National Holding, a leading investment management company, has appointed Najib Makarem as the Group Chief Human Resources Officer, effective September 2024.

In his new role, Najib brings over 25 years of HR leadership experience across various dynamic sectors in the United Arab Emirates. He most recently served as the Group Chief Human Capital Officer at BEEAH Group. In his previous roles, he worked with Korn Ferry as Partner and Market Leader for Human Capital Consulting, Willis Towers Watson as the Director of Reward, Talent, and Communication Advisory, and PwC as the Director and Advisor for People and Change. He began his career with Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen Business Consulting.

On the academic front, Najib holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Strategy, and Organisational Behaviour from the American University of Beirut and has completed the EFQM Excellence Assessor certification from the European Foundation for Quality Management. His core competencies include business transformation, performance management, strategic planning, HR management consulting, change management, policies and procedures, cultural transformation, cross-functional leadership, and employee relations.

You may also like:

• Movements in Middle East - HR Leaders in focus
• Peter Hinssen on ‘dataism’ and realities of Artificial Intelligence
• ADPF records 41% boost in Emirati women participation
• UAE employers may face AED 1mn fine for worker exploitation

Sharing his new role on LinkedIn, Najib posted: “Today, I begin a new chapter in my journey, stepping into a role that feels like a natural continuation of my story, right here in Abu Dhabi, the city where my roots run deep. This is where I grew up, studied, started my family, and built the foundation of my career. Abu Dhabi is not just my home; it’s the place that has shaped who I am and what I aspire to achieve. From the days of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whose visionary leadership laid the bedrock of this nation, to the present under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi has always stood as a beacon of possibility, growth, and unity. The city’s spirit of innovation, resilience, and ambition has touched all of us who are fortunate to live and work here. As I return to Abu Dhabi after two years away, I’m filled with a profound sense of purpose. I’m here to contribute to this city’s ongoing story, to drive meaningful change in my new role, and to lead with a focus on transforming lives through the people function. My aim is to create an environment where every individual feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

To my connections, remember that life has a way of bringing us back to what truly matters. Seek out the opportunities that resonate with your core values and bring you genuine happiness. It’s in those moments of true fulfilment that we find the energy and inspiration to create our best work and make a real difference. Let’s keep pushing forward, staying true to ourselves, and adding value wherever we go.”