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Meet The Board Members

MR. GEORGES F. ABI HANNA
Mr. Georges F. Abi Hanna is currently the Head of Human Resources at Caritas Lebanon, bringing a wealth of expertise in human capital management across the Middle East. He is also currently serving as Human Capital Advisor at ICON Investment Consultant, UAE. He has held several other senior HR roles, including Assistant Liquidator – Chief HR and Administration Officer at a local bank that was liquidated under the supervision of the Central Bank, Head of HR at First National Bank, Lebanon, and Country HR Manager for Standard Chartered Bank, Beirut as well as Member of its Country Management Committee. Mr. Abi Hanna was elected three consecutive times as Head of the HRM (Human Resource Management) Group at the World Union of Arab Bankers (WUAB). An IFC (International Finance Corporation) Certified Independent Board Member and Advisory Board Member of the Dubai Institute of People (DIP), Mr. Abi Hanna is renowned for his strategic human resource leadership, policy formulation, and global HR management. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Administration and Management from the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK). Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Mr. Abi Hanna excels in HR Governance and Transformation, Employee Engagement and developing effective HR drivers that lead to business performance.

MR. ASIF ABDUL
Mr. Asif Abdul is the Director of Technology at St. Johnsburg Academy in Jeju, where he leads digital transformation initiatives and oversees technological operations. Previously, he served as the Lead Teacher for ACTS and IELTS, and Technology Coordinator. His passion for education also led him to be a lecturer in Computer Skills for the Academic Officer Program, and in Media and Marketing at Qatar Foundation. Mr. Abdul holds a B.Sc. in Computer Networks, Business, and IT from Birmingham City University. He furthered his education with a Master’s in Education (Teacher Training) from the University of Wolverhampton, followed by a second Master’s in Education (Leadership and Management) from the University of Bath. His advanced knowledge in both technology and education positions him as an expert in integrating innovative teaching methodologies with cutting-edge technology. Certified as a board member of the Dubai Institute of People (DIP), Mr. Abdul brings a wealth of skills including educational technology, strategic planning, business management, and leadership. He is committed to leveraging his expertise to enhance learning experiences and drive institutional success. In his future endeavors, Mr. Abdul aims to continue shaping the future of education through the integration of technology and leadership.

PROF. DR. NADEEM MALIK
Prof. Dr. Nadeem Malik is a highly respected academic leader and expert in higher education, currently serving as Full Professor, Chairman, and Dean of the Faculty of Management Sciences at the University of Balochistan. He leads the PhD and Master's Business Education programs at the university and has held the role of Research and Development Manager. As a consultant to the Higher Education Commission (HEC) in Islamabad, he also contributes to national academic advancements. His experience includes being a Senior Fellow Researcher at Fort Hays State University and an Educational Consultant at Inspire Group. Previously, he held key roles such as Director of Finance and Administration at SBK Women University and Account Executive at Pakistan Telecommunications Company Ltd. Prof. Malik holds a PhD in Human Resource Management, a Master’s in Commerce and Economics, and a Law degree from the University of Balochistan, along with a Certificate in Administration and Finance from Griffith University. He is a certified Master Trainer with the United Latino Students Association and has worked on the World Bank-funded HEC Public Expenditure Project. Recognized for his dedication to education, he was honored with the "Best Teacher Award" in 2020 by the Government of Balochistan. He is fluent in English, Punjabi, and Urdu.

MOUMITA S.
Moumita S. is the Regional Head of Operations and Administration (APAC) at Pinkerton, where she leverages her extensive experience in human resources and operations to drive organizational success. Previously, she served as the Regional Human Resource Director for Pinkerton in the Middle East and Africa, and as Regional Operations Manager for Microsoft in Asia. Moumita has also worked as a Human Resource Specialist at XPO, and as a Human Resource Generalist at Pratt and Whitney, as well as at Keppel Offshore and Marine. Additionally, she contributed her expertise as a consultant at Astreem Consulting Pte Ltd. Her educational background includes executive education in Human Resource Management and Analytics from the Wharton School, and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management/Personnel Administration from Southern Cross University. She further honed her skills at NUS Business School and the International American University, earning a Master of Business Administration, and participated in the Leadership Principles Program at Harvard Business School. Moumita holds certification as a board member of the Dubai Institute of People (DiP). Her core competencies encompass HR policies, HRIS, recruiting, employee engagement, and leadership, making her a valuable asset in the field of human resources.

SHEMA GUL
Ms. Sheema Gul is an accomplished leader in the financial services sector, currently serving as the Director of Advisory Sales at Upright Management and Consultancy in Dubai, UAE. Her career spans a diverse range of senior roles, including Senior Manager of Fraud Investigation and Head of Policy and Procedure at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, as well as Manager of Secured Finance at Dubai Islamic Bank. During her tenure at Barclays, she held critical positions such as Head of Communications and Marketing, Manager of New Product Approval, Monitoring and Control, and External Agency Verification. Earlier in her career, she served as Credit Policy Assistant Manager and Credit Analyst of Mortgages at ABN AMRO Bank N.V., and gained foundational experience as a Management Trainee Officer in Trade Finance and Advances at Habib Bank AG Zurich. Ms. Sheema holds a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce from Karachi University and a Master’s in Business Administration from the Institute of Business Administration. She is a Certified Fraud Examiner and has volunteered in various capacities, including project management, fundraising, and event organization. Her expertise spans critical thinking, team management, analytical skills, and product development, making her a highly respected professional in her field.

ODAY SALIM
Oday Salim is currently the Director of Data and Analytics at a confidential organization, where he leads strategic initiatives in data governance and business intelligence. Previously, he held the role of Senior Data Manager at Nakheel and was the Head of Business Intelligence at Algorythma. His extensive experience also includes positions as a Senior Data Scientist at Pearson, Product Data Manager at Beijing Metrics Co Ltd, and Data Analyst at Imperial College. Salim holds both an MSci and a Doctor of Philosophy in Physics from Imperial College. His solid academic foundation in physics has equipped him with a deep understanding of data science, machine learning, and operations research, which he leverages in his professional roles. In addition to his technical expertise, Salim has earned various certifications in Agile Project Leadership, Change Management Foundation, Leadership, and Strategic Thinking. He is also proficient in telling stories with data, making complex information accessible and actionable. As an Advisory Board Member at the Dubai Institute of People (DiP), Salim is passionate about driving innovation through data and strategic leadership. Fluent in both Arabic and English, he brings a global perspective to his work, excelling in team leadership and business strategy.

DR. MONA CARLOS AKRAM ZOUGHAIB
Dr. Mona Carlos Akram Zoughaib is a distinguished academic and industry expert, currently a certified trainer at PwC's Academy and co-founder and managing partner of We Grow Minds. She is a senior lecturer at the Lebanese American University and the American University of Beirut. Previously, she held roles as an associate professor at Lebanese University and senior lecturer at Haigazian University and Rafik Hariri University.
Her corporate experience spans senior positions such as Vice President of Marketing for PMI Lebanon Chapter, advisor to the Head of IT and PMO at Middle East Airlines, and senior project management roles at Byblos Bank, Fransabank SAL, and Arab Bank.
Dr. Zoughaib holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and an MBA in HR/MIS from Lebanese American University, a Ph.D. in HR/MIS from Université Paris City, and a PMP certification from the Project Management Institute. She is fluent in English, Arabic, French, and Spanish.
Her research includes publications like “The Role of Emotional Intelligence and Personality on the Overall Internal Control Effectiveness” and “Perceived Performance of the Human Resources Information Systems (HRIS) and Human Resources Management (HRM).” She is also a member of the academic board at the Dubai Institute of People.

DR. LINA (FAHIMA) ALHAMATY
Dr. Lina (Fahima) Alhamaty is a highly accomplished healthcare and business professional, currently serving as an AM Advisory Council Member at Harvest Business Review. With extensive experience, she has held key positions such as Director of Nursing at International Hospital, Kuwait, Business Advisor at Mirror Teams, USA, and Business Development Manager at Taiba Hospital, Kuwait. She has also been the Product Manager at Al Shaya Healthcare and Business Unit Head at Bader Sultan and Brothers Company, Kuwait. Dr. Alhamaty's clinical expertise includes senior roles as Clinical Nurse Manager at Al Rashid Hospital and Registered Nurse at Saad Specialist Hospital, Saudi Arabia, and CHN, Lebanon. Dr. Alhamaty holds a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing Science from the University of Cumbria, an MBA in International Healthcare Management from UCAM (Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia), and a Doctorate in Business Administration specializing in Strategic Human Resources. She has also earned certifications in Innovation from INSEAD and in Leading Organizations and Change. Her additional licenses include board certification from the Dubai Institute of People (DIP), ISO 9001 certification in QHSE, and qualifications in managing change within healthcare, as well as certificates in COVID-19 response and contact tracing. Her skills span executive management, healthcare, business development, problem-solving, and change management, making her a dynamic leader in her

DR. THARWART JABER
Dr. Tharwart Jaber is a Senior Consultant at AZ International Middle East in Amman, Jordan. With extensive experience in business consulting and management, she has previously served as a Doctoral Researcher at Frederick University and a Trainer and Consultant at DOREA Educational Institute. Dr. Jaber also held the position of Executive Director at the Business and Professional Women Association (BPWA), and Chairman of the Board Office at the Securities Depository Center. Her earlier roles include Financial and Administrative Manager at Physiotherapie Buchlern, Resettlement and Community Service Specialist at the United Nations, and positions at the billing department at OSN and the Housing Bank. Dr. Jaber earned her B.Sc. in Business/Commerce from the University of Petra, followed by an MBA from the Arab Academy for Management, Banking, and Financial Services. She also holds a CBA (Chartered Business Administration) from the Chartered Management Institute and a Doctor of Philosophy in Business Administration and Management from Frederick University. A licensed Advisory Board Member at the Dubai Institute of People (DiP), Dr. Jaber’s expertise spans business consulting, new business development, performance management, and project management. Her professional achievements are complemented by her passion for fostering leadership and innovation in business

MR. ORAZIO STELLA
Mr. Orazio Stella is a highly experienced executive, currently serving as Senior Director at Stanton Chase Italy and Managing Partner at Loriga & Associati. With a career spanning over two decades, he has excelled in leadership roles across logistics, human resources, and corporate strategy. Mr. Stella was previously CEO at Ambrogio Trasporti S.p.A. and Managing Director at MAR-TER Spedizioni S.p.A., where he successfully led strategic growth initiatives. His career at A.P. Moller Maersk included pivotal roles such as Italy and Central Mediterranean Cluster Managing Director and South East Mediterranean Cluster Managing Director, where he managed international operations and contributed to the company’s regional success. His human resources expertise includes serving as HR International Project Director at Abbott and HR Director at Netsystem.com S.p.A., Xerox, and Société Générale, where he specialized in mergers, acquisitions, and organizational effectiveness. Mr. Stella holds an MBA in Economics from the University of Strathclyde a law degree from Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore. He is fluent in English, French, and Italian, enabling him to lead globally. His skill set includes HR management, logistics, change management, and business strategy, making him a well-rounded and dynamic leader.

MR. SIDDARTH SOOD
Mr. Siddarth Sood is currently the Operational and Procurement Leader at Deloitte, where he drives strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and procurement processes. Previously, he served as an Executive Manager at Deloitte and Operations Manager at Logit One NV. His career began as a Team Leader at Aegis BPO Services Limited and as a Customer Service Representative at Birla Global Info Tech Services, where he honed his skills in customer relations and operational management. Mr. Sood holds an Executive General Management Program in Business Administration and Management from the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Rajasthan Vidyapeeth University. His diverse educational background supports his expertise in performance management, human resources, and talent management. In addition to his professional work, he has volunteered for corporate CSR services, reflecting his commitment to social responsibility. Fluent in Hindi, Punjabi, Telugu, and English, Mr. Sood excels in communication and collaboration across diverse teams. He is passionate about children’s welfare, health, and social services, striving to make a positive impact in his community and beyond.

MR. KAYODE ADEUJA
Kayode Adeuja is a seasoned human resource professional and Partner at SEETAL Partners, bringing extensive leadership experience across diverse industries. His career spans several senior HR leadership roles, including HR Director at Dessert Holdings and Director of People Operations and Systems at SkipTheDishes. At Heineken, Kayode served as HR Director for East Africa and led HR functions at multiple Nigerian Breweries plants, including those in Ama, Ibadan, Lagos, and Kaduna. Additionally, he was a Global HR Talent Management Consultant at Heineken International, specializing in talent identification, management, and career development on an international scale.
Kayode has a solid consulting background, having worked as a Senior Consultant at Phillips Consulting Limited and as Group Head at Thomas International (West Africa) Ltd. His areas of expertise include HR operations, executive coaching, strategic people management, and leadership development.
He holds a B.Sc. in Political Science and a Master’s in Managerial Psychology from the University of Ibadan, as well as an Executive M.Sc. in International Human Resource Management from Cranfield School of Management. Kayode is also a Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR).
With strengths in HR strategy, conflict resolution, decision-making, and people management, Kayode is recognized for his ability to align HR initiatives with business goals, optimize operations, and foster high-performing teams. His career reflects a passion for developing talent and driving sustainable organizational growth.

MR. MOUSTAFA ABD EL-MOHSEN
Mr. Moustafa Abd El-Mohsen is a dynamic managing consultant at Elite Group Holdings and the Managing Director at Shaheen Management Group. With extensive experience in the automotive sector, he previously served as the Regional Trainer (Senior Specialist) at Mercedes-Benz Cars in the Middle East and as the General Distributor for BMW, MINI, and Rolls Royce at AGMC. His expertise encompasses operational management, business strategy, problem-solving, and customer service. Mr. Abd El-Mohsen holds a Diploma in International Management from the University of Liverpool and a B.Sc. in Engineering from Ain Shams University. His strong educational background complements his professional acumen, enabling him to drive organizational success and improve operational efficiency. Beyond his professional endeavors, Mr. Abd El-Mohsen is passionate about various social causes, including children’s welfare, economic empowerment, education, environmental sustainability, human rights, politics, and social services. He actively engages in initiatives that promote positive change in these areas. Fluent in English, he is a skilled communicator dedicated to making a meaningful impact in both his professional and community endeavors.

KHALED ABOUSAMAK
Khaled Abousamak is an accomplished leader in AI and data governance, currently serving as the Director of AI and Data Governance and the Director of Knowledge Management at Higher Colleges of Technology. He is also a board advisory member at the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum.
With a rich background in data science and analytics, Khaled has held key positions such as Principal Consultant of AI and Data Governance at Davoteam and Head of Data Science and Analytics at the Abu Dhabi Chambers of Commerce and Industry. His previous roles include Acting Chief Data Officer and Section Head of Data Science and Business Intelligence at Abu Dhabi General Services, as well as Senior CRM Data Analyst at Alfahim Group.
Khaled earned his Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Helwan University, his Master’s degree in Data Science from Indiana University, and his Doctorate in Business Administration from Furham University. He is licensed and certified in generative AI, data management, and machine learning. Khaled has been recognized with excellence awards for his innovative contributions to digital transformation in Abu Dhabi's services and facility management sectors. Fluent in Arabic and English, he is dedicated to advancing AI and technology integration.

DR. RAJASHREE VICHARE
Dr. Rajashree Vichare is the Global Director of People at Kitopi, Dubai, UAE, where she leads global HR strategies and operations. She has held notable roles, including Executive Board Member at Talentvalley Global, Head of HR for Citymax and Foodmark (hospitality), and HR Director for MENA, Asia, and the USA at DEI-Thomas Cook. She also served as HR Business Partner at Dubai Parks and Resorts and HR Business Manager at MYS Solutions. Her career began with internships at Idea Cellular Ltd. and HDFC Bank, eventually leading to her role as Assistant HR Manager at Shree Communications and a Flying Officer in the Indian Army. Dr. Vichare holds a Master's in Human Resources Management from Savitribai Phule Pune University, a B.Sc. in Biotechnology from the University of Mumbai, and a Master's in Personnel Management and Industrial Psychology from MIT, Cambridge. Currently, she is pursuing an Associate Degree in Disruptive Strategy from Harvard University. She is an Advisory Board Member at the Dubai Institute of People (DiP) and holds certifications in UAE Labor Laws, payroll and compensation management, and SAP. A two-time award recipient for Best Manager and Best Internship Project, her skills include HR strategy, leadership, industrial relations, and employee engagement. Fluent in English and Arabic, Dr. Vichare is an influential figure in global HR

MAHER SABBAGH
Maher Sabbagh is the Head of People and Performance Projects Execution at DAMAC Properties, where he drives initiatives to enhance organizational effectiveness and employee engagement. He also serves as a board member at AmicaVerse and is a co-founder and board member at GasNas.
Maher's extensive HR experience includes his role as Group Strategic HR Advisor at ZagTrader and Group HR Director at Jubaili Agrotec, part of Japan Tobacco International. His leadership journey spans various positions, including People and Culture Director, Regional HR Director for the Middle East and Africa, and HR and Administration Director. He began his career as a Personnel Officer at Crown Holdings Inc.
He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Al Ahliyya Amman University. Maher's skill set encompasses human resources, organizational development, talent management, culture change, and effective communication. He is certified in managing and leading, manager assessment programs, leadership skills, job evaluation and salary administration, and industrial risk assessment. Maher is fluent in Arabic and English, enabling him to communicate effectively in diverse environments.
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MR. SALEM ALMAANI
Mr. Salem Almaani is an accomplished professional with a diverse background in global operations and people management. He has held key roles at Google in New York City, including Global Delivery Operations Manager, Global Hiring Committee Operations Manager, and Staffing Operations Lead. His expertise extends to senior leadership positions, such as Senior Manager of People Operations at WeWork, and Senior Consultant at Deloitte. Mr. Almaani has also served as a Solution Consultant at LinkedIn Talent Solutions and Vice President at JPMorgan Chase & Co., NYC. Early in his career, he was a Consultant at Accenture and a Teaching Assistant at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business. Mr. Almaani holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics and Economic Theory from New York University and pursued an MA and PhD track in Economics at Duke University. His high school education includes diplomas from Amman Academy and Decatur High School. He is an Advisory Board Member of the Dubai Institute of People (DIP) and is actively involved in volunteer work, particularly as a cyclist for AIDS/Lifecycle and other social causes. Fluent in English, French, and Arabic, his skills include leadership, project management, consulting, and research, with strong interests in children’s rights, civil rights, and social action.

TOM WILSON
Tom Wilson is the Director of Data and Analytics Integration at BMO where he leads innovative data strategies to drive business insights and decision-making. With a robust background in data analytics, Tom previously served as the Lead Data Analyst at Innovapostand held pivotal roles as Data Architect and Business Intelligence Designer at Canadian Tire. He was also the Lead Data Modeler at Loblaw Companies Limited and worked as a Business Intelligence Architect at Dimensional Strategies Inc.
Tom's career began as a Senior Business Analyst and Programmer Analyst at the Dominion of Canada General Insurance Company, and he also served as a Consultant at Keane Canada Inc.
He earned his HBA in Accounting, Marketing, HR, and Operations from Wilfrid Laurier University and an MBA in Marketing from Southwest Oklahoma State University. Additionally, he studied Applied Technology and Computer Software Engineering at the Information Technology Institute. A certified AI Transformation Leader at the United States Artificial Intelligence Institute, Tom's expertise includes data storytelling, data leadership, customer analysis, and product management.

PROF. ABRAHAM
Prof. Abraham is a distinguished educationist, author, publisher, curriculum developer, video presenter, and trainer. His academic journey includes serving as a Doctoral Research Supervisor at Universidad Católica San Antonio de Murcia (UCAM), and as a Professor at Girne American University in Cyprus, Global Education Group (GEG), and Gulf American University. He has also been an Associate Professor at Moscow University of Industry and Finance (MUIF), and a Visiting Professor at the University of the West of Scotland. Additionally, he has held teaching and advisory roles at Barnsley College, Al Diyafah High School, and Prestige College of Management. Prof. Abraham holds a Doctorate in Education (EdD) from Aldster College, a Master’s in Coaching and Development from the University of Portsmouth, and various certifications from leading institutions, including Harvard University and the University of Oxford. His qualifications cover fields like international education, law, and business administration. He is a licensed Fellow of the European Qualifications Framework, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Leadership and Governance, and a member of several prestigious organizations, including the American Bar Association and the MENA Fintech Association. His extensive experience spans law, HR management, and academic mentorship, and he has been recognized with numerous excellence awards for his contributions.

MS. ALINE BARHOUCHE
Ms. Aline Barhouche is an accomplished Human Resources professional and a member of the Board of Advisors at the Dubai Institute of People. With a wealth of experience in the hospitality industry, she previously served as the Chief Talent and Culture Officer at Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Aline has held significant roles at major hotel chains, including Area Director of Human Resources for Marriott International across Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar, and for Radisson Hotel Group in Africa, the Middle East, and Turkey.
Her earlier career includes positions as Human Resource Manager at Sbu Dhabi National Hotels, InterContinental Hotel Group, and Sheraton Oran Hotel and Towers
Aline began her journey in HR as a trainee at Starwood Hotels and Resorts.
Aline earned her Master’s degree from La Rochelle Université, specializing in Human Resources, Marketing, Yield Management, US Accounting, International Finance, and Control. Her skills include HR project management, change management, team building, and strategic leadership. Aline is multilingual, speaking English, French, Italian, German, and Spanish, and she has a keen interest in children’s health, disaster relief, and humanitarian efforts.

ASSOC. PROF. DR. ELENA SIMONA TOMOZII
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elena Simona Tomozii is the founder and CEO of Guangzhou Empower Consulting Co. Ltd and a board member at the Dubai Institute of People. With over two decades of experience in education and consulting, she has held numerous leadership positions. Previously, she was the China representative, Head of Quality, and expert for preschool, school, and higher education at ISPEF. She also served as the Program Director at the Guangdong University of Foreign Studies International Office and was an Associate Professor at its School of Business.
Elena's expertise extends to her roles as a consultant at the University of Central Lancashire, founder and chairman of Empower Cultural Exchange., and Chief Education Officer at Witprogram. Additionally, she has lectured at institutions such as Colombia College USA and jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University.
She earned her MA in Management of Adult Training Centres from Transilvania University of Brasov and a PhD in Social Sciences from the University of Bucharest and a Bachelor in psychology and Education.Her skills include capital raising, international relations, marketing communications, and organizational psychology. Fluent in English, Romanian, and French, Elena is committed to enhancing educational and organizational outcomes as she's interested in arts and culture, children, social services, poverty alleviation etc.

WALID TAYEL
Walid Tayel is an accomplished HR leader with over 20 years of experience in talent management, leadership development, and HR strategy across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He currently serves as the Group Chief HR Officer at Elsewedy Electric, where he has been instrumental since 2021. Walid also holds executive roles as a board member at STA (Elsewedy Technical Academy),Elsewedy Digital, and 3W Networks.
Prior to this, he was the VP of HR, Strategy, and Route-to-Market at minlo,managing HR operations for major brands like Procter & Gamble and Olympic Group. His career also includes senior HR roles at Unilever and Hayel Saeed Anam (HSA) Group.
Walid holds a Bachelor's in Business Administration from DCGI and a Master's in Financial Management and Human Resources Management from the University of Paris. He is certified as a Change Management Trainer, MBTI Practitioner, Hogan Assessment System Practitioner, among others. His publications include The Changing World of HR and Winning with People. He has earned multiple awards, such as the Talent Management Award and the CEO Award.
Fluent in Arabic, English, and French, Walid is highly regarded for his strategic leadership and contributions to HR excellence.

REZA ESSOP, MBA
Reza Essop, MBA is a forward-thinking technology innovator with expertise in leveraging emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning, blockchain, Virtual Reality (VR), and Augmented Reality (AR) to solve complex business challenges and drive growth. Passionate about creating transformative experiences, he has developed innovative tools using OpenAI and straight-through processing methods, revolutionizing enterprise workflows by automating tasks, saving time, and enhancing accuracy.
As an Emerging Technology Leader, he spearheaded the development of a metaverse-scaled content platform and integrated VR into a learning program, transforming traditional content delivery into immersive experiences. They co-launched the Dubai Metaverse Assembly and established an Automation Center of Excellence (CoE), bringing together experts to advance intelligent automation. Their commitment to innovation is also reflected in their extensive research on emerging technologies, which helps shape comprehensive IT enterprise strategies.
Beyond their technological impact, he is an accomplished entrepreneur, having co-founded one of South Africa's most recognized online fashion stores, growing its annual revenue to over $4 million in just six years. Their entrepreneurial success highlights their versatility, business acumen, and commitment to excellence in all areas of their career.

BASHARAT SHARIF
Basharat Sharif is a dynamic business transformation leader who believes great leadership is rooted in people, not products, processes, or technology. With a focus on unlocking potential within large organizations and individuals alike, he has driven significant transformations across sectors such as telecommunications, financial services, energy, and government. Their people-centric leadership approach has consistently delivered outstanding results and sustainable growth.
As Chief Operating Officer of a telecom portfolio worth USD $750 million, he successfully launched new telecom operators, integrated merged companies, and managed corporate performance for newly acquired businesses. Under their strategic guidance, the company achieved 53% organic growth in revenues and a 25% increase in EBITDA, all while fostering leadership development and performance excellence.
Before entering the corporate world, Mr. Sharif served in the military, rising to the rank of Major and leading leadership training for over 1,500 officers. Their military experience, combined with a proven track record of mentoring, coaching, and leading complex business transformation programs, makes him a highly regarded facilitator, capable of driving transformative success in individuals and organizations alike.

PAVEL CHARNY
Pavel Charny is a seasoned management consulting expert with over 20 years of experience, specializing in organizational transformation and vertical development. With a career that began in IT systems engineering and advanced through a Master’s in Executive Psychodynamic Coaching, he is currently pursuing a PhD at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, focusing on coach-coachee matching based on self-awareness theories. Their expertise spans organization design, culture, talent management, and change management across diverse geographies.
As the Managing Partner and Founder of ORTALEX, a Dubai-based organizational health advisory, Mr. Charny is dedicated to helping leaders address root organizational challenges. Through ORTALEX, he works to align leadership intentions with structure, culture, and people, utilizing advanced psychometric tools to develop leadership teams and drive sustainable business growth.
A passionate learner, Mr. Charny draws inspiration from thinkers like Elliott Jaques, Carl Jung, and Stafford Beer, and contributes to the field through memberships in professional organizations like the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and British Psychological Society (BPS). Their mission is to foster healthier, more effective organizations through innovative leadership and transformation strategies.

MICHAELA ALINA DIMA
Michaela Alina Dima is a seasoned professional with 21 years of international experience, specializing in Strategy Management, Executive Coaching, Business Development, and Customer Experience across industries such as F&B, automotive, tourism, and government administration. Their expertise has been pivotal in driving success for organizations in the EMEA region, with a focus on delivering exceptional value and fostering sustainable competitive advantages in both the private and public sectors.
Known for their inclusive and transformational leadership, she champions diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within organizations. With a leadership style rooted in curiosity, cultural intelligence, and collaboration, [Name] excels in navigating complex global business environments and leveraging diverse talent, markets, and ideas to foster growth and innovation.
As a Certified Strategic Management Professional (SMP) and Accredited Executive Coach, Ms. Dima brings strong financial acumen and adaptability to VUCA environments, ensuring seamless strategy execution. Their commitment to building long-term success enables organizations to overcome challenges and thrive in an ever-changing world.

AMIR TABCH
Amir Tabch is a seasoned Chief Executive Officer with extensive experience in both war-time and peace-time leadership within the regulated Financial Services and FinTech markets. Currently serving as the Middle East CEO of Liminal, he has held pivotal roles, including Chairman and CEO of Copper Securities and Securrency in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) and Lead Director and CEO of SC MetaMarkets in Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC). Their strategic leadership has driven innovation and growth, establishing regulated FinTech enterprises that command international respect.
Since 2016, Mr. Tabch has been an influential independent non-executive and board advisor, offering deep insights and expertise, particularly in nurturing startups, leading transformative changes, and securing funding within the FinTech sector. Their strong relationships with regulators have solidified their revered status as a trusted advisor and board member, enhancing their influence in the industry.
With a proven track record in spearheading innovative initiatives, he continues to shape the future of financial services through forward-thinking strategies and groundbreaking technologies.

WALID GHODBANE, PhD
Dr. Walid Ghodbane is a renowned Technology Innovation Strategist and Assistant Professor at ESCT Business School, Manouba University, Tunisia. He also serves as a Visiting Professor of Management Information Systems at Swiss UMEF University in Switzerland. With over 18 years of experience in business administration, management science, and information systems, Dr. Ghodbane is a respected figure in the global innovation ecosystem.
In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Ghodbane is a key advisor for startup ecosystems, collaborating with leading accelerators like The Alchemist in the U.S. and Seedstars in Switzerland to mentor startups on growth strategies and innovation. He also contributes as an Instructor at the Global Center for FinTech Innovations in Canada, developing and delivering advanced courses on emerging financial technologies.
An alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), Dr. Ghodbane holds a Ph.D. in Management Science from Manouba University. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, influencing both academia and the professional realm with his research in management science and innovation.