The GCC is a thriving hub for businesses, a preferred choice for visionary industry leaders seeking to expand their brands. The rising businesses and sectors are shaping the region’s growth and attracting top leaders from around the world. The driving force behind this rapid transformation is the top 10 leaders, whose dedication and passion to turn their ideas into reality are reshaping sectors.
The works of these top 10 leaders reflect their adaptability to innovation and commitment to change for a better future. By turning setbacks into success, their journeys are an inspiration for the aspiring professionals of the region.
The Top 10 Leaders of the GCC Redefining Businesses in 2026
Below is a list of the top 10 leaders of the region who have revolutionized the diverse sectors in the GCC with their innovative solutions and visionary thinking. We will look into their journey, challenges faced and triumphs achieved throughout the process, and how they have transformed the way industries perform.
1. Morgan Achiche | Transforming the Digital Commerce Landscape
A seasoned executive, Morgan Achiche brings over two decades of experience in sales, trade marketing, digital marketing, and category management across multiple trade channels. With strategic business acumen, Morgan’s leadership is driven by a sense of ownership, creativity, and strong analytical skills to navigate through challenging phases.
Currently, he leads as the Senior Director – E-commerce & Marketplace at GMG, a reputed company managing the portfolio of leading brands across various sectors, spanning from sports to logistics. From designing the e-commerce strategy to expanding the influence of the company, Morgan is playing a crucial role in driving the company forward.
Throughout his professional path, Morgan has held several leadership roles at reputed companies, including Procter and Gamble, COTY, and Samsung Electronics MENA. Being highly adept at fostering strong connections across channels and expertise in the digital ecosystem, he is well-known for driving business turnaround and growth. As a passionate leader, Morgan empowers and leads multifunctional teams in executing strategies.
With a customer-centric approach, Morgan has been reshaping the consumer segments, right from FMCG to Health. His in-depth understanding of the evolving market needs has been pivotal in ensuring the long-term growth of the organizations he leads. Reflecting a combination of strategic vision and hands-on experience, Morgan Achiche’s journey as a leader is a result of strong commitment and passion to drive change.
2. Dr. Ricardo Becker Ferla | A Global Leader in Advancing Plastic Surgery through Innovation
A world-renowned Consultant Plastic Surgeon based in Dubai since 2009, bringing over three decades of clinical, surgical, and academic experience, Dr. Ricardo Becker Ferla has been delivering high-impact aesthetic and reconstructive outcomes across the UAE, the wider Gulf region, and an international referral base. Performed 10,000+ cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, with a practice that encompasses the full spectrum of surgical complexity, his breadth of experience is rare and speaks to a surgeon of both deep focus and remarkable versatility.
His professional credentials are not merely impressive; they are singular. Dr. Ricardo is uniquely distinguished as the only surgeon in the United Arab Emirates to hold certification from the three most preeminent global bodies in the field: Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP), the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS). This trifecta of accreditation is a testament to a career dedicated to surpassing the most rigorous international benchmarks for surgical skill, knowledge, and ethical practice. His active membership in these top-tier organizations does not just list him among peers—it cements his status as a recognized global leader in surgical quality and reliability.
Dr. Ricardo is widely recognized for combining high-level surgical expertise with outstanding leadership and an enduring dedication to advancing plastic surgery through education and innovation. He is a trusted clinician, a structured and principled department head, and a forward-thinking academic contributor, having trained hundreds of students and residents through structured teaching, operative supervision, and skills development.
At the core of Dr. Ricardo’s practice is a clearly defined, patient-centered philosophy. He rejects the notion of surgery as a purely mechanical exercise, viewing each operation as a pivotal chapter in a patient’s life story. This philosophy is enacted through a consistent, multi-stage process.
A paragon in the surgical field, an elite practitioner whose career is defined by an unwavering commitment to technical precision and ethical leadership. His approach to medicine is a powerful synthesis of meticulous science and profound humanity, delivering patient-centered care through rigorous planning and execution with a demeanor that is both compassionate and authoritative. Dr. Ricardo Becker Ferla is not merely a surgeon who operates, but a healer who leads, setting the standard for excellence in the modern operating theater.
3. Fay H. | Shaping Luxury Brands Through Creative Clarity
Fay H. is a creative leader and global brand consultant whose work sits at the convergence of art, storytelling, and business. As the Co-Founder of Maison Roma, she partners with luxury brands to define their identity and communicate it with confidence. Her focus is clear: help brands grow without losing their essence.
With a Master’s in Luxury Management from Sup de Luxe, Chaire Cartier, Paris, and more than ten years of experience across fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, Fay has worked with clients across the GCC, the UK, the US, and Europe. Her background as a creative director and multidisciplinary designer allows her to stay closely involved at every stage of a project. From early concepts to final delivery, she brings structure and clarity to ideas while keeping the creative core intact.
As a global brand consultant, Fay advises brands on positioning, visual language, and long-term direction. She helps leadership teams understand how their brand should look, feel, and speak in different markets. This strategic layer complements her creative work and allows her to translate vision into results that audiences can connect with.
Her portfolio showcases an extensive track record of work for names such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Noble Panacea, Montegrappa, Tryano, and Revlon. In these capacities, she has worked on high-visibility campaigns ranging from celebrity-fronted launches to expansive seasonal activations. Each project reflects a consistent attention to detail and a strong sense of narrative, built to last beyond a single season.
At the core of Fay H.’s work is a belief that creativity should feel honest and intentional. She views design as a language, one that builds trust and emotional connection when used with care. Through Maison Roma and her consulting work, she continues to shape luxury brands with thought, precision, and a distinct creative voice.
LinkedIn | Website | Maison Roma
4. Maja-Marija Lovric | Driving Business Transformation across Industries
A Strategic Business Builder, Marketing Manager, and founder of EXBS Consultancy, Maja-Marija Lovric brings over 15 years of experience in driving expansion and brand positioning across industries, spanning Luxury, Retail, Real estate, Venture Capital, Exclusive Retail, alongside having a remarkable impact on Hospitality from creation to escalation – crafting experience that creates memories. With a Master’s in Marketing Strategies and Business Management, she is also certified in Project Management, reflecting her strong academic foundation.
Currently leading as the Strategic Marketing – Business Manager and Consultant at EXBS Consultancy, Maja-Marija implements 360-degree marketing strategies and digital transformation initiatives, resulting in a boost in business reach and ROI. Covering a wide range of services, EXBS Consultancy offers operational optimization to achieve higher productivity and cost-effectiveness, tailored marketing strategies, and bespoke solutions to foster growth and efficiency for businesses. From leading complex projects, and fostering strong stakeholder relationships for the firm, Maja-Marija even drives strategic initiatives, empowering sustainable business growth.
Before founding EXBS Consultancy, she had held several senior Marketing roles in diverse regions, from the USA to Dubai. In every role, Maja-Marija has led top-tier Marketing activations and digital transformation projects, alongside crafting award-winning Marketing campaigns.
As a strong believer in the power of branding, Maja-Marija is a global storyteller, empowering companies to create unique and unforgettable experiences that drive growth exceeding expected rates. Recognized for her ability to create top-notch and innovative marketing solutions, under her leadership, brands achieve sustainable financial gains and secure market dominance. Maja-Marija even builds and leads high-performing teams while delivering targeted training programs to empower her teams in achieving performance goals.
Specialized in managing high-impact strategic and tactical projects, she is driving growth across multiple sectors. As a seasoned marketing professional, Maja-Marija Lovric’s exceptional expertise in the field makes her an asset for any organization she joins.
5. Claire S. | Building Cultural Partnerships That Leave Lasting Impact
Claire S. has built her reputation by creating partnerships that feel genuine and carefully thought through. With more than twelve years of experience across Paris, Milan, Doha, and Dubai, she has worked closely with luxury, cultural, and lifestyle brands. Her academic background from Sorbonne University and ESCP shaped her strong business and communication skills. Fluent in English, French, and Italian, and able to read and write Arabic, Claire connects easily with people from different backgrounds, which plays a key role in her success.
Currently working at the Private Office of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Claire manages partnerships and sponsorships connected to the Racecourse. The destination sits at the center of a major development that is set to become one of Dubai’s most prominent lifestyle spaces. Her work focuses on bringing brands and audiences together in ways that feel purposeful and authentic. She believes partnerships should tell a story and reflect shared values instead of focusing only on exposure.
Earlier in her career, Claire gained experience working with organizations such as HSBC Bank, the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, and Icade. These roles helped her understand how large institutions operate and how creativity can work alongside structured planning. She also worked closely with entrepreneurs, which gave her a practical view of business growth and brand building.
Claire’s leadership style is built around collaboration and trust. She has led cross-functional teams, worked with media and investors, and managed marketing strategies and sponsorship campaigns. She focuses strongly on communication and believes strong relationships are built through clarity and respect. Her approach allows her to guide projects smoothly while keeping every stakeholder aligned.
Through her work, Claire continues to contribute to the cultural and luxury sectors in the region. She believes success comes from understanding people, respecting heritage, and creating experiences that stay with audiences long after the event ends. Her journey reflects steady growth, thoughtful leadership, and a strong belief that meaningful partnerships can shape stronger brand and cultural connections.
6. Fadi Akeel | Leading Hospitality with Purpose and People at the Core
Fadi Akeel has built a strong name in luxury hospitality through steady growth and hands-on leadership. With more than twenty years of experience, he has worked across high-end hotel operations and guest experience management. Today, as the General Manager of Jabal Omar Hyatt Regency Makkah, he oversees one of Saudi Arabia’s most respected hospitality destinations. His work focuses on maintaining high service standards while building strong teams that deliver consistent results.
Fadi is known for his people-first leadership style. He spends time understanding his teams and believes strong staff performance starts with trust and clear communication. He encourages collaboration and supports professional development across departments. His direct involvement in daily operations helps him stay connected to both staff and guest expectations. This approach allows him to maintain service quality while improving efficiency across the property.
His academic background also supports his practical experience. Fadi holds an MBA from the University of Hertfordshire, which strengthened his financial and operational planning skills. He pays close attention to business performance and uses data to guide decisions. At the same time, he remains deeply focused on guest satisfaction. From curated dining experiences to customized service details, he works to create memorable stays for visitors from around the world.
Throughout his career, Fadi has shown strong adaptability in managing complex hotel environments. He balances operational demands with long-term planning and understands how to maintain brand standards in a competitive market. His calm leadership and structured decision-making help him handle challenges while keeping teams motivated and aligned.
Fadi Akeel continues to represent modern leadership in the hospitality sector. He combines strong business discipline with genuine care for people and service quality. His journey reflects dedication, consistency, and a clear belief that successful hospitality starts with meaningful guest experiences and empowered teams.
7. Yasmine Gueddiche | Shaping Smarter Retail and Inspiring Modern Fashion Leadership
Yasmine Gueddiche has built a strong career where business thinking meets creative direction. Born in Paris and shaped by both French and Arab roots, she developed an early interest in fashion and brand strategy. Her professional path reflects discipline, curiosity, and a deep understanding of how retail continues to change across regions. Her move from Europe to the Middle East marked an important step, allowing her to work in one of the fastest-growing fashion markets in the world.
When Yasmine relocated to Dubai four years ago, she quickly noticed the region’s strong demand for fashion combined with opportunities for operational improvement. She focused on bringing structured merchandising strategies that support both brand growth and customer demand. She believes successful retail depends on balancing creativity with careful planning. This mindset has helped her build solutions that improve performance while keeping fashion relevant to consumers.
Today, Yasmine works with Adidas Emerging Markets, where she contributes to merchandising strategies across a network valued at more than EUR 950 million annually. Her work includes improving stock planning, guiding trading decisions, and strengthening profitability. She has led projects that introduced auto-replenishment systems to reduce stock shortages and used advanced analytics tools to improve product planning. She also helped develop pricing and markdown strategies that support stable revenue while maintaining brand positioning.
Yasmine sees the Middle East as a strong testing ground for modern retail ideas. She studies consumer behaviour closely and adapts strategies that match regional trends. Her leadership combines structured data analysis with instinct built from years of industry exposure. She often highlights the importance of balancing creative storytelling with business performance, which helps brands remain competitive and culturally relevant.
Looking forward, Yasmine remains focused on improving retail systems and supporting future talent entering the fashion industry. She takes pride in mentoring young professionals, especially women who want to build careers in retail and brand strategy. Her journey reflects consistency, smart decision-making, and a clear passion for helping fashion brands grow in practical and lasting ways.
8. Ahmad Zalat | Strengthening Startup Growth and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems
Ahmad Zalat has built a strong reputation as a leader who helps startups move from early ideas to stable businesses. As the CEO of UVAII Venture Studio, he works closely with founders and investors to guide companies through competitive markets. His work focuses on building clear strategies, strengthening partnerships, and helping entrepreneurs turn concepts into working business models.
Over the years, Ahmad has supported more than 200 startups and helped secure over 20 funding rounds valued in the millions. His involvement often begins at the early planning stage, where he helps founders structure their ideas, refine their business direction, and prepare for investment opportunities. His hands-on approach has helped several companies improve stability, attract investors, and enter new markets with confidence.
Ahmad holds an MBA and a Doctorate in Business Administration, which supports his structured approach to business development. Alongside his corporate work, he remains committed to education and knowledge sharing. He has contributed to programs such as VMS and CODE at Saudi universities, where he helps students and young founders understand practical business planning and startup development.
His work extends across the GCC, the broader Middle East, and the United States. Ahmad believes strong entrepreneurial ecosystems require collaboration between founders, investors, and educational institutions. He often states that business success depends on creating environments where ideas can grow with the right support and funding access.
Looking ahead, Ahmad continues to focus on supporting startups and strengthening regional innovation networks. His leadership reflects consistency, practical guidance, and a strong belief that sustainable entrepreneurship comes from careful planning, strong partnerships, and long-term vision.
9. Shaheem Musthafa | Advancing Smart and Sustainable Logistics Solutions
Shaheem Musthafa has built a strong reputation as a forward-thinking leader in the logistics sector. As the Chief Executive Officer of Evocargo Autonomous Logistic Services in the UAE, he leads the company’s regional strategy and operations across the GCC. His role focuses on building business partnerships, strengthening service delivery, and guiding the company’s expansion across the Middle East.
At Evocargo, Shaheem is helping introduce new ways of handling logistics through autonomous, electric, and hydrogen-powered delivery vehicles. The company focuses on reducing operational costs and lowering environmental impact while improving delivery efficiency. Under his leadership, Evocargo works closely with businesses to provide logistics services that support cleaner and more responsible transportation systems.
Shaheem brings strong technical and operational knowledge to his leadership role. As a certified ScrumMaster and Project Management Professional, he applies structured planning and teamwork to large-scale logistics projects. He focuses on building clear workflows, improving coordination between teams, and delivering reliable service for clients across different industries.
His leadership style centers on practical solutions and steady growth. Shaheem believes logistics must adapt to modern demands, including sustainability and automation. Through his work at Evocargo, he continues to support the shift toward smarter transport systems that balance business efficiency with environmental responsibility.
Looking ahead, Shaheem Musthafa remains focused on expanding autonomous logistics solutions across the region. His work reflects commitment, adaptability, and a clear goal to help reshape the future of supply chain operations in the GCC.
10. Jessica Moini Elom | Guiding Professionals Toward Balanced Success
Jessica Moini Elom has built a career around helping people succeed without losing themselves in the process. After spending close to a decade leading large commercial deals and managing strong teams at a global ad tech company, she made a bold career shift. She stepped away from corporate leadership to focus on helping professionals and entrepreneurs build balanced, fulfilling lives. Her transition came after witnessing how many high performers struggled with burnout, stress, and internal pressure despite their achievements. This realization inspired her to create The Kindness Catalog, a platform dedicated to helping individuals develop emotional strength and personal clarity.
Jessica’s coaching work focuses on helping people understand their emotions and build habits that support long-term growth. As a Certified Life Coach trained through the Tony Robbins and Chloe Madanes Coaching School, and as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming practitioner, she combines structured coaching methods with practical mindset tools. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and online programs, she helps clients improve focus, confidence, and personal well-being while maintaining strong professional performance.
Her approach to leadership coaching is grounded in real-life experience. Jessica understands the pressure professionals face in competitive environments. She encourages leaders to focus on emotional awareness, clear decision-making, and healthy work habits. She believes strong leadership starts with self-control and self-understanding, and she helps clients apply these skills in both business and personal settings.
Jessica also focuses on changing how success is defined. She believes career growth should not come at the cost of personal health or relationships. Through her work, she encourages professionals to build careers that support both ambition and happiness. Her programs help clients build resilience, improve communication, and manage stress in practical and realistic ways.
Today, Jessica Moini Elom continues to support professionals across industries as they seek balance and clarity in fast-paced careers. Through The Kindness Catalog, she is building a community focused on growth, emotional strength, and purposeful leadership, helping people succeed while living fuller and more meaningful lives.
Conclusion
The top 10 leaders featured in this article are setting new industry standards, aligning their visions with the region’s development goals. As they grow their companies, these trailblazing leaders are also giving back to the community and empowering everyone around them in the process.
Also Read :-
Dr. Dieter Hovorka: Digital Transformation Made Possible with Skillz Middle East
A Rare Breed of CEO: Human-Centered Leadership in an AI Economy
