Forbes Middle East just dropped its “Global Meets Local 2024” list, spotlighting top execs who are making waves by blending global strategies with local expertise.
Of the 100 companies, 55% are based in the U.S., with the rest based in 15 other countries. They represent 30 sectors, demonstrating the role that these multinational corporations play in diversifying the region’s economies.
The technology sector tops the list with 19 entries, followed by nine pharmaceutical companies and seven firms operating in the automotive industry.
The 104 executives represent 40 nationalities. Lebanon leads with 17 executives, followed by eight from India, and seven each from the U.K. and France.
1. Samer Abu-Lteif
Role: Corporate Vice President & President—Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, Microsoft
Bio: Samer Abu-Ltaif, a Lebanese executive, has led Microsoft’s operations across Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa since 2023. He played a key role in Microsoft’s $1.5 billion investment in U.A.E.-based G42 to boost AI skills. Abu-Ltaif also serves on the board of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning, supporting digital education in the region.
2. Yasser Abdul Malak
Role: Chairman and CEO—MENA, Nestlé Middle East
Bio: Yasser Abdul Malak, leading Nestlé Middle East since January 2022, oversees a large regional operation with over 13,000 employees across 19 countries. Under his leadership, the company launched the Nestlé Academy and achieved nearly $2.7 billion in sales in 2023. Abdul Malak is also driving a $2 million solar power project and joined the board of Dubai International Chamber in 2023.
3. Thierry Sabbagh
Role: Divisional Vice President, President Saudi Arabia, Middle East, CIS – Nissan, INFINITI
Bio: Thierry Sabbagh, an Italian-Lebanese executive, was appointed to his current role in April 2024. He has been with Nissan since 2018, leading the company’s expansion in Saudi Arabia, the Middle East, and CIS regions. Sabbagh has been instrumental in securing key distribution agreements in Iraq and Saudi Arabia, solidifying Nissan’s presence in these markets. He is also a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization, reflecting his commitment to leadership and growth in the automotive sector.
4. Samir Cherfan
Role: COO—Middle East and Africa, Stellantis
Bio: Samir Cherfan, a French-Lebanese executive, has served as COO of Stellantis for the Middle East and Africa since January 2021, following the merger of Groupe PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. In July 2024, under his leadership, Stellantis announced a two-phase acquisition of Moroccan company Sopriam, with plans to take full ownership by early 2025. Cherfan also oversees Stellantis MEA’s Industrial and Commercial Complexity and Electro Micro Mobility departments and serves as the vice chairman of Tofaş Türk, further highlighting his significant role in the automotive sector.
5. Aziz Koleilat
Role: Vice President, Sales & Marketing and General Manager—Middle East, Türkiye, Eastern Europe & Russia/CIS, GE Aerospace
Bio: Aziz Koleilat, a Lebanese-Canadian executive, has led GE Aerospace’s operations in the Middle East, Türkiye, Eastern Europe, and Russia/CIS since April 2017. He previously served as President and CEO of GE in Iraq and the Levant. In 2023, under his leadership, GE secured major deals, including Riyadh Air’s order for 90 engines and Emirates’ deal for 202 engines. Koleilat is also an executive sponsor of regional employee resource groups, promoting diversity and wellness within the company.
6. Naji Skaf
Role: President—MEIAA, Xylem
Bio: Naji Skaf, a Lebanese executive, has been leading Xylem’s operations in the Middle East, India, Africa, and Asia since September 2021. In September 2023, he spearheaded Xylem’s collaboration with iot squared in Saudi Arabia to enhance water sustainability through smart metering. Skaf’s previous roles include President of the Middle East and Türkiye at Air Products, CEO of Gulf Cryo, and senior management positions at Air Liquide in Houston, Paris, and Cairo.
7. Fares Akkad
Role: Managing Director—Middle East & Africa, Meta
Bio: Fares Akkad, an American executive, has been the Managing Director for Meta’s Middle East and Africa operations since 2022, after joining the company in 2017. In April 2024, he led the launch of Meta’s first MEA advisory board. Akkad also holds board positions with various organizations, including the Young Presidents’ Organization, Binghatti, and the TAKREEM Foundation. Before Meta, he played a key role in developing MBC Group’s Shahid VOD service.
8. Nadim Najjar
Role: Managing Director—Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)
Bio: Nadim Najjar, a Lebanese executive with 30 years of experience, has been with LSEG since 2021, overseeing operations across Central & Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. He played a key role in the $27 billion acquisition of Refinitiv and manages a team of over 1,000 people. Najjar also serves on the advisory board of Reach for LSEG and has held senior roles at Thomson Reuters and Refinitiv.
9. Olfat Sami Berro
Role: Area Head—Middle East, Roche
Bio: Olfat Sami Berro, a Lebanese executive, has led Roche’s Middle East operations since 2019. Under her leadership, Roche has partnered with key institutions like the American University of Beirut and the Iraqi Ministry of Health to advance healthcare research and awareness. In 2024, Roche signed an MoU with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Health to enhance research and clinical trials. Berro is also a member of the executive committee of PhRMA Middle East & Africa and the Middle East Inclusion & Diversity Council of the Healthcare Businesswomen’s Association.
10. Khaled El Dabag
Role: CEO—MENA Region, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Barclays
Bio: Khaled El Dabag, a Lebanese executive, has been with Barclays since 2014 and assumed his current role as CEO for the MENA region in 2021. Under his leadership, Barclays has expanded its business across all divisions, serving key clients such as sovereign wealth funds and large corporates. El Dabag’s prior experience includes roles at Goldman Sachs in Dubai and Stephens Inc. and Merrill Lynch in New York.
11. Ahmad Nasser
Role: General Manager—MEA, The Hershey Company
Bio: Ahmad Nasser, a Lebanese executive, took on the role of General Manager for the Middle East and Africa at The Hershey Company in 2023, after joining the company in 2014. Under his leadership, the company reported $11.16 billion in net sales in 2023 and launched an e-waste donation campaign in Dubai. Before Hershey, Nasser held senior roles at General Mills and Unilever.
12. Hussein Freijeh
Role: Vice President—MENA, Snap Inc.
Bio: Hussein Freijeh, a Lebanese executive, became Vice President for Snap Inc.’s MENA region in 2024, where he oversees more than 130 people. In October 2023, he led Snap’s collaboration with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture and the Saudi Fashion Commission to launch TASAWAR, an innovative augmented reality initiative. Before joining Snap in 2016, Freijeh was the Managing Director of Yahoo Middle East, Africa, and Türkiye. He also serves on the advisory council of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy.
13. Ronald Boueri
Role: Regional Managing Director, Olympus MEA
Bio: Ronald Boueri, a Lebanese executive, became the Regional Managing Director of Olympus MEA in 2022. He quickly made an impact by securing a key tender with the Egyptian UPA, the purchasing arm of Egypt’s Ministry of Health. Before joining Olympus, Boueri was the General Manager for the Middle East at Zimmer Biomet.
14. Joe Naoum
Role: General Manager—MENA, Stryker
Bio: Joe Naoum, a Lebanese executive, joined Stryker in 2018 and took on the role of General Manager for MENA in January 2022. In March 2024, he oversaw the opening of Stryker’s regional headquarters in Saudi Arabia. Naoum’s career includes leadership roles at Carestream, Wolters Kluwer, and Kodak.
15. Rawad Sarieddine
Role: Vice President—META, CrowdStrike
Bio: Rawad Sarieddine, a Lebanese executive, has been with CrowdStrike since 2017 and became Vice President for the META region in 2020. He leads efforts to protect enterprise risk areas, targeting up to 10,000 monthly incidents across 3,500 endpoints. Sarieddine previously held regional sales roles at companies like Attivo Networks and FireEye.
16. Elda Choucair
Role: CEO—MENA, Omnicom Media Group
Bio: Elda Choucair, a Lebanese executive, has been the CEO of Omnicom Media Group MENA since 2021, after joining the company in 2006. In February 2023, she led the launch of TRKKN, Omnicom’s Google-focused agency in the Middle East. Choucair is vice chair of the Advertising Business Group and serves on the boards of Endeavor and IAB MENA. She is also a founding board member of the Unstereotype Alliance, Convened by UN Women, and an advisory council member of the Middle East Inclusion and Diversity Council.
17. Omar Boulos
Role: Market Unit Lead—Middle East, Accenture
Bio: Omar Boulos, an American executive, took on the role of Market Unit Lead for the Middle East at Accenture in September 2023. He joined Accenture in 1997 and has held various leadership positions across the Middle East, North Africa, and Türkiye. In December 2023, Boulos led a strategic agreement with Riyadh Air to enhance their cloud and cybersecurity infrastructure. Prior to this, he was the client group lead for U.S. South Resources and the resources industry group lead for North America.
Methodology
Forbes compiled the Global Meets Local 2024 ranking by analyzing top executives from companies on the Forbes Global 2000 list with significant operations in MENA. To qualify, executives had to be based in the region.
Executives were ranked based on:
- Their impact on regional markets.
- Achievements and performance over the past year.
- Leadership in sustainability and CSR initiatives.
- Their role and the area they oversee.
- Business size, including employees, revenues, and project scope.
- Industry experience and tenure.
- The global ranking of their company on the Forbes Global 2000 list.
