DP World names Yuvraj Narayan Group CEO, Essa Kazim Chairman after Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem steps down

Dubai-based global logistics major DP World has announced a leadership transition, appointing Indian-origin executive Yuvraj Narayan as Group Chief Executive Officer and Essa Kazim as Chairman following the resignation of long-time CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.

The company confirmed the changes in an official statement, “DP World Limited announces that Group Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem has resigned from the company, effective immediately. 

The Board announces that His Excellency Essa Kazim has been appointed Chairman and Mr. Yuvraj Narayan has been appointed Group CEO.”

The move comes after Sulayem stepped down amidst scrutiny linked to references to him in recently unsealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. Although being mentioned in the files does not in itself indicate wrongdoing.

Sulayem, one of Dubai’s most influential business figures, had led DP World for more than four decades, overseeing its rise into one of the world’s largest ports and logistics operators.

Narayan’s elevation signals continuity for the company at a sensitive moment. A qualified chartered accountant of Indian origin, he has spent over two decades with DP World, joining in 2004 and becoming Group Chief Financial Officer in 2005.

Most recently serving as Group Deputy CEO and CFO, Narayan has overseen financial management, capital allocation, corporate finance, and key operational functions across the company’s global network. His long tenure and deep familiarity with the business position him as a steady internal successor.

Before joining DP World, Narayan held senior roles in banking and port operations, including Head of Corporate and Project Finance for South Asia at ANZ Group, and Chief Financial Officer at Salalah Port Services in Oman. He currently serves on the boards of HDFC International Life and Re Company Limited and Dubai Financial Market.

The leadership change follows investor concern after disclosures about Sulayem’s past association with Epstein. The United Kingdom’s development finance institution British International Investment and Canadian pension investor La Caisse had paused future ventures with DP World pending clarity.

British International Investment has since welcomed the new appointments and indicated it would resume collaboration, particularly on African port development initiatives.

DP World operates more than 60 ports and terminals across six continents and says it handles roughly 10% of global trade. With Narayan now at the helm and Kazim as Chairman, the company is expected to prioritize operational continuity, investor confidence, and further integration of its global trade and logistics network.

The transition marks one of the most significant leadership changes in the company’s history as it navigates reputational scrutiny while maintaining its central role in global supply chains.