation for proactive involvement in core business operations. As a trusted advisor within EVIQ, she offers strategic guidance, ensuring team alignment and operational effectiveness. Her exceptional communication and leadership capabilities are central to her success in the field of human resources.

Magdolin Boukhary embodies the essence of a dynamic leader who not only brings a wealth of knowledge and experience but also a genuine passion for advancing organizational and employee excellence. Her ability to synthesize analytical insights with interpersonal skills ensures robust support to management and the cultivation of strong, enduring relationships across all levels of a company.

Maher Sabbagh

Chief People Officer and Board Advisor

AmicaVerse Holding

A versatile and capable HR leader with more than two decades of rich and diverse experience with world's leading FMCG and Fortune 500 companies across Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia and Emerging Markets. Accomplished track record in transformation strategies, change management and turnaround initiatives. Committed to excellence, adaptability in diversity and strategic leadership.

Majid Saleh Alquait

CEO

eHR (Experts HR)

Majid Alquait is a senior HR executive with a deep understanding of the Saudi market and its evolving organizational landscape. He worked closely with senior leaders and decision-makers, to bring practical insight into how people, culture, and governance shape business outcomes. His experience spans advanced HR practices, executive consulting, and digital HR transformation, including the use of technology, data, and modern HR operating models to support organizational change.

Marketa Simkova

Head of People, Performance, Culture

KPMG Middle East

Marketa Simkova is a Partner and the Head of People, Performance & Culture at KPMG Middle East, where she leads the firm’s people strategy across the region. In this role, Marketa is responsible for shaping the employee experience, advancing leadership and talent development, driving cultural transformation, and building a future-ready workforce.

A passionate advocate for people-led transformation, Marketa focuses on aligning the firm’s structure, workforce, and culture to its strategic goals—enabling performance, inclusion, and sustainable growth. She has been playing a pivotal role in the evolution of KPMG’s leadership model, and embedding wellbeing, DEI, and capability building into the core of the organization.

Prior to her current role, Marketa spent over a decade advising senior executives across the region on workforce transformation, business design, and the future of work. She has led numerous human capital transformations that positioned HR as a strategic enabler of performance and innovation.

Marketa holds a Master’s degree in International Economic Relations from the Prague University of Economics and Business. She is also certified in change management, psychometric assessments, and business culture transformation.

Melanie Ortiz

Group HR Director - Global Operations

WESTAY Ltd. (Luxury Travel)

An accomplished and forward-thinking Senior HR Leader with extensive international experience across luxury hospitality, travel, high-end F&B, live entertainment, and human capital consulting. Recognized for combining entrepreneurial agility with corporate discipline, she has successfully built, scaled, and transformed multi-territory organizations and start-ups across brand-led environments.

With a proven record in establishing Centers of Excellence (CoE) and leading people, culture, and engagement strategies, she drives retention, performance, and organizational transformation through data-driven decision-making and strong business alignment. Her expertise spans global HR strategy, large-scale recruitment, leadership development, succession planning, and complex workforce operations exceeding 100 nationalities.

Commercially astute and people-centric, she fosters inclusive, high-performance cultures grounded in collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Passionate about developing purpose-driven workplaces, she champions employee engagement, coaching, and continuous learning as levers for sustainable growth and brand excellence.

A certified Executive Coach (CTI, USA) with CIPD and CHRP qualifications from the UK, she is a multi-awarded HR leader—recognized among the Top 50 HR Professionals in the Middle East (HRME 2024), Top HR Leaders in the Middle East (Hozpitality Biz 2024) & MENA’s 100 HR Leaders Awardee (Verve 2025)—known for driving transformation where people thrive and businesses outperform.

Meshael Al Blooshi

CEO

Riyam Management Consultancy

Meshael Al Blooshi is the Founder & CEO of Riyam Management Consultancy and a seasoned HR and talent advisory leader with extensive experience across real estate, entertainment, financial services, engineering, technology, healthcare, railway, and education. With over 20 years of experience, she specialises in strategic Talent Acquisition, Employee Experience, Emiratisation strategies, organisational culture, and talent-centred transformation. Meshael has led large-scale, cross-sector talent initiatives and is passionate about shaping workplaces that balance performance, purpose, and employee wellbeing.

Mohamad Mandili

Group Shared Services Director

AMSA Holding

Mohamad Mandili is a senior strategic operations and human capital executive with over 15 years of leadership experience across hospitality, e-commerce, retail, investment, logistics, and diversified sectors in the GCC. He currently serves as Group Shared Services Director at AMSA Holding, where he leads enterprise-wide shared services, corporate governance, and large-scale transformation initiatives across a portfolio supporting over 13,000 employees.

In his role, Mohamad partners closely with the Board of Directors to strengthen governance frameworks, drive organizational alignment, and build scalable operating models that enhance performance, efficiency, and long-term value creation. His leadership spans human capital strategy, culture transformation, and the design of integrated people, performance, and operational frameworks that enable sustainable organizational growth. He plays a key role in advancing AMSA Holding’s institutional development and regulatory alignment.

Previously, as Chief People Officer at AMSA Hospitality, he led HR strategy for international brands including Radisson and Accor, achieving full regulatory compliance, advancing workforce nationalization initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, and founding AMSA Academy in partnership with the Ministry of Tourism and Luxury Hotels School. His work focused on building high-performance cultures, strengthening employee experience, and aligning talent strategies with business expansion.

A certified SPHRi and HRBP, Mohamad is recognized for building high-performing, governance-driven organizations and shaping cultures that connect people, performance, and purpose. He is an active industry speaker contributing to leadership dialogue on transformation, shared services, and workforce strategy in Saudi Arabia.

Mohammed Al Hijan

Advisor CEO

King Saud University- Medical City

Mohammed Al-Hijan is a distinguished HR executive and strategic advisor with over 22 years of transformational leadership experience. Currently, he serves as CEO Advisor at King Saud University Medical City. His executive impact is reflected in his track record of driving HR digital transformation and designing robust performance management systems. As a trusted leader in institutional governance, he chairs multiple key committees focused on policy oversight, administrative selection, and supporting executive decision-making. 
 
An active regional thought leader, Mohammed frequently contributes as a speaker, strategic trainer, and judge. His continuous efforts to build future-ready organizations have earned him prestigious accolades, including being named among the Best 50 HR Leaders in Saudi Arabia (2024) and receiving the Global People Leadership Award (2021).

Mohammed Faden

Executive Advisor – People & Organizational Transformation

Mohammed Al Faden is a senior executive with over 25 years of experience leading human capital transformation, shared services, governance, and organizational strategy across major government and private sector entities in Saudi Arabia, including the Ministry of Municipalities & Housing, Capital Market Authority (CMA), Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), and Madr Investment Holding.

He has held executive leadership roles including Chief Shared Services Officer, CHRO, and Senior Advisor to H.E. the Minister of Municipalities & Housing, contributing to ecosystem development initiatives, workforce transformation, institutional maturity, and people & culture strategies aligned with Vision 2030. Mohammed previously served as a Jury Member for the Employee Happiness Awards – KSA 2025.

Mr. Anthony Berryhill, FRSA

Founder

Elite College Hacker

Anthony Berryhill, FRSA, is a global strategist specializing in the intersection of elite education and corporate talent development. A first-generation scholar from New Orleans, Anthony reverse-engineered a personal development path from a neighborhood devastated by Hurricane Katrina (the Lower 9th Ward) to Stanford University and Yale University. A former Vice President at PIMCO and a 3x National Champion Debate Coach, he is the founder of Elite College Hacker, where he democratizes access to the world’s most selective institutions. Named "America’s Greatest Thinker" in 2018, Berryhill is an expert in strategic persuasion and institutional literacy. He currently serves on the instructional staff at Harvard University and is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (RSA). His work has been featured in The Muse and recognized by global leadership summits for its impact on social mobility.

Najla AlSaif

HR & Strategy Expert

With over 20 years of leadership experience in Human Resources and Strategy, Najla has played a pivotal role in shaping people-centric initiatives that drive organizational impact and sustainable growth. An expert in startups and transformation, she specializes in people development, workplace culture, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. She is committed to bridging public and private sector collaboration to create meaningful, lasting change. With a strong alignment to Vision 2030, her expertise supports transformative strategies that foster talent, enhance engagement, and contribute to national development.

Nancy Zakharia

Board Advisor, Leadership Coach, and Talent & Organizational Development Leader

Nancy has held various HR and non HR roles in government and multinational organizations. She has extensive international experience working across many geographies and cultures in the capacity of a coach and HR professional. She leverages her expertise in career Management & Succession Planning complemented by experience in workforce planning, performance management, and job evaluation to drive organizational excellence. Her long-term strategic vision is a guiding force as she formulates strategies encompassing global Diversity & Inclusion, employee engagement, leadership development, and more. Nancy has driven the due diligence process for several merger & acquisition initiatives. She has also spearheaded Leadership Assessment & Development centres playing a pivotal role in selecting C-Suite executives for prominent organizations. This vast experience equips her with a comprehensive understanding of business challenges on a global scale, allowing her to effortlessly build strong connections with stakeholders at all levels and provide tailored business solutions.

Her passion for coaching & leadership development is evident through her design of HiPo talent programs & Female leadership programs.

Nancy believes in the power of community and is driven by a strong sense of purpose of making the world a better place; this fuels her commitment to giving back and creating a positive impact in the communities she operates in.

Nancy is a holder of a Masters’ in Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah (AUS) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from the Lebanese American University (LAU). She has pursued several certifications throughout her career and is currently a Certified Chair™ by The Advisory Board Center, a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) from ICF, Certified Professional Co-Active Coach- (CPCC), Certified Positive Intelligence Coach, Certified Strengths Coach, Certified People Acuity Guide, Professional Certified Coach for Innovators, a holder of SPHRi Certification from HRCI and SHRM- SCP from SHRM. She is Organization & Relationship Systems Coach and Conversational Intelligence Enhanced practitioner. Nancy is certified in a variety of Psychometric assessment tools that she uses as needed to support leadership development within organizations, and to facilitate individual and team coaching sessions.

Nasreen Al-Dossary

Co-Founder & CEO

Mobius Design Firm

A pioneering Saudi executive and board director recognized for advancing Vision 2030’s human capital transformation agenda through strategic leadership, governance excellence, and talent development across the public and private sectors. With over 28 years of experience, Nasreen has shaped national strategies for workforce readiness, leadership development, and institutional excellence. Her work spans Giga projects, leading banks, and creative enterprises, reflecting a career devoted to building purpose-driven organizations and talent ecosystems aligned with Vision 2030’s People First agenda.

Nawaf Kably

Chief Human Resources Officer

Gulf International Bank

Nawaf Kably, CHRO of Gulf International Bank, has led transformative changes in the HR function, significantly enhancing the bank’s performance. With over 27 years of experience across Aviation, Telecom, and Banking, he is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and holds a Postgraduate degree in Human Resources Development from the University of Leicester, UK.

Nawaf has completed prestigious executive programs, including the Senior Leadership Program at London Business School, the Advanced HR Executive Program at the University of Michigan, and the Corporate Director Program at Harvard Business School (USA) in 2025, building deep expertise in leadership, organizational development, and strategic HR management.

He was named CHRO of the Year in 2021 and 2022 by GSHCM and HRSE, awarded CHRO of the Year – Icon of People Excellence at the PeopleFirst HR Excellence Awards (2025), recognized as one of the Global Power Leaders in HR in 2024 by White Page International, and nominated among the World’s Top 25 Most Influential CHROs & HR Leaders in 2024 by the Global Society for Human Capital Management (GSHCM), further solidifying his global influence in HR leadership.

Neetu Choudhary

Business & Leadership Coach & Trainer| Board Member & Advisor | International Keynote Speaker | Executive Speaking Coach | Business Podcast Host |

Evolvitude FZE & Evolvitude Speakers

Neetu Choudhary is a Business & Leadership Coach, Corporate Trainer, Board Member and Advisor, International Keynote Speaker, Executive Speaking Coach, and host of the business podcast “Lead With Neetu.” With 25+ years of global experience, she has worked with leaders in over 150 companies across 30+ countries and is the Founder of Evolvitude and Evolvitude Speakers.She holds deep expertise in IT, neuroscience, behavioural science, Six Sigma, and business excellence, backed by an MCA and advanced credentials including Six Sigma Black Belt (USA), EFQM Assessor (Brussels), CGEIT (USA), PMI-RMP, and qualifications in PMO, CMMI, and ITIL. Neetu is associated with leading governance bodies such as Women Board of Directors, GCC Board of Directors Institute, and the Institute of Directors Global, Taxation Society, ISACA USA, ASQ USA< KPI Institute, EFQM Europe.

She has been a team leader, senior assessor, and jury member for several prestigious international awards, including ASQ USA, ITEA, the Stevie Awards, the Dubai Quality Award (DQA) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MRM) Awards by Dubai Chamber of Commerce, the SKEA Awards by Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, the Taqdeer Awards by the UAE Ministry of Labour, the UAE Innovation Awards by Dubai Quality Group, multiple business excellence awards, and more

Nitin Goil

Co-Founder and CEO

Restoration Labs | Global Leadership Advisor | Keynote Speaker |Best-Selling Author

Nitin is a global leadership advisor with more than 25 years of experience working with multinational organizations in the United States, Singapore and throughout Asia. His expertise is in the area of culture transformation, talent development and employee engagement. He is also a sought-after keynote speaker who has spoken and facilitated sessions at several regional and global conferences across Asia and North America.

Nitin’s mission is to make workplaces more compassionate and human and is a passionate thought leader, especially around topics of culture, well-being and employee engagement. He recently authored the book ‘The Restored Organization’ which talks about ‘Humanizing workplaces and Transforming Results’. He is also the co-founder and CEO of Restoration Labs, where he helps organizations transform their people and performance through courage and make workplace cultures great for all. Nitin has a Master degree in Education & Administration and a Bachelor degree in Psychology both from the United States where he also lived and worked for 15 years before moving to Singapore in 2010. He also holds a certification in Neuroscience and is a certified ICF executive coach.

Preethy Suresh

Founder & CEO

Ignition Point Ventures

Preethy Suresh is the Founder & CEO of Ignition Point Ventures, where she pioneers bespoke, people-centred HR systems tailored for growth-stage companies. Through IPVHR, she delivers fractional HR and consulting services, enabling organizations to access strategic expertise with agility and precision, while also guiding human-centred AI transformation—helping businesses adopt AI in ways that enhance decision-making, productivity, and employee experience without losing the human core. With over two decades of experience in HR, Preethy brings a wealth of insight from working with multinational corporations across diverse global markets. Originally from Malaysia and now based in Dubai, her career has been defined by a relentless pursuit of excellence in fast-paced, high-growth environments, driving tangible results across complex industries such as technology, telecommunications and healthcare.

In addition to her entrepreneurial role, Preethy recently joined WisdomCircle as Strategic Advisor – Middle East, supporting the mission to connect experienced over-50 professionals with flexible and part-time work opportunities. Passionate about unlocking the full potential of people at every life stage, she is excited to contribute to WisdomCircle’s goal of reshaping the future of work for seasoned talent.

A certified coach from the prestigious Neuroleadership Institute, she blends strategic thinking with empathy to empower individuals and teams to thrive. A dedicated advocate for the HR profession, she also serves as a Faculty & Founding Member of the Hacking HR Expert’s Council, actively contributing to innovation, knowledge-sharing, and positive transformation across the global HR landscape.

Prof. Jeevan D’Mello

CEO | President

Zenesis Corp | Community Associations Institute, USA

Prof. Jeevan, a distinguished architect by vocation, is renowned as the 'Father of Community Management in the Middle East' due to his groundbreaking initiatives in establishing the field of residential management within the region. Notably, he has overseen the management of some of the world's most iconic properties, including the world's tallest tower, the Burj Khalifa. He is currently a consultant for prominent real estate developers in the UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping several iconic master communities.

In 2014, Prof. Jeevan received the esteemed 'President's Award' in the United States, in addition to numerous other awards and accolades from over 10 countries. An accomplished author with four published books to his credit, he also holds the distinction of being a US-accredited lecturer authorized by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) in Dubai and Bahrain.

Prof. Jeevan holds a Doctorate in Educational Management and a Doctorate of Letters (D. Litt) from Azteca University, Mexico. He is an esteemed Professor of Real Estate at the same institution and a Professor of Practice at Woxsen University in India. He was also a board member of the US-based Community Associations Institute and the Rotary Club of Dubai. 

Rachele Focardi

Founder XYZ@Work and Author of Reframing Generational Stereotypes

XYZ@Work

Rachele Focardi is a globally recognized authority on multigenerational workforce dynamics and a Top LinkedIn Voice, recently named one of the Six Most Influential Women in the New World of Work. With over two decades of experience across Asia, Europe, and the US, she pioneers strategies that transform age-diverse teams into engines of innovation, inclusion, and growth.

A sought-after TEDx and keynote speaker, Rachele advises Fortune 500 companies, governments, and universities. Her best-selling book, Reframing Generational Stereotypes, helps reframe how generations understand each other—shifting the narrative from judgment to collaboration.

As Founder and CEO of XYZ@Work, she leads global programs like Duo, a two-way mentoring model. She also chairs the Multigenerational Workforce Committee at AHDO, is Senior Partner at StartReverse, and lectures at Duke Corporate Education, Emeritus, and Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI).

Rachele began her career as a CFN–CNBC news anchor and later served as Chief Strategy Officer at Universum. She is a member of MENSA and is regularly featured in top global media as a trusted voice on the future of work.

Ritika Bhandari, Chartered FCIPD

Head HR & Transformation Leader

Ex Teleperformance, Serco

Ritika is a seasoned HR leader and transformation specialist with over 20 years of experience across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, the wider GCC, and India. She partners with boards, CEOs, and executive teams to drive large-scale people, culture and business transformations across diverse industries. 

Throughout her career, Ritika has led end-to-end HR transformations—from strategy and operating model design to digital enablement and cultural adoption—delivering measurable outcomes such as 30% efficiency gains, 20% cost optimization, and significantly improved talent quality and engagement scores. She has built shared services, digitized hire-to-retire journeys, and led M&A integrations across multiple geographies. 

She has been instrumental in building high-performance, diverse workforces across 40+ nationalities, advancing nationalization agendas, and securing multiple Great Place to Work recognitions for her organizations. 

Ritika is a recognized industry thought leader and keynote speaker at leading forums such as People Matters HR Summit, SHRM Tech HR, HRSE Tech, and ET Next Tech HR Summit. She has also served as a jury member for prominent industry platforms, including Emiratization Awards, ET HR Awards, and other leading HR and business excellence forums, contributing her expertise to recognize and advance people-first organizations. 

Her contributions have earned her numerous accolades, including CHRO of the Year, ET HR Icon – Most Influential HR Leader in the Middle East (2024), UAE Woman Leader of the Year, and listings among BusinessWorld’s 40 Under 40 and 50 Under 50 HR Leaders. 

A Chartered FCIPD and MBA graduate, Ritika is passionate about building future-ready organizations, enabling leadership transformation, and shaping the next generation of HR professionals. 

Saif Al Tohamy

Managing Director

ENGAGE

Saif has extensive experience in strategic HR leadership, currently serving as the Managing Director at ENGAGE since 2015. Under his leadership, ENGAGE has established its head office in the UAE, along with three additional offices in Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Egypt.

His commitment to delivering transformative HR solutions and people development programs has significantly impacted family-owned businesses and multinational organizations across various sectors. Throughout his career, Saif has contributed to over 400 HR projects, focusing on driving change and adding value. He believes in becoming an integral part of his clients' teams, ensuring seamless strategy implementation tailored to their unique needs. His diverse experience spans more than 17 different industries, enhancing his ability to address the specific challenges faced by organizations.

Prior to his role at ENGAGE, Saif led the HR consultancy division at JOBMASTER, where he managed consulting projects across the MENA region and achieved notable deliverables. This experience sharpened his skills in competency modeling, training and development, and human resource management, positioning ENGAGE as a trusted partner in organizational excellence.

Saleh A. Alanazi

Senior VP, Human Capital

SALIC ·

Saleh is a senior Human Capital leader with 20+ years of experience across public and private sectors in Saudi Arabia and internationally. He currently serves in a strategic Human Capital role at SALIC, where he leads organization design, talent strategy, HR transformation, and leadership development, working closely with executive management and board-level committees. His experience spans HR operations, talent acquisition, HRIS, Saudization, workforce planning, and large-scale transformation initiatives, including post-acquisition integration and value-creation programs.

Saleh has held leadership and advisory roles across multiple geographies, including Saudi Arabia, Canada, Australia, and Ukraine, and brings strong exposure to board governance and executive decision-making. He is an Executive MBA candidate at HEC Paris, with a strong interest in linking human capital strategy to business performance, ESG priorities, and long-term value creation.

Samir Geepee

Creator & Chief Facilitator

The Clarity Game

Samir Geepee is the creator and chief facilitator of The Clarity Game™, a powerful leadership development tool that helps organizations build peer coaching, alignment, and strategic clarity. Driven by a passion for unlocking leadership potential, he works with executive teams, mid-level managers, and high-performing professionals to break silos, strengthen trust, and turn real challenges into meaningful action through structured gameplay.

A sought-after facilitator and leadership consultant, Samir has partnered with organizations including GAC, GE Healthcare, dnata, and McKinsey. He supports CEOs and leadership teams in enhancing collaboration, decision-making, and shared ownership by shifting development from traditional top-down training to peer-driven problem-solving.

Through The Clarity Game™, Samir is on a mission to elevate managers into effective, confident leaders who can navigate complexity with clarity and lead together—rather than alone

Sarah Brooks FCIPD

Managing Director

Fikrah HR

Sarah Brooks FCIPD is the award-winning founder of Fikrah HR, a Dubai-based “Pay As You Go” & "HR-with-a-Heart" consultancy serving UAE SMEs. Holding Chartered Fellow status (FCIPD) and an MBA in HR, Sarah brings nearly three decades of GCC and UK expertise across multiple sectors including hospitality, healthcare, retail, and technology sectors. As co-host of The HR & CQ Show podcast and a regular commentator on media platforms such as Dubai Eye 103.8 radio, and the National Newspaper, she demystifies UAE labour law for entrepreneurs. Named among the "Top 101 Global HR Minds”, awarded for Excellence and Innovation Leadership by HRD World Congress, and winner of the 2025 HR Consultancy of the Year Award, Sarah transforms personal resilience into authentic, empathetic HR advisory that balances compliance with human-centred workplace culture.

Shafnas Siddiq

Head of People Strategy and Excellence

Borouge

Shafnas is a management consultant and a people centric transformational leader with over twenty years of diverse experience in operational excellence and strategy renovation across industry domains and global markets. His forte lies in integrating people, processes, and technology as the core foundation for driving customer value. Over the years, as a regional consulting partner, he has successfully lead business development, established and grown consulting practice teams across India, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Currently, Shafnas is based in Singapore and spearheads the people strategy and growth for Borouge, a joint venture of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company and Borealis of Austria. He is responsible for driving organizational growth plan, operating model design, manpower plan, total rewards strategy, digitalization and employee engagement across Asia Pacific and Middle East.

Shatha Mutleb AlNafeesa

Founder & CEO Chairman, Human Resources & Training in Riyadh Chamber

Shatha Consultancy

Shatha Mutleb AlNafeesa is a Founder & CEO, senior HR strategist, and transformation leader with nearly two decades of executive experience across telecommunications, healthcare, and consulting sectors in Saudi Arabia. She currently leads Shatha Consultancy, driving organisational turnaround, strategic workforce planning, and performance optimisation initiatives. 
 
Previously serving as Chief Human Resources Officer, the first Saudi woman in this position in the telecom sector, and CEO within the HR industry, Shatha has built high-performing cultures, designed enterprise-wide HR frameworks, led succession and compensation strategies, and advised boards and CEOs on organisational effectiveness. 
 
Holding a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and recognised as a Certified KPI Professional, she combines strategic insight with operational excellence to enable sustainable growth, governance maturity, and leadership development. 
 
A forward-thinking executive, Shatha is committed to shaping agile, inclusive, and performance-driven organisations aligned with Saudi Arabia’s evolving economic landscape.

Shuchi Kapoor Bahl

Staffing & Operations Specialist – SEA

Kearney

A senior HR and Talent Acquisition leader with experience across consulting, Big Tech, SaaS, fintech, and high-growth startups in APAC and South Asia. Currently serving as Staffing & Operations Specialist – SEA at Kearney, driving workforce planning and hiring operations in complex, multicultural environments.

Brings deep expertise across Talent Acquisition, Startup HR, and AI-HR Tech product development, with a proven track record of building TA functions from the ground up, leading regional hiring, and enabling ethical, data-driven recruitment. Has held leadership roles at SugarBox, OnlinePajak, Circles.Life, and Mphasis (an HP company).

Beyond corporate roles, serves as Treasurer – National HRD Network (NHRDN), Singapore, is a published author, and actively supports nonprofits and social enterprises through pro bono HR advisory and governance roles. Passionate about transforming HR into a strategic growth engine—practical, tech-enabled, and purpose-led.

Steven Yeong

Global HR Advisor (Organizational Development)

Buildboldly.ai

Steven Yeong is on a mission to reshape HR—one day at a time. From wielding digital transformation for beauty conglomerates to hiring talent across Asia, Steven’s superpower is turning “people problems” into high-performance teams, usually with a dash of humour squeezed in for good measure. Working for firms such as Oracle, Unilever, L’Oreal and the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change, Steven has been a strategic business partner and champion of employee happiness. He’s known for shrinking time-to-hire, boosting engagement scores, and running global HR ops before most have had their second coffee. When not trying to put out fires for his stakeholders, Steven might be coaching tennis—with forehands and forethought equally strong. Ready to spark change and inspire a few smiles, Steven believes no HR challenge is too big when faced with optimism and not taking oneself too seriously.

Tarek El-Raffei, FCIPD, MSc

Organizational Excellence & Transformation Director

Cenomi Centers

Tarek El-Raffei, FCIPD, MSc, is an Enterprise Transformation and Human Capital Executive with over 20 years of experience driving organizational transformation, employee experience, and employer branding across Saudi Arabia and international markets.

As Organizational Excellence & Transformation Director at Cenomi Centers, he leads initiatives spanning organizational effectiveness, EVP, culture, performance, total rewards, and digital HR transformation. Holding a Master’s degree in Business Psychology, Tarek combines behavioral science with business strategy to build high-performing, future-ready organizations.

He is passionate about translating business strategy into meaningful employee experiences that strengthen employer reputation, enhance engagement, and deliver sustainable business performance.

Umasuten Karisnan

Head of HR

Lattice Semiconductor Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore

Umasuten Karisnan is the head of HR for Lattice Semiconductor Malaysia, Philippines and Singapore with more than 20 years of local, regional and global human resources and operational management and leadership experience spanning organizational capability and development, employee engagement/relations, shared services center, payroll, employee tax, benefits, relocation, employee reimbursements, employee data management, call center support, equity, compensation and benefits, retention, talent acquisition and delivery. In his current role, he is working with the leadership team to hire, integrate and develop scores of engineers involved in cutting-edge technology in powering the world. His focus areas are on building the strategies to develop high performing team in making Lattice Semiconductor the powerhouse of engineering design globally.

Vaclav Koranda

CEO & Principal Consultant

Jebat Consulting Sdn Bhd

Vaclav Koranda was born in the Czech Republic. He has more than 25 years of experience in the field of human resources. He got his first HR Director role at a relatively early age of 27. Since then, he has held several executive roles in the area of Human Resources in Europe and Asia. Currently, he serves as the Head of Group Human Resources in BSSB Group and Adjunct Professor at Taylor’s University. Vaclav holds a master’s degree in Psychology and is also a Certified Human Resource Practitioner by MIHRM and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional. In 2018, he received a &quot;CHRO of the Year&quot; award. In 2019, he was named under &quot;101 Global HR Heroes&quot; and received the HR Leader award from Malaysian Institute of Human Resource Management. In 2020, he was named one of the most influential HR leaders in Malaysia.