Movements in June 2024: Chief Officers - AI, HR, Digital & more
The month of June was dominated by AI torchbearers, fueled by concerns among organisations in the Middle East over the rapid pace of digital transformations worldwide. Last month, the UAE appointed 22 Chief AI Officers across government offices, and several digital organisations appointed key leaders to spearhead their innovations and digital transformation journeys across the region.
Here, we have listed key leadership appointments across various functions, including HR, Artificial Intelligence, Digital, Finance, and Consultancy.
Saudi Company for Artificial Intelligence: Appointed George Nazi as CEO
George, as the new CEO of SCAI, brings over 30 years of leadership experience across software development (AI networks), telecommunications, media & entertainment, gaming, and technology sectors. He spearheads the company's efforts for AI transformation and technological innovation across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Vivium: Appointed Omar Salameh as its new CEO
Omar, who has been serving as Vivium's MD since 2020, brings a wealth of industry experience to his new role. He is responsible for driving the company towards continued growth across the region.
The Arab Energy Fund: Appointed Vicky Bhatia as new CFO
Joining the leading financial services firm in MENA, Vicky brings over three decades of leadership experience to his new role. He will drive the finance, treasury, and operations functions of the company.
Mena Digital Hub: Appointed Sunita Bottse as CEO
Sunita, who was working with Microsoft EMEA as the Senior Director of Data Centres Site Acquisition, joins Ooredoo Group’s carrier-neutral data centre company. She drives Mena Digital Hub’s efforts in transforming the region's digital infrastructure by providing cutting-edge colocation services and building sustainable, energy-efficient data centres across the region.
Aujan Coca-Cola Beverages: Appointed Yomna Khalil as CHRO
The Dubai-based food and beverage firm appointed Yomna Khalil, who brings around two decades of HR leadership experience across the Middle East’s various sectors.
EMCC Co.: Appointed Swapnil Sant as Head of HR
Swapnil joins from Damac Group’s Whitespot Facility Management, where he served as the Assistant Manager of HR. He brings around 15 years of HR leadership experience across various sectors, including real estate, manufacturing, facilities management, and staffing and recruitment to his new role.
Arthur D. Little: Appointed Vishalli Dongrie as the Lead for Organisation, People, and Culture Transformation
Vaishali joins from KPMG India, where she served as Partner and Head of Organisation, People, and Leadership Transformation since 2016. She brings a wealth of experience from working with leading organisations across India, ASEAN, GCC, and MENA regions.
Dubai DET: Appointed Dr. Marwan Alzarouni as CEO of AI
The Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism has named Dr. Marwan as the first CEO of Artificial Intelligence. He will spearhead the goals of Dubai’s AI Blueprint and AI initiatives dedicated to prioritising the well-being and experiences of Dubai’s residents and visitors.
You may also like:
- NVIDIA expands in MENA; Partners with Ooredoo to drive AI revolution
- UAE’s AI Office partners with Samsung; Aims to bolster AI skills development
- MENA sees 861% jump in GenAI skills; 17% in cybersecurity skills
- GenAI confidence soars in MEISA; Workers save 5+ hours a week
Al Tamimi & Co.: Appointed Samia Al Rajaby as Head of HR Ops & Employee Experience
Samia joins from DIFC Courts, where she served as the Human Resources Operations Manager. She brings a wealth of experience across recruitment, team leadership, employee relations, change management, strategic planning, risk management, performance management, people management, and organisational effectiveness to her new role.
Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Promoted Jehad Alaskar as CHRO
Jehad brings over 20 years of HR expertise across the food and beverages, telecommunications, and government sectors. He joined the chamber in 2022 and implemented HR strategies and initiatives aligned with the overall Chamber strategy. In his new role, he will continue overseeing HR functions including recruitment, onboarding, performance management, training and development, employee relations, compensation and benefits, labour law policies and procedures, and HR compliance.