Chief Human Resources Officer—a role taking centre stage as the world of work evolves. Today’s CHROs are the backbone of every major organisational shift, culture transformation, and talent strategy. They guide HR functions to help companies navigate both existing and emerging challenges and opportunities. CHROs bring the expertise to seamlessly steer businesses through the complexities of modern workforces, enabling digital transformation, fostering diversity, and building resilient teams.

We bring you the latest CHRO appointments and movements in the Middle East, highlighting the HR leaders who are redefining the future of work, one decision at a time. From leading financial firms to manufacturing powerhouses, these HR visionaries are not just managing people; they’re shaping the very heartbeat of the organisations they serve.

Tamim Alkhalifah

Alkhorayef Water & Power Technologies (AWPT) welcomed Tamim Alkhalifah as its new Chief Human Resources Officer early this month. He brings over 15 years of HR leadership experience, and is focused on fostering a positive, innovative work environment that enhances employee engagement and productivity. Additionally, he recently joined the AWPT Nomination & Remuneration Committee as Secretary. Previously, Tamim held key HR roles, including General Manager of Human Capital at the Ministry of Health, and earlier positions at National Water Company and Arabian Medical Express Services.

Najib Makarem

National Holding welcomed Najib Makarem as Group Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 2024. He brings over 25 years of HR leadership experience in the UAE, and is set to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential. Previously, Najib served BEEAH as the Group Chief Human Capital Officer, and held key positions at Korn Ferry, Willis Towers Watson, and PwC. With core strengths in business transformation, strategic planning, and cultural change, he’s perfectly poised to steer National Holding’s HR function toward a dynamic and innovative future.

Tamer Essam

KSA’s leading manufacturer BEAM Consolidated welcomed Tamer Essam as Chief Human Resources Officer. With his core strengths encompassing strategic HR, talent development, organisational culture, HR transformation, and business sustainability, Tamer is well-equipped to lead BEAM Consolidated’s HR strategy into the future. He brings over two decades of HR experience in Egypt’s emerging markets, and previously served as CHRO at El-Araby Group and held key HR leadership roles at Schneider Electric, Alkan CIT, and T3A Pharma Group.

Urooj Tahir

Citi has promoted Urooj Tahir to Senior Vice President - Chief Human Resources Officer for Onshore & Banking in the UAE and Head of Nationalisation for the Middle East and Africa region. Urooj brings nearly 15 years of HR expertise in the financial sector, and previously led Nationalisation and Talent Acquisition across the MEA and UK regions. Before Citi, she held key HR roles at HSBC and Commercial Bank International. With her core competencies in analytical thinking, performance management, recruitment, nationalisation, and organisational development, Urooj is set to lead Citi’s HR strategy across the UAE and MEA region.

Aslı Namal

Turkey’s leading healthcare company, Acibadem Healthcare welcomed Aslı Namal as CHRO. She brings over 30 years of HR leadership experience to her new role, and previously served as Group Human Resources Director at Eczacıbaşı Building Products Group, along with key HR roles at Eczacıbaşı Pharmaceuticals and JTI Turkey. She is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces, fostering talent development, and building high-performance cultures. 

Frank Poncheri

Vertiv welcomed Frank Poncheri as its new CHRO to oversee Vertiv’s global HR strategy, including teams in the newly expanded Middle East region. He brings over 15 years of HR leadership to his new role, previously held senior HR roles at Owens Corning and GE Aerospace, With core competencies in global employee development, talent management, workforce planning, employee relations, performance management, strategic HR, and fostering a high-performance culture, he will play a vital role in shaping Vertiv’s HR strategy, and driving strategic priorities and fostering a high-performance culture.

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Fahad AnNassar

Saudi Arabia’s leading petrochemical manufacturer, TASNEE welcomed Fahad AnNassar as CHRO to shape people strategies and drive cultural transformation. He brings nearly 25 years of HR leadership across various sectors in KSA, and previously held senior HR roles at Arkad Engineering & Construction, S.A. Talke, and the Royal Commission for Jubail. Armed with an MBA from King Saud University and leadership certifications from Stanford and London Business School, Fahad is set to lead TASNEE’s HR function into an exciting new chapter of growth and innovation.