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Hamza Batterjee, President & CEO of Megamind IT Solutions, graced the cover of Worldu2019s Leaders Magazine as one of the Worldu2019s Visionary Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024.
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World’s Visionary Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024 Business Revolutionaries Business management has definitely evolved throughout time. These changes usually reflect the dominant cultural and economic patterns. In today's society, customers want to support companies that are dedicated to making a difference in the world. Businesses can only do this with forward-thinking leadership. This guiding principle has propelled Megamind IT Solutions to new heights, fostering a culture of entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic foresight on a global scale. Visionary leaders have the ability to drastically change their organizations' course. These managers provide their employees a feeling of purpose and guidance toward more significant goals. Visionary leaders motivate their employees and clientele as a result. There are several ways to be a visionary leader. Not everyone is shaped in the same manner as a leader. Recognizing that success in the business landscape demands more than mere titles, Hamza understands the pivotal role of innovation and customer-centricity in driving growth. His strategic focus on the healthcare services and technology vertical underscores Megamind IT Solutions' commitment to leveraging technology- enabled solutions for enhancing patient care and operational efficiency across the healthcare ecosystem. World's leaders in its latest edition “World's Visionary Leaders Making A Difference in Middle East, 2024” sheds some light on the importance and role of leadership and business leaders in economic development and society. The cover features President & CEO of Megamind IT Solutions, Hamza Batterjee, who epitomizes the essence of modern leadership – youthful, insightful, and forward-thinking. Under his stewardship, Megamind IT Solutions has transcended boundaries, embracing a trajectory of growth and expansion driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. At the heart of Hamza's leadership philosophy lies a singular mantra: "Excellence – by design and not by chance." While we come to the end, please do not forget to read the CXO standpoints written by industry experts and the informative articles penned down by our in-house editorial team. Have a lovely read!
CREDIT PAGE Editor-in-Chief Steve Sanchez Managing Editor Jagdish Chincholikar Executive Editor Nicole Williams Assistant Editor Gayatri Bhujbal Art & Design Director Jack Anderson Business Development Manager Mia Oliver Business Development Executive Natalie, Jerrey Associate Designer Kevin Rust Digital Marketing Manager Victor Clarke Sales Manager Casey Simpson, Irfan Shekh Marketing Manager Tom Swann Technical Specialist Barry Jones Circulation Manager Danny Parker February 2024 3296 Westerville Rd #250, Columbus, OH 43224, USA Copyright 2024 WORLD’S LEADERS Media Tech LLC, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from WORLD’S LEADERS Reprint rights remain solely with WORLD’S LEADERS. Follow us on :
08 Cover Story Leading by Passion, Persistence, Patience and Technology Hamza Batterjee
Dina and Nermine Abdel Fattah 16 20 Asil Attar 26 Ben Knoefler 30 Denis Sorin Khalid Fagih 34 Maqbool Al Wahaibi 40 44 Nisreen Shocair 50 Noor Al Muhaideb 54 Renata Liuzzi
Dina & Nermine Abdel Fa?ah Elevating Brand Messages in the MENA Region 16 | February 2024
Exlnt Communications, formerly Excellent Communications D&N, was founded in 2003 by the dynamic duo Dina Abdel Fattah and Nermine Abdel Fattah. The two sisters, leveraging their combined resources, networks, and expertise acquired over two decades, embarked on a mission to provide comprehensive communication services. Their vision was clear: To merge exceptional expertise with 360-degree communication services, fostering enduring partnerships that deliver significant value to their clients. A Comprehensive Suite of Services Exlnt Communications stands as the communication partner of choice for numerous brands covering a wide array of industries. With a rich portfolio that includes banking, real estate, FMCGs, information technology, telecommunications, retail, e-commerce, consumer electronics, industrial processes and manufacturing, energy, medical technology, automotive, tourism, and travel, Exlnt has become a pivotal force in orchestrating PR strategies for over 20 years. Dina and Nermine emphasise that Exlnt Communication's 360-degree product offerings cater to diverse business models and sectors. The agency provides a comprehensive suite of services, including Public and Government Relations, Advertising and BTL (Below the Line), Branding, Reporting, Digital Marketing, and Media Buying. This holistic approach forms a 360-degree marketing strategy for each campaign, ensuring that clients' brands stand out and leave a lasting impact on their target audience. The inspiration behind Exlnt Communications emerged from Nermine and Dina's admiration for the incredible talents she observed in her homeland. After witnessing remarkable achievements despite modest PR strategies to build a public image, they felt compelled to contribute. They aimed to establish a PR agency that offered strategic communication counsel, elevated brand awareness and managed public photos to spotlight the journeys and accomplishments of these inspiring brands. This vision propelled Exlnt Communications to become a leading PR company dedicated to crafting brand messages that effectively reach their intended audience. Over the past decade, Exlnt has been a catalyst for transforming corporate communications and successfully handling over 100 projects spanning diverse business sectors. In 2020, Exlnt Communications achieved a significant milestone by becoming part of United Media Services (UMS), the largest media conglomerate in the MENA region. This strategic move further solidified its position in the industry, opening new avenues for growth and collaboration. 18 | February 2024
Ben Ben Knoefler Crafting a Multifaceted Business Model and Leadership for KCi Group's Success worldsleaders.com | 27
The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief that they could achieve what others couldn't. This ambition didn't stem solely from their exceptional business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the future of their companies and clients that has been 10 years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey commenced as a modest family holding and has since blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse expertise in international trade and trade consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the unique challenges stemming from their diversification and approach every interaction with this awareness. With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the company which are to continually improve its concurrent operations, make it simpler for the group of companies to enter new markets. His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has continually demonstrated via his broad experience a profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can-do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as a business leader and expert in his field. 28 | February 2024
The foundation of KCi Group was built upon the belief that they could achieve what others couldn't. This ambition didn't stem solely from their exceptional business acumen, but rather from a shared vision for the future of their companies and clients that has been 10 years in the making since its inauguration. Their journey commenced as a modest family holding and has since blossomed into a multinational conglomerate with diverse expertise in international trade and trade consulting. As a global entity, they acknowledge the unique challenges stemming from their diversification and approach every interaction with this awareness. His work is highlighted by accuracy in analysis, the creation of specific plans, and the carrying out of a customized strategy to tailor to each situation. Ben has continually demonstrated via his broad experience a profound awareness of other cultures, remarkable social skills, powerful leadership talents, and an amazing can- do attitude. These characteristics have helped him carry out multiple projects successfully on a worldwide scale. His passion and efficiency in thriving and growing the KCi brand is testified to by his international reputation as a business leader and expert in his field. With over two decades of expertise in the industry, Ben Knoefler, Chairman at KCi, has main goals for the company which are to continually improve its concurrent operations, make it simpler for the group of companies to enter new markets. worldsleaders.com | 29
Denis Denis Denis Sorin Sorin Sorin Redefining Hospitality in Emerging Markets by Mastering Hospitality Excellence worldsleaders.com | 31
The Center Amsa Hospitality, a novel Saudi Arabian venture, melds expertise with daring visions. Positioned as the 'hallmark of Arabian hospitality,' Amsa Hospitality aims to bring centuries-old Arabian traditions of welcoming and generosity into alignment with the expectations of today's guests. Amsa Hospitality's cutting-edge facilities revolutionize hospitality, adapting timeless Arabian traditions for discerning business travelers and exceeding expectations by proposing quality lifestyle midscale properties in carefully selected locations. Hospitality and the world-renowned hospitality giant, Accor, joined forces. The objective of this partnership is to develop economy and midscale branded properties strategically located in carefully selected second-tier cities throughout Saudi Arabia. The alliance is set to last for 10 years, aiming to capitalize on the combined expertise and strengths of both companies to deliver exceptional hospitality experiences in these emerging markets. Forging a Powerful Partnership Amsa Hospitality has established itself as one of the fastest-growing companies in the hospitality industry. The company is presently in the process of expanding its portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, boasting a remarkable collection of over 18 properties, and has ambitious plans to add more in Saudi Arabia and the GCC before venturing into the global market. In a significant collaboration that took place in May 2023, Amsa The company firmly believes in being the hallmark of Arabian hospitality by introducing novel solutions and proposals to an industry that is currently in the process of reshaping itself. As a Citizen Company championing Corporate Social Responsibility, Amsa Hospitality reimagines hotels, embracing challenges to innovate and grow while honoring their roots. Quest to Establish Amsa Hospitality as a Global Hospitality Powerhouse Amsa Hospitality is currently in its early stages of development, with grand aspirations for the future. The company has set its sights on 32 | February 2024
W With an extensive and diverse background of over 30 years in the hospitality industry, Denis Sorin brings a wealth of expertise to the table. Having held executive positions in renowned hotel groups worldwide, he has mastered the art of building exceptional hotel brands from scratch. His approach combines a harmonious blend of creativity, strategic marketing, and operational excellence, igniting his drive for success. Denis serves as the esteemed leader at Amsa Hospitality, where he is responsible for shaping the company's strategic and operational direction. He uses his extensive experience to guide the organization toward sustainable growth, profitability, and overall success. He focuses on accomplishing ambitious goals and objectives, propelling the company to new heights within the industry. unveiling its distinctive Arabian lifestyle hotel brand in the fourth quarter of 2024 and has even more ambitious plans to extend its global presence by establishing properties in key cities across the world. Drawing inspiration from esteemed hospitality pioneers like Conrad Hilton and Gérard Pélisson, the co- founder of Accor, Denis leads the charge as an entrepreneur dedicated to carefully implementing the exceptional vision established by Mohammad Alathel – Amsa Hospitality creator. lifelong project, fueled by an unwavering passion and relentless determination. individuals find themselves trapped in jobs they dislike, making work feel like a burdensome chore. Considering that we spend at least a third of our lives working, he believes that both society and people's lives would significantly benefit from ensuring everyone has a fulfilling job, no matter the nature of the work. Denis firmly believes that in the fast- paced world of today, new leaders must have the ability to quickly grasp and address the expectations of their teams and customers. The old management styles are no longer effective, and long-term success depends on a leader's capacity to constantly think outside the box, actively listen to both verbal and non-verbal communication, learn from mistakes and competitors' triumphs, and above all, persistently challenge themselves to forge ahead. The key to making work enjoyable is straightforward in principle but challenging to put into practice. It involves replacing authoritative micro-managing bosses with true leaders who genuinely care for their employees and the overall success of the company, rather than solely pursuing their personal interests. Motivated by their unwavering dedication and remarkable achievements in the industry, Denis is determined to make Amsa Hospitality a prominent player in the market. He views this venture as a Vision for Fulfilling and Inclusive Jobs According to Denis, far too many worldsleaders.com | 33
Accepting New Challenges Transitioning from a lifelong career in banking to a new industry at RSI has been the most significant decision in Khalid's professional life. This switch entailed navigating a completely different landscape in terms of nature, processes, applications, operations, business development, and market risk. Undoubtedly, it posed a significant challenge, one that continues to be an ongoing journey. However, it is precisely this challenge that adds to the intrigue and fuels Khalid's determination and commitment. development, with numerous opportunities presented to existing and innovative ideas. Khalid recognizes Saudi Arabia as a nation under visionary leadership, transforming its landscape and global position through the historic blueprint of "Vision 2030." This ambitious transformation plan provides an expansive platform for growth, particularly for those who are intuitive and adaptive. Therefore, any strategy adopted must be focused on readiness to capitalize on the vast landscape of opportunities offered by Vision 2030. RSI, as a company, is positioning itself with determination to seek out ideas for growth within this vast canvas. However, this requires a strong sense of readiness, capability, and commitment. platform for customer growth. In addition to the traditional oil and gas markets, RSI is diversifying its product portfolio into new sectors such as health, hospitality, education, and residential, where there is a growing demand for its solutions. RSI is now investing in the real estate spectrum to support and collaborate with successful ventures in real estate investment, a rapidly developing field of hospitality projects, and various entities across the commercial sector. This expanded positioning offers strong growth potential and consolidates RSI's capabilities to provide multiple solutions under its established brand. Additionally, diversifying revenue streams through increased rental and leasing options will be an area of opportunity and growth as RSI moves away from a manufacturing-focused business model. Facilities management is also a critically important segment, and RSI aims to grow its presence and become a regional and international leader in this field. The company's innovative solutions are reflected in its diverse product portfolio and successful track record across industry sectors, firmly establishing its reputation as a successful player in the field of imaginative engineering. Most recently under Khalid's leadership RSI also announced the acquisition of 51% of the share capital of The Fundamental Installation for Electric Work Company Ltd - better known as 'First Fix' and valued at Saudi Riyals 1.06 billion. This acquisition strengthens the framework of RSI which synergizes with First Fix as an internal group entity that will further augment the speed of project delivery and quality excellence In today's fast-paced business world, the notion of planning for the "next five years" has become outdated. Technologies, market dynamics, delivery speed, collaborations, partnerships, and ever-evolving technological advancements constantly present new opportunities and shorten the path to success. Each day brings forth opportunities for growth, performance, and achievement. The choice of how to navigate and seize these opportunities lies in one's hands. Just as individuals evolve and strengthen over time through learning and assimilation, companies and corporations also undergo a similar process. RSI is no exception to this reality. Over the past two years, the company has reimagined its business nature and repositioned itself to address the opportunities that are ahead. RSI has embraced a broader vision, offering a wider range of solutions to its international customer base. It is still a long road ahead but with the right focus on re-organization and re-prioritization based on the fast eveolving market scenario, it will be imperative to make the right decisions assessing risks and planning principles. About RED SEA INTERNATIONAL In a rapidly evolving world characterized by development, change, challenges, and opportunities, businesses and organizations must embrace continuous learning, evolve with maturity, and adopt a clear vision for the future, accompanied by a practical roadmap. Success in the future will be achieved by offering solutions that are comprehensive, effective, and simple. It is crucial for businesses to envision and build processes that are streamlined, efficient, and environmentally conscious, utilizing renewable ideas and elements. RSI, a Saudi Arabian company with a global presence spanning several decades, has built a reputable brand by designing, planning, producing, managing, and operating housing solutions and facilities management services across 65 countries. In today's global business landscape, the ability to provide multi-faceted solutions is critical. This outlook expands the market universe and provides a larger As a Saudi Arabian business entity, this is an opportune time for growth and 36 | February 2024
Vision for RSI's Global Success From Khalid's personal standpoint, he envisions RSI as a globally esteemed corporation, highly regarded for its qualities of Quality, Integrity, Innovation, Reliability, Imagination, and Service. By embodying these attributes, RSI can attain an unbeatable position in the market, which is exactly where Khalid aspires the company to be. To achieve this, Khalid emphasizes the importance of fostering innovation and imagination within the team to complement RSI's core capabilities. This approach is essential for expanding RSI's footprint and maintaining its leadership position within the industry. worldsleaders.com | 37
Eng. Maqbool Al Wahaibi CEO Oman Data Park 40 | February 2024
Maqbool Al Wahaibi Leading by diversified Experience in ICT Engineering, So?ware Development, Business Startups and Leadership Eng. worldsleaders.com | 41
L Life prior to Starting Professional Work Maqbool attended the Royal Guard School of Technology, an Oman- based military technology boarding school, for his secondary and primary education. Later, he received a government Maqbool Al Wahaibi is the Chief Executive Officer of Oman Data Park (ODP), the first managed and cloud service provider in Oman. He was a key contributor to the creation of solutions specifically suited to the needs of banks, financial institutions, the oil and gas industry, the healthcare industry, the government, the educational system, and the professional services sector. He is a member of the executive management team and a founding team member of ODP. His diverse experience spans more than 20 years in ICT engineering, software development, business startup, and leadership. scholarship to pursue his further education, including a bachelor's degree in engineering in information technology from Staffordshire University in the UK, a master's degree in software engineering from York University in the UK, and an MBA from Strathclyde University in Scotland. He began working for the government as a software developer and advanced through the ranks to general manager of an IT division. Oman Data Park Maqbool was a member of the founding team (shareholders) of Oman Data Park SAOC (ODP), which was established in 2012. Maqbool helped ODP develop and become a success story. The stockholders approached him about starting the first cloud service provider in Oman. He jumped out of the government sector to bring up ODP because he thought the idea was good. Maqbool has an MBA from Strathclyde University in the UK and a Master of Science in Computer Software Engineering from the University of York. At the 2018 Annual AIWA Awards, he was named Technology Person of the Year. In 2019, Oman Data Park received the Excellence for Global Cloud-Based Services award. ODP currently provides services to 600 corporate clients, including big, medium-sized, and small businesses. It was difficult to start a business from scratch in a tiny, conservative market like Oman with a brand-new set of services like cloud services and data center services. It calls for intense concentration driven by enthusiasm, a thorough awareness of the risk variables, and a great deal of attention. Maqbool was fortunate to possess all of those qualities, which were undoubtedly helpful. He shares, "Our first client was a bank. In Oman, the first Islamic bank (Nizwa Bank) was established. We sold the idea to the bank to collocate all of their infrastructure in ODP, rather than building a data center of their own, it was an opportunity we didn't want to miss." However, having to deal with all the legislative and security components was not an easy thing to do. Before 42 | February 2024
A Leader with Values and Ideals discussing the financial benefits and the total cost of ownership that the bank would have by getting their IT core banking infrastructure into ODP—something that hadn't been done in the region before—the company had to make the case to the legislative bodies and challenge the risk and security departments of the bank. Oman Data Park has managed to accumulate a tremendous amount of experience in offering cloud managed services over the past ten years while serving more than 600 organizations. Maqbool takes care of his team and gives them the most respect and self- confidence possible in his role as a leader. When it comes to his consumers, he makes sure they receive the greatest possible service. The next group of people are his partners; ODP could not succeed without them. His board of directors, who must be supportive and in agreement, comes last. Maqbool is a guy of action, and he frequently exemplifies this for his colleagues. He makes the most of every chance to ensure that the business has a culture of discipline toward execution with excellence and the highest level of customer service. With quality service, Maqbool and his team win new clients and maintain them forever. He makes certain that the team sees that on him personally so that they can follow. He asserts, "To me, discipline comes first, and that really helps the execution part of the vision. A leader should also be passionate about what he or she does. It is also worldsleaders.com | 43
Nisreen Shocair Driving Change and Inspiring the Industry by Unleashing Fashion's Crea?ve Force Meet Nisreen Shocair, Group Chief Transformation Officer for Middle East, Africa and LATAM at Beyond ONE, whose passion for fashion and keen interest in the ever-evolving landscape of cultural trends have propelled her towards remarkable achievements. With a remarkable career spanning esteemed organizations such as Viacom, Sony Music, Bertelsmann AG, and Hearst Entertainment, Nisreen has consistently gravitated towards industries where fashion and entertainment intersect. Nisreen's remarkable journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring entrepreneurs and industry professionals alike. Her unwavering dedication to the worlds of fashion and entertainment, coupled with her visionary leadership and commitment to responsible consumption, make her a true visionary in the business realm. As she continues to make waves and leave an indelible mark on the industry, Nisreen exemplifies the spirit of innovation and creative evolution that defines the modern business landscape. worldsleaders.com | 45
Trailblazing at the Intersection of Tech and Entertainment In the early 2000s, Nisreen embarked on a journey that merged technology and entertainment, marking the beginning of her successful career. Having lived and worked across different continents, she gained a global perspective that she now utilizes to establish businesses focused on immersive experiences, drawing from her love for culture, history, and art. Recently, her focus has shifted towards fostering community and enabling collaborative creation, amplification, and monetization across borders. She firmly believes that retailers have a crucial role to play in supporting the well-being of our planet. Empowering Young Women Leaders Nisreen advises young emerging women leaders to prioritize mentorship for constant development, emphasizing that mentors can be peers as well as higher-ups. She encourages a mindset of continuous learning and growth, highlighting the importance of staying the course despite the challenges faced in middle-management. Nisreen also emphasizes the significance of sponsoring and supporting other women, as it fosters trust and a supportive community. Networking is essential, as it allows individuals to showcase their skills and leverage social connections. Additionally, she advises knowing when to stay and when to leave, ensuring that career decisions are made on one's own terms. Lastly, Nisreen emphasizes the importance of paying it forward and back, recognizing the universal language of kindness. Nisreen's accomplishments in the retail and entertainment industries are highly notable. She has held prestigious leadership positions, including CEO of a pioneering live streaming network in the MENA region and President of Virgin Megastore for the Middle East & North Africa. Throughout her career, Nisreen has worked with renowned organizations such as Viacom, Sony Music, Bertelsmann AG, and Hearst Entertainment. Actively involved in the retail industry, Nisreen co-chairs the Retail Leaders Circle, a think tank dedicated to advancing the Middle East retail sector. Her expertise and insights make her a sought-after speaker at esteemed events like the World Retail Congress, Retail Leader's Circle, Retail Week, and the Financial Times. Nisreen's achievements have earned her significant recognition. She has been named Female CEO of the Year by CEO Middle East and Businesswoman of the Year by Women in Leadership. Additionally, she consistently appears on influential lists, including the Arabian Business 100 Most Powerful Arab Women and Forbes Middle East's top 100 Most Powerful Arab Women. Nisreen's unwavering focus on thoughtful consumption and her dedication to supporting the environment have made her a driving force in shaping and inspiring the retail and entertainment industries in the Middle East and beyond. 46 | February 2024
Noor Al Muhaideb Striving To Craft the Ingredients of Absolute Luxury, Creating Spaces That are not Only Beautiful, but Breath-taking N Noor Al Muhaideb Noor Al Muhaideb is the CEO & Founding Partner of Opaal Interiors and Detay Living. She earned a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from the American University of Sharjah in 2002. She gained her remarkable portfolio over her fifteen years of professional expertise by implementing and completing several residential, hotel, and commercial developments for Emaar Properties. Clients and coworkers alike hold Noor in high regard for her extraordinary inventiveness, design sensibility, organizational prowess, and capacity to lead diverse teams. With an eye for elegance, craftsmanship, and quality, she is renowned for her world-class visionary style and designs that set trends whilst remaining fresh and timeless year after year. 50 | February 2024
