Under the theme “Global Meets Local,” Forbes Middle East has created a pioneering study of the talent leading the MENA operations of some of the most renowned global corporations. The study included the top 100 CEOs, directors, and executive management driving the regional success of global corporations with established bases in the Middle East and North Africa. The study showed that the UAE as the preferred location for global organizations to establish regional headquarters, with a massive 93 percent of companies favoring the nation as a base. In terms of the Top 10, nine regional HQs are based in the UAE, with one in Egypt. However, the business leaders featured hail from all corners of the globe. Where sectors are concerned, banking dominates, boasting a total of 14 leaders among the top 100, followed by technology and Insurance sectors with 11 and nine spots, respectively. In recognition of the significant impact made by the MENA region's leading executives, Forbes Middle East held a grand celebration Monday at the Emirates Towers Hotel, Dubai. The exclusive event is supported by prime partners including Lulu Group International, Al Tayyar Travel Group Manchester Business School, Toshiba, HMG Project Management, Eurostar, Western Region Development Council, Al Gharbia, Montegrappa, Patchi and Tarteeb Media. Commenting the significance of this first-of-its-kind study, Forbes Middle East's Editor-in-Chief, Khuloud Al Omian, said:“This study honors the region's impressive talent pool heading up the MENA operations of global corporate powerhouses. These individuals and the companies that they are driving into the future are playing a vital role, not only in ensuring the success of their corporations, but that of their national and regional economies too.” Daimler, BMW Group, Intel Corporation, McDonald's, Novartis Pharma Services AG, DHL Express, Boeing, Metlife Alico, ADECCO and HP count as just a few of the world-renowned companies making their Middle Eastern mark. With the prestigious Forbes Global 2000—a ranking of the biggest, most powerful, and most valuable publicly listed companies in the world—as a basis for research, the findings of Forbes Middle East's innovative study highlight the significance of the MENA region and its top executives on the global corporate stage. The study culminates in a ranking of the top 100 MENA-based business leaders and executives at the helm of their companies. Complementing the ranking is a stellar lineup of 20 well-established professionals who, although yet to complete 12 months in their roles, boast impressive track records in their respective industries. — SG
