IMI appoints Ahmed Embaby as Chief People Officer

UAE’s global media group, IMI, has appointed Ahmed Embaby as the new Chief People Officer, with immediate effect.  

Ahmed takes on the new role with over 30 years of HR leadership experience. Prior to this appointment, he worked at Oracle as the Regional HR Senior Director for the Middle East, Africa, and Turkey for more than 11 years. In his previous roles, he worked at AMS Baeshen & Co. as the Head of Corporate Services, overseeing HR, PR, and admin functions; Pfizer as the Director of HR for the MEA region; and PepsiCo as the Commercial HR Manager.  

In his new role, Ahmed will spearhead the human capital strategy for the IMI group and its portfolio of leading media brands, including Sky News Arabia, The National, Al-Ain News, and CNN Business Arabic. He will drive the development of talent strategies, leadership initiatives, and the integration of advanced technologies to enhance organisational effectiveness. Additionally, he will focus on fostering an inclusive and sustainable culture that drives excellence, innovation, and organisational growth.  

Welcoming Ahmed to the leadership team, Rani Raad, CEO of IMI, stated, “Ahmed’s appointment highlights our commitment to cultivating a high-performing culture by attracting and developing best-in-class talent. In his role, he will lead strategic initiatives to enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organisational development, ensuring our workforce remains a key driver of our industry leadership.”  

Ahmed also expressed, “I am honored to be part of IMI, a leader in the global media landscape. I look forward to collaborating with the group’s talented team to strengthen capabilities, foster operational excellence, and create a work environment that encourages innovation, all in line with the group’s vision and ambitious goals for the future.”  

Ahmed began his career at Apple as a Sales Engineer and then worked at Arthur Andersen & Co., Al Ezz Ceramics & Porcelain Co., and ProMark in various roles. Over the years, he developed strong expertise in building high-performing teams, optimising operational efficiencies, and enhancing employee engagement in diverse, multicultural environments. He also designed and implemented innovative leadership assessment processes, restructured executive roles, and spearheaded human capital integrations during major acquisitions. His contributions have played a pivotal role in enhancing operational efficiency and elevating employee experiences across global markets.  

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On the academic front, Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s degree in MIS from USI University Europe, England. He also holds executive leadership certifications from the University of Michigan's Stephen M. Ross School of Business and IESE Business School, along with advanced certifications in leadership and human development from globally recognised institutions.