For an IT decision-maker, Sebastian Samuel’s values are somewhat polarised. The AW Rostamani Group CIO is determined to be at the fore of digital and business-driving projects, but retains a soft spot for all things green…
AVIVO Group’s NSN Murthy relishes the chance to team-build
After moving to Dubai in 2013, NSN Murthy is thriving in his new role. Armed with a passion for compliance and watertight IT security, AVIVO Group’s IT head is now relishing the opportunity to build a formidable tech team.
Jeroen Wisse’s passion for guest satisfaction at Accor Hotels
With hotel experience across Europe, Asia and the Caribbean, hospitality is Jeroen Wisse’s passion. The Accor Hotels Middle East IT Director draws on experience from a series of regional management roles, and tells CNME about his love of blending technical expertise and hotel know-how to drive guest satisfaction.
Food for thought
At the age of 11, Hatem Manawy, now Regional IT Director, Middle East, North Africa and Central Asia at the food and hospitality giant Americana Group, fell in love with technology. More specifically, it was the unboxing of his first Atari game console that sparked what would become a life-long relationship with all things tech.
Dubai dream
After a long wait, Mario Foster has finally secured his long-desired move to the UAE. The Al Naboodah Group Enterprises …
Man of the people
From improving his US house to revamping the IT department at Abu Dhabi University, Mazen Chilet is always looking to upgrade.
Sage advice
Bilal Husain needs a keen eye for detail. The Head of Technology, Finance and Operations for Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Economy and Planning has honed his broad capabilities at Harvard University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and has been called upon countless times to act in an advisory capacity for his country’s government.
Heavy metal
Enamoured with futuristic technology, Esam Hadi has a passion for innovation. Aluminium Bahrain’s Senior IT Manager has used the power of IT automation to convince the firm’s senior management of calculated tech risks, and is determined to empower a new crop of the company’s rising stars.
The daily compute
Abdulla Al Bastaki has been an ever-present in Dubai’s Smart te transformation. RTA’s Director of IT has been a mainstay of public sector technology, from the emirate’s e-Gov to Smart City phases, and has learned the value of customer satisfaction en route.
Managerial mind
For Akshaya Gaur, technical acumen alone has never been enough to succeed in IT. The Mashreq Bank Chief Information Officer has garnered a wealth of international experience across innovative projects, but has never lost his love of getting the best from his teams.
The jet set
George Yacoub, CIO, SEHA, has spent more time than he would have liked commuting – to the point that an airport became his temporary office. Now that he has found a home in Abu Dhabi, he reflects on his many successes, his love of helping people, and what it takes to be one of the region’s top CIOs.
Thrill of the chase
Madukar Chaturvedi has seen a great deal in his career. From programming through punch cards to the modern era of computing, Chaturvedi reflects on his accomplishments.
Charting a new course
Clive Haswell’s 25 year tenure at Standard Chartered Bank has encompassed a range of senior business and IT roles in London, Singapore and China. Now CIO for the MENAP region, his diverse journey within the company has cultivated a sharp, holistic philosophy of propelling the company’s regional operations into the digital age.
Flying home
Patrick Naef, Divisional Senior Vice President of IT, Emirates Airline, did not spend his entire career in the aviation industry. However, when he was offered a position at Emirates, he knew he had found his new home.