Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs) play a key role in shaping a company’s people strategy to align with its goals, overseeing everything in HR—from bringing market's top talent to developing their people and building a positive workplace culture. They also enrich employees' experience, which is essential in today’s evolving workplaces. And they’re not just solving today’s problems; they’re also looking ahead, spotting potential challenges, and preparing the organisation to handle them seamlessly.

As Nicolas Manset analysed the turnover of CHROs in the Middle East, highlighted that this region is currently experiencing rapid growth and change, which puts pressure on boards, CEOs, and CHROs to secure the right talent and skills. He also emphasised that CHROs are now more influential than ever, serving as key strategic advisors to CEOs. As boards and CEOs in the Middle East increasingly focus on employee engagement amid these transformations, they can trust their CHROs to guide them through this critical shift.

Here are the key C-suite HR leaders appointments in the Middle East for the year 2024 - the CHROs at the forefront of driving cultural, digital and workforce transformation. 

Mohammed Al Amawi

Mohammed Al Amawi was appointed as the Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) at Bin-Shihon Group as part of a promotion. He holds over 17 years of HR leadership experience, having worked with leading organisations including, OZCO Group Companies, Savola Group, and Maersk Line. He holds wealth of expertise in HR strategy, people strategies, recruitment, training, compensation, employee engagement, Saudization, and HR policies and procedures. 

Matt Cooper-Bradfield

Matt joined Azizi Developments as the new CHRO in November this year, bringing over two decades of HR leadership experience across prominent organisations in both the private and public sectors. Previously served Ghassan Aboud Group as the CHRO, Jashanmal National Company’s NRC as a Member, and NCC Group's Compensation & Benefits Committee's Chairman, Mazrui International as the Group Director of HR, The Kanoo Group as the Head HR for the UAE and Oman, and dnata International as Group Head HR. 

Abdulaziz Al-Mathkoor

Abdulaziz joined stc Kuwait as CHRO in March 2024 officially, after Ahmad Al-Hammad confirmed his exit from the company. Abdulaziz, who joined the telecomm in 2021, brings over 12 years of HR experience in his new role. He previously worked with Kuwait Finance House in key roles, and holds excellent academic credentials including, an MBA degree from Kuwait University. 

Mohamad Kheir

Kheir joined UCC Holding as CHRO in September 2024, bringing nearly two decades of HR leadership experience. He previously served PwC Middle East as the Associate Director of HR, People, and Organisation, Power International Holding as the Group HR Director,  Baladna Qatar as the HR Director, and Power International as the Group HR Manager.

Backed by exceptional academic credentials, Kheir holds core skills in strategic HR, executive coaching, DEI, leadership development, AI and Cognitive Tech for Leaders, ethics-based culture, skills-first talent management, digital transformation, employee experience, the future of work, and blockchain in HR.

Majid AlMegil

Majid was appointed as Chief People Officer at KFS Hospital & Research Center in November. He brings more than 20 years of HR leadership experience across KSA's public entities. Previously, he worked with Communications, Space & Technology Commission as the General Manager of HR, Saudi Space Commission as the Acting General Manager of HR, MHRSD as the Deputy Minister of HR Innovation and Excellence, Ministry of Interior Transformation Program as the General Manager of HR and The Saudi National Bank as the Director of Organisational Development. 

Fahad AnNassar

Fahad joined TASNEE Group as CHRO, bringing nearly 25 years of HR experience across various leading sectors in KSA. Previously, he worked with Arkad Engineering & Construction Company as Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Human Capital, Director of HR and Administration at S.A. Talke, HR Administration Manager at Royal Commission for Jubail Health Services Program, Head of Recruitment at Derma Medical, Gulf Real Estate Co., and ADAMA Medical Co., in key roles.

Frank Poncheri

Frank joined Vertiv as CHRO, bringing 15 years of HR experience. He previously worked with Owens Corning-US as the Vice President of HR and Integration, GE Aerospace as the Senior Specialist for Employee Relations, and Columbus Blue Jackets as the HR Specialist. His academic credentials include a Master's in Labour Relations and HR, as well as a BSc in Business Administration and HR from Ohio State University, instilling core skills in him, including global employee development, talent management, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, and strategic HR.

Aslı Namal

Aslı joined Acibadem Healthcare Group as CHRO in September 2024. She brings three decades of HR leadership experience to her new role. She previously worked with Eczacıbaşı Building Products Group as the Group HR Director, Eczacıbaşı as HR Director, JTI Turkey & Distribution Network as the Recruitment and Development Manager, and Sony Eurasia in key roles. Her academic profile includes, an MBA from Dokuz Eylul University, a BSc in Mathematics from the University of Brighton, and a certification in HR profession from Boğaziçi University. 

Urooj Tahir

Urooj was named Citi's as the Senior Vice President - CHRO for Onshore & Banking in the UAE, and Head of Nationalisation for MEA region. She brings over 15 years of HR expertise across the Middle East's financial sector to her new role. Prior to her appointment, she worked with HSBC, and Khushhali Bank in key roles. On the academic front, Urooj holds a Master’s degree in HRM from SZABIST, a BBA degree in HR from Bahria University and a certification from SHRM, backing her core skils in analytical thinking, interpersonal skills, human resources, performance management, recruitment, HR policies, employee relations, team management, nationalisation, organisational development, HRIS, HR consulting, and workforce planning.  

Tamer Essam

Tamer joined BEAM Consolidated as CHRO, bringing over two decades of HR experience across Egypt’s emerging markets. Previously, he served El-Araby Group as CHRO, Schneider Electric as VP of HR, Alkan CIT as HR Director, and T3A Pharma Group as HR Manager.  He brings excellent academic background with an MSc degree in Human Resources from the University of Louisville, Kentucky, USA, and a Bachelor's degree in Management Sciences from Sadat Academy for Management Sciences, and core skills in strategic HR, talent development, organisational culture, HR transformation, and business sustainability. 

Ammar Madani 

Ammar joined Strategic Gears as CHRO in August 2024, bringing nearly 20 years of HR experience. He previously worked with Procter & Gamble for nearly a decade. He brings exceptional academic credentials including a Chief HR Program certificate from Wharton Executive Education, a bachelors in Industrial Systems Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, and several certifications in Mastering Talent Management: Hiring, Engaging, and Rewarding A+ Talent, Corporate Governance: Maximising Your Effectiveness in the Boardroom, P&G Incident Management Investigation Contributor, and ASIS’s Professional Certified Investigator.

Hend Al Ali

Hend joined Ajman Bank as its new Executive Vice-President and Chief Human Resources Officer in August 2024, bringing over two decades of HR expertise in the banking industry. She has previously worked with Network International as the Group CHRO, Dunia Finance as the Executive Vice President and Human Capital Head, Citibank as the Recruitment and Emiratisation Manager, and Mashreq Bank as the Assistant Manager of National Recruitment & Development. She brings core expertise in mergers, acquisitions, IPOs, and building a high-performance culture. 

Manal Ezz

Manal was named as CHRO at G Developments in September 2024. She brings core HR expertise in framing HCM agenda, strategic HR, training and employee development, resource and budget forecasting, organisational development, and employee relations. Prior to her appointment, she worked with NEWGIZA as Head of HR, and Director of HR, and Emaar Misr as HR Manager.

Najib Makarem 

Najib joined National Holding as Group CHRO in August 2024, after exiting BEEAH Group. He brings over 25 years of HR leadership experience having served as BEEAH Group as Group Human Capital Officer, Korn Ferry as Partner and Leader for Human Capital, Willis Towers Watson as Director of Reward, Talent, and Communication Advisory, PwC as Director and Advisor for People and Change, and Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen Business Consulting in key roles. 

Tamim Alkhalifah

Tamim was appointed as CHRO at Alkhorayef Water & Power Technologies in September 2024. He brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience across the public sector in Saudi Arabia, working with Ministry of Health Saudi Arabia, National Water Company, Arabian Medical Express Services, and Samba Financial Group. His academic credentials include an MSc in Finance from Seattle University, a bachelors in MIS from King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, and certification in Leading Innovation Through Design Thinking from the National University of Singapore.

Fara Siddiqi 

Dulsco Group welcomed Fara Siddiqi as Group Chief Human Resources Officer. She brings over two decades of HR excellence across the UAE, Europe, Asia, and the Americas. Known for her expertise in board-level HR strategy, culture building, and executive coaching, she will lead Dulsco’s HR initiatives to support business goals. She will also oversee Dulsco Group’s HR functions—including Dulsco People, Dulsco Environment, Parisima Talent, and Advance Global Recruitment—and work with leadership to drive continuous improvement, talent management, retention, and nationalisation. Before Dulsco, she spent over seven years as Group CHRO at Aster DM Healthcare.

Waseem Hassan

BEEAH Group welcomed Waseem Hassan as Group Chief Human Capital Officer, succeeding Najib Makarem, who stepped down from the role in August. He brings nearly two decades of HR leadership experience across top sectors in the UAE. Before his appointment, he spent over two years as a Human Capital Advisor for PwC Middle East, helping shape HR strategies and organisational structures. Previously, as Chief People Officer and Chief Transformation Officer at Medical Group, he strengthened performance-driven cultures, promoted diversity and inclusion, and built cross-cultural cohesion.

Jacob Jacob

Aster DM Healthcare welcomed Jacob Jacob as the new CHRO, succeeding Fara Siddiqi. Jacob brings over 27 years of global HR leadership experience across diverse markets. Before joining Aster DM Healthcare, he served as Group CHRO at Malabar Group, overseeing HR in India and the UAE. At Aster, he’ll lead people strategy for teams across the Middle East, India, and the Far East, supporting over 800 medical establishments across seven countries. Jacob has also held key HR roles at Columbia Asia Healthcare, Apollo Hospitals, and Oberoi Realty.

Dr Ramy Mohamed

Egypt’s leading retail group, Abdullah Saad Group welcomed Dr. Ramy Mohamed as the Chief Human Resources Officer. Dr. Ramy has over 17 years of HR experience in Egypt’s FMCG sector. Since joining ASG in 2021 as HR Director, he has led the group’s HR initiatives. Previously, he worked with Frosty Foods as HR Manager and spent over 13 years at Coca-Cola Egypt in key HR roles.

Nilgün Atıcı

Turkey’s leading F&B company, Ajinomoto Group welcomed Nilgün Atıcı as the Chief Human Resources Officer. She brings nearly 30 years of HR leadership in Turkey’s manufacturing, insurance, and consulting sectors. Most recently, she spent 11 years as HR Director at GRUNDFOS, covering Turkey, Africa, the Middle East, and India, where she drove strategic HR, leadership development, and culture-building. Previously, she held key roles at Pilentum HR Consultancy, Fortis Pension & Life, and Toyota, where she helped transform cultures and build high-performing teams. 

Khalid Al-Omoor 

Arabian Machinery & Heavy Equipment Company welcomed Khalid Al-Omoor as the Head of Human Resources. He brings over 20 years of HR leadership across top sectors in Saudi Arabia. Before this role, he was Group HR Director at Al Othman Holding, with prior experience at ATCO Group, RAR Al Rashed & Sons, and Saipem Taqa. Early in his career, he held roles at KMC Holdings, Kaar Technologies, and others. Passionate about delivering “high-quality, sustainable results,” Khalid focuses on driving savings, boosting profits, and making a positive impact.

Fahad Rashad

Saudi Arabia’s leading automotive firm, Wallan Trading Company named Fahad Rashad as the CHRO. He brings over 15 years of HR expertise from leading sectors in Saudi Arabia. He joined Wallan Trading Co. in 2023, and led strategic HR planning and culture initiatives. In this new role, he’ll oversee business strategy and people management. In his previous roles, he worked with Misk Foundation, guiding cross-functional teams to meet organisational goals. His career also includes roles as HR Operations Director at the National Center for Privatisation & PPP, HR Operations Manager at Diaverum, and Personnel Manager at Eli Lilly. He started out with roles at Novartis, Zain KSA, and Bank Albilad.

Khalid AlBattal 

The Saudi Credit Bureau (SIMAH) welcomed Khalid AlBattal as its new Chief Human Capital & CS Officer. With around 15 years of diverse HR experience in staffing, aviation, and government sectors, Khalid is set to make a significant impact. Most recently, he served as VP of HR Operations at Mobily and previously held the position of CHRO at ALTANFEETHI. His impressive background includes roles like General Manager of HR at Monshaat Saudi Arabia and Director of Talent Management and HR Operations at Holoola Aloula. With expertise in human capital management, change management, and strategic HR, he’s passionate about driving culture change, enhancing employee relations, and fostering leadership development.

Fahad Mohamed Abdulla Danish

Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba) welcomed Fahad Mohamed Abdulla Danish as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. Fahad is set to lead Alba’s HR strategy, focusing on talent management from workforce planning to recruitment and compensation. With over 15 years of experience in the Middle East, he joins the company from BatelCo, where he held key roles such as Director of Talent for Engineering and Services and Director of Talent Management and Compensation. His background also includes positions at KPMG and Ernst & Young. Alba’s CEO remarked, “Fahad’s deep HR expertise and passion for talent development align perfectly with our goals. We’re confident that under his leadership, we’ll attract and nurture top talent, keeping Alba at the forefront of the aluminium industry.”

Ryme Dembri

Ryme joined as CHRO at OCS Group in May this year. She brings over 25 years of global HR experience across the manufacturing, food and beverage, HR consulting, and professional training and coaching sectors. She previously worked with ASM in Singapore as the Head of Leadership, Talent & Culture, Dole Sunshine Company as the Global Head of Talent and Organisational Performance, Whirlpool Corporation as Head of HR and Vice President for EMEA operations, Philips Lighting as Vice President and Head of HR, and Philips as Senior Director of Organisational Effectiveness and Senior Director of HR Strategy & HRO. 

Yomna Khalil

Yomna joined Aujan Coca Cola Beverages as CHRO in June 2024. She brings over 18 years of HR leadership experience in key sectors. She previously served AstraZeneca as CHRO for the GCC & Pakistan cluster, PepsiCo as HR Director for Asia, and MENA, and Procter & Gamble as the Senior HRBP & Employee Relations Manager. His academic credentials include bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Cairo University, building core skills in strategic partnership, organisational development and transformation, HRIS, culture change, talent retention, performance management, compensation and benefits, people management, payroll, and HR transformation. 

Jehad Alaskar

Jehad joined Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry as CHRO in June 2024, bringing more than 20 years of HR experience. He previously served Communications, Space & Technology Commission as the Talent Development Director and Senior HR Specialist, Saudi Food & Drug Authority as HR Specialist, and Almarai as Recruitment Supervisor. He brings exceptional academic credentials including an MSc degree in HR Management and Development from the University of Salford, and a bachelors in Bilingual Translation from King Saud University, a PG Diploma in leadership from Emeritus (offered by MIT, Columbia Business School, and Tuck Executive Education at Dartmouth), and various certifications in Project Management Professional from the Project Management Institute, HR Management and Analytics from the Wharton School, Executive Development Program from INSEAD, Human Resources Professional from Meirc Training & Consulting, Professional Certificate in Personnel Practice from CIPD Qualifications, and Certified Change Practitioner from Prosci.

As CHROs continue to transform Middle Eastern workplaces in 2025 and beyond, here are the key defining workplace trends to look forward to as they reshape the world of work.