In today’s world, leaders not just turn ideas into reality, but they also create a lasting impact with them. As a hub of emerging businesses, GCC is a home to powerful voices who believe in the power of innovation and a strong vision. From leading the industries to being an advocate of women empowerment, the top 10 voices of the GCC featured in this article, are reshaping the entire business ecosystem of the region.
The top 10 voices are acclaimed for their business acumen, visionary approach, and resilience to bring a change. With their unique perspective and ideas, each of these voices is a reminder for us — with strong passion and purpose, anyone can become the voice of countless lives surrounding them.
Top 10 Voices in GCC | Leaders to Watch
In the sections that follow, you will read about the top 10 voices in the region and how they are creating a wave of transformation in the Gulf. We will share what they do, their achievements, the choices that led them to their current roles, and their significant contributions. You will also learn how they are reframing the sectors across the Gulf region.
1. Lorenzo Campana | Elevating Excellence: Culture, Creativity, Performance Design.
A visionary leader recognized for driving growth, elevating excellence, and transforming operations across the luxury and fashion ecosystems, Lorenzo Campana is a global executive with extensive international experience in senior Leadership within some of the world’s most iconic enterprises such ad Nike, the Chalhoub Group, LVMH, and the Kering Group, across Europe, the UK, and the Middle East.
Lorenzo’s career is defined by his ability to combine strategic vision with hands-on execution. From leading complex commercial environments, strengthening brand positioning in competitive markets, to delivering sustainable revenue growth through data-driven decisions, Lorenzo’s approach is shaped by a deep understanding of consumer behavior. His work spans P&L leadership, omnichannel development, market expansion, organizational restructuring, and the creation of seamless consumer experiences.
Guided by a human-centered philosophy Lorenzo is known for building cultures where people thrive, empowering teams through authentic leadership, and creating environments that encourage creativity, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Driven by curiosity and a commitment to continuous growth, Lorenzo is pursuing an MBA at Hult International Business School, further building on the academic foundations he developed at Central Saint Martins and the University of Perugia, strengthening his global business acumen and leadership perspective.
With a talent for transforming challenges into opportunities, Lorenzo Campana continues to shape organizations that are resilient, future-ready, and deeply connected to the people, the vision, and the purpose.
2. Nadine A. Jaafar | Reshaping the Finance and Payment Ecosystem
A distinguished finance professional, Nadine A. Jaafar has been at the center of transforming financial services in the GCC, Africa, and beyond for over 15 years. With an entrepreneurial background and a “go-getter” mindset, Nadine envisioned filling the gap she saw early on in the payments and fintech industry. She also used to be the Director of Business Development – Middle East & Africa for Mercury.
Nadine’s mission is clear: to help build financial networks that are interoperable, transparent, inclusive, and borderless. She mentions, “I am proud to be a part of building the networks that connect banks, fintechs, regulators, and consumers to allow the movement of money across the street and across the globe.” She leverages her expertise to empower systemically important payment ecosystems with built-in functions for economic mobility and financial inclusion.
A major milestone in her career path is leading the launch of cross-border digital wallets, for both fiat and crypto, for a new generation of power users expecting speed, security, and global access. With constant focus on compliance first has led to platforms that are innovative and compliant and that have proven they can coexist and mutually reinforce.
Her journey has never been without challenges. From uncertain geopolitics, regulation changes, to people resisting innovative solutions, Nadine’s adaptability amidst challenges has positioned her as an influential leader in the industry. As a strong advocate of women’s empowerment, she mentions, “When I started in this industry, I could count the number of women in decision-making roles on one hand. Today, I don’t just want a seat at the table, I want to build new tables, bring more women to them, and make sure the door never closes behind us.”
With a visionary leadership approach and commitment to redefine the industry, Nadine A. Jaafar aspires to contribute her part to impact the next decade of finance innovation.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
3. Dr. Minal Patwardhan Andrade | Revolutionizing the Dermatology Landscape of the UAE
A pioneer in the field of clinical excellence, Dr. Minal Patwardhan Andrade is the first female dermatologist and venereologist in the UAE, and founder of the acclaimed Minal Medical Centre based in Dubai. She has completed an MD in Dermatology, Venerology, and Leprology from Mumbai University.
Before relocating to the UAE, she offered her expertise as a lecturer at the Department of Dermatology at Lokmanya Tilak Municipal Medical College in Mumbai. Dr. Minal founded Minal Medical Clinic as a solo dermatology clinic in Sharjah, UAE. Over the years, it expanded it into a multi-doctor group practice as Minal Medical Centre in Dubai, blending dermatology and aesthetics with a philosophy rooted in empowerment, empathy, and ethical care. MMC collectively have treated more than 45,000 patients from different parts of the UAE and neighbouring nations. By introducing innovative techniques, like Alexandrite Hair Removal Laser while it was still in its initial phase, Dr. Minal became one of the first dermatologists in Asia and the Middle East to do so, helping her establish a strong position in the region. With the longest experience in dark skin types and their concerns, her expertise is unmatched in similar cases.
Dr Minal’s entrepreneurial journey reflects bold vision: KAYA ME acquired 75% of her franchise for nine years, a partnership that was financially profitable and underscored her business acumen. In November 2023, she strategically bought back the franchise, consolidating operations in Dubai and expanding into wellness and cutting‑edge technologies.
Beyond her practice, Dr. Minal serves on the Scientific Committees of Dubai Derma, MEIDAM, and the Emirates Society of Laser and Dermatology, and is a member of American Academy of Dermatology. She is also an invited speaker at international conferences, including IMCAS, IADVL and ASCICON.
With unwavering dedication and passion to reshape the field with innovation, Dr. Minal Patwardhan Andrade is driving excellence in the field of dermatology across the UAE.
4. Dr. Valeria Kuhar | Empowering Brands to Become Market Leaders
A result-driven leader, Dr. Valeria Kuhar, CEO at La Prima Classe, has a track record of turning brands into market leaders. For Valeria, leadership has never been about being the loudest voice or the person at the center of the stage. It has always been about creating real impact—building spaces, ideas, and opportunities that bring people together in meaningful ways.
Dr. Valeria believes not every project needs to become a “success story” to matter. Some of the most valuable experiences come from what we learn along the way: from experiments that didn’t scale, from conversations that opened our eyes, from small initiatives that quietly changed how people think or relate to one another.
She reflects, “At the heart of how I lead there is one belief my parents passed on to me: earned authority grows faster than performative confidence. People ultimately trust what is lived, not what is projected. When leadership is real, others see it before you say it. The leaders who truly make a difference today aren’t the loudest in the room—they are the ones whose presence feels earned the moment they speak, because their words are anchored in experience and integrity.”
Throughout her entrepreneurial journey, every venture Dr. Valeria pursued has been driven by a single intention: to build bridges between communities and to let the strengths of one group empower another. With this approach, she is not just creating businesses or opportunities—she is nurturing ecosystems where people can grow, collaborate, and flourish together. And for Valeria, that is the most authentic expression of leadership.
With a blend of trend foresight, strategic negotiation, and growth-focused planning to scale businesses from concept to global presence, Dr. Valeria Kuhar’s leadership is an inspiration for generations of leaders to come.
LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
5. Craig Morgan | Reshaping Sustainable Rental Services
Bringing over two decades of leadership experience in the hospitality, cooling, and rental services sectors, Craig Morgan currently leads as the Chief Operating Officer, Asia for Lowe Rental. Craig’s extensive background in service-led industries continues to shape his strategic, customer-centred approach to leadership.
Based in Dubai, Craig spearheads the strategic expansion and operational excellence of the business across multiple countries, guiding teams and markets to deliver growth and customer-centric service.
A strategic operator at heart, Craig combines an entrepreneurial mindset with deep technical understanding, particularly in cooling systems, with a dedication to building high-performing, multilingual teams.
Craig’s people-first philosophy defines his leadership. With an in-depth knowledge of how cultural dynamics differ across markets, he ensures the right people are placed in roles that set them up for success. Whether working with internal teams or external partners, he builds strong relationships grounded in mutual trust.
Lowe Rental has established itself as a leading name in sustainable rental services globally, from refrigeration to catering equipment. As the COO of the company, in Asia, Craig oversees markets spanning four distinct countries in the region, each with its own cultural, regulatory, and business complexities. With hands-on management, from day-to-day operations to long-term strategic initiatives, Craig Morgan’s constant focus is on delivering value to clients, developing talent, and shaping a sustainable business that thrives in a highly competitive environment.
6. Nour Alamiri | Illuminating the Light on Brands with Human Intelligence
A seasoned professional, Nour Alamiri, Founder and CEO of MG Lumeo Digital, established the agency with a bold vision despite the presence of over a thousand marketing agencies in Dubai. The market is crowded, but business owners still struggle to find a marketing partner that truly understands their brand, their customers, and the psychology behind buying decisions.
In an era dominated by AI, automation, and ChatGPT, Nour strongly believes that what businesses truly need is not more tools but more human intelligence. Real growth begins with understanding people, not platforms.
In today’s AI-driven era, many agencies still lack a fundamental understanding of marketing. Just as the human body has seven chakras, a business also operates on seven core marketing pillars, which Nour refers to as the 7 chakras of business.
Product | Price | Promotion | Place | People | Process | Physical Evidence
When these seven elements align, a brand becomes powerful, consistent, and profitable. MG Lumeo Digital helps brands identify, align, and elevate each of these chakras, enabling them to reach their highest potential.
Nour mentions, “Any freelancer or agency can help you generate leads online, but have you ever checked the quality of the leads you’re receiving? What do you need, quality or quantity? You might receive 100 leads, but if you can’t convert even 10 of them, what’s the point? On the other hand, if you receive only 20 leads and 10 of them are genuinely interested and likely to convert, which one would you choose?
What influences your customers to buy from your company is not just marketing; it’s called Brand Recall Rate. Nobody buys from the first touchpoint, just like no one purchases a product simply because they saw a TV ad. Yet brands spend millions on commercials because of this powerful factor: Brand Recall.
She strongly believes that if an agency is not educating its clients about this, if they can’t explain why people remember brands or how buying decisions are formed, then they are running campaigns, not strategies. At MG Lumeo Digital, the team is focused on building memory, trust, and familiarity, so leads don’t just come in; they convert. they want a true marketing partner. Nour’s vision is simple: combining human intelligence, psychology, and strategic marketing to create brands that people remember, trust, and buy from.
For businesses that want to understand their customers deeply, align the business chakras, and build a marketing ecosystem that converts attention into revenue, MG Lumeo Digital is here to guide you.
For collaborations or consultations, you can reach Nour at: LinkedIn | MG Lumeo Digital
7. Lucy Gibson | Crafting Innovative Pieces with a Blend of Style and Authenticity
A British entrepreneur whose heart lies in style, authenticity, and family, Lucy Gibson is the founder of Sand Dollar Dubai, a UAE-based boutique celebrated for its curated selection of high-end resort wear for women, men, and children, and Heart Cottage Lane, a lifestyle brand bringing the timeless elegance of English cottage style to modern homes in the UAE.
Born in Abu Dhabi to British parents, Lucy spent her early years between Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the UK, developing a deep appreciation for culture, design, and connection. With her parents as her role models, Lucy learned that true success comes from hard work, kindness, and determination.
At fifteen, Lucy began juggling part-time jobs while studying International Business at university. With an early career spanning investment consulting, customer relations, and real estate development, including time with Dubai developer Nakheel, she honed her skills in marketing, communication, and leadership. In 2010, Lucy followed her passion for fashion and launched Sand Dollar Dubai. What began as a single boutique has grown into a thriving brand with five outlets across the UAE and a global online store. Sand Dollar is known for its luxury resort wear collections that capture effortless elegance – perfect for days on the beach, evenings under the stars, and every stylish moment in between.
Her second venture, Heart Cottage Lane, reflects Lucy’s love of home, design, and entertaining. With two beautiful boutiques in the UAE, it offers a carefully curated selection of elevated homeware, tableware, and thoughtful gifts. Designed for those who love entertaining in style, Heart Cottage Lane seamlessly blends the warmth and charm of English cottage aesthetics with refined, modern touches, making it the ultimate destination for beautiful living and meaningful gifting.
Today, as Lucy leads a close-knit team of over twenty, she is acclaimed for her hands-on approach, positivity, and creative spirit. For Lucy Gibson, entrepreneurship is about more than business – it’s about community, craftsmanship, and creating something meaningful, all while keeping family at the heart of it all.
LinkedIn | Sand Dollar Dubai | Heart Cottage Lane
8. Seemab Sikandar | Transforming Ideas into High-Impact Enterprises across the GCC and Beyond
A distinguished serial entrepreneur and strategic investor, Seemab Sikandar has a multi-sector footprint spanning the UAE, Qatar, Pakistan, Bahrain, Turkey, and the UK. His entrepreneurial journey began remarkably early—first sparked at the age of eight and formalized at nineteen when he launched his first venture during the dot-com era. Since then, Seemab has built, scaled, and led multiple high-growth businesses across delivery services, accounting, food, and mobility industries.
As the Chief Executive Officer of Marahab Delivery Services LLC, Seemab leads one of the UAE’s most dynamic last-mile logistics operations. Overseeing a fleet of more than 2,000 riders, he has positioned Marahab as a trusted partner for leading aggregators, courier networks, and restaurant brands. Under his leadership, the company has become synonymous with operational reliability, rider-centric systems, and scalable, tech-enabled logistics solutions.
Beyond logistics, Seemab is the Managing Partner at AccBooks Accounting & Bookkeeping, where he drives financial excellence for a diverse portfolio of over 300 clients across the UAE. His role extends to active leadership positions in Jabal AlSafa Motorcycle Trading and Pak Darbar Restaurant Qatar, further reflecting the breadth of his business influence.
Holding a Master’s degree in Business Administration from Punjabi University, Seemab combines academic insight with a deeply practical approach to execution. His leadership style is shaped by a strong focus on customer experience, inclusive team culture, and continuous innovation. Passionate about sustainable and impactful entrepreneurship, he remains an influential force in the region’s SME and startup landscape.
Through strategic vision, disciplined execution, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, he exemplifies what it means to turn ideas into reality in the fast-evolving Gulf business environment. “A true leader doesn’t just grow businesses—he builds systems, people, and opportunities that outlast him,” Seemab Sikandar reflects.
9. Abed Hamandi | Driving Transformation in the Fraud Management and Security Intelligence Sector
A distinguished leader, Abed Hamandi brings over two decades of international experience in data analytics, artificial intelligence, financial crime, and professional services. As a Senior Regional Director at SAS, Abed leads the Professional Services organization for the META region, alongside heading the EMEA Consulting portfolio for Fraud Compliance across all sectors and Public Security.
With a dual Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Computer Science from Saint Joseph University (Beirut), and an MBA, Abed has further strengthened his academic foundation with a Diploma in Higher Education in Management from ESCP – Paris.
Reflecting progressive leadership roles across regions, Abed has constantly delivered growth and expansion in the industry. Passionate about driving innovation, his expertise in sales, operations, digital transformation, and advisory services is unmatched. By empowering business decisions through data and offering measurable client outcomes, he is driving transformation in the region. Recognizing his exceptional performance in the field, Insights Success Media has featured Abed in “The Middle East Most Inspiring Leaders to Watch in 2024.”
Adopting a people-centric and collaborative approach, Abed Hamandi empowers his community and industry to expand, while transforming every organization he is associated with.
10.Markus Pinter | Blending Financial Expertise with AI Solutions
A pioneering leader, Markus Pinter’s understanding of business didn’t begin in a boardroom—it started in his family’s automotive repair shops in Germany, where as a young teenager, he worked alongside his parents managing gas stations and repair shops. This early exposure to entrepreneurial grit taught him the fundamentals: customer service, operational efficiency, and the value of every penny.
Armed with a degree in Economics from Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nuremberg and certifications from Harvard Business School and INSEAD, Markus embarked on a 31-year journey with Novartis that took him across the globe. As CFO in Turkey, Italy, Greater China, and the Middle East & Africa, he managed operations spanning continents, currencies, and cultures.
In a remarkable display of technical acumen that was decades ahead of its time, Markus programmed a sophisticated financial consolidation tool in 1990 using dBase (SQL language), which consolidated Balance Sheets, Profit & Loss as well as Cash Flow Statements across multiple legal entities and business units. This solved the exact challenges that CFOs face today, but doing it over 30 years ago when such innovation was extraordinarily rare. These FMCG experiences gave him a unique perspective on operations, cost structures, and the transformative potential of technology in finance that most C-suite executives never acquire.
His achievements speak volumes: reducing days sales outstanding from 250+ to 90 days in Italy during the Euro Debt Crisis; pioneering AI and big data compliance systems in China during the pharmaceutical crisis in 2013; expanding margins by 6% while managing $1.3 billion across 19 MEA countries; and delivering $27 million in profitability improvements through strategic restructuring across 46 countries. But Markus’s legacy extends beyond numbers—developing over 40 global finance leaders, championing gender equality and diversity, and earning multiple awards for compliance excellence and high integrity.
His leadership philosophy centers on empowering people, fostering trust, and delivering results with integrity. In February 2024, Markus made a strategic pivot, leveraging his UAE Golden Visa to join RevoQuant LLC as General Manager for MEA. Here, he’s applying three decades of financial expertise—and that pioneering spirit from building consolidation systems in 1990—to help organizations use AI and machine learning to identify revenue leakage, optimize cash flow, and enhance compliance, in particular in the Finance and Audit functions.
From gas stations in Germany to coding enterprise-grade consolidation tools as a student, to boardrooms across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Markus Pinter exemplifies how vision, versatility, and values transform challenges into opportunities—making him a true voice turning vision into reality across the GCC.”
Conclusion
The top 10 voices featured here are more than just professionals, they are here to make the world a better place in their own way. Through their values and visionary leadership, these top 10 voices are proof that with perseverance and a commitment to bring a change, they not only empower the community but also uplift the future generation of leaders.
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