2025 reshaped the Middle East’s executive landscape as leading companies across the region appointed new chief executives to drive growth, innovation, and global expansion. Below are some of the most notable leadership appointments of the year.
Fatema Al Nuaimi
Company ADNOC Gas
Designation Chief Executive Officer
In January 2025, Fatema Al Nuaimi was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Gas, succeeding Ahmed Alebri, who moved to lead ADNOC Sour Gas. She brings more than 25 years of experience across ADNOC and the wider energy sector. Prior to this role, she served as Executive Vice President of Downstream Business Management at ADNOC and as Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC LNG from 2019 to 2022. ADNOC Gas supplies around 60 percent of the UAE’s sales gas requirements and serves customers in more than 20 countries. In the first half of 2025, the company reported revenues of 12.1 billion dollars, while net income increased by 12 percent year on year to 2.7 billion dollars.
Thomas B Meier
Company Jumeirah
Designation Chief Executive Officer
Thomas Meier joined Jumeirah, a member of Dubai Holding, as Chief Operating Officer in 2021 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in January 2025 after serving as Interim Chief Executive Officer since February 2024. He played a central role in the group’s expansion into Africa in December 2024, strengthening its global growth strategy. Before joining Jumeirah, Meier led global hotel openings and integrations for Fairmont, Swissôtel, and Raffles, and later held senior leadership positions at Minor Hotels.
Thamer AlMuhid
Company Saudi Arabian Military Industries
Designation Chief Executive Officer
Thamer AlMuhid assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer at Saudi Arabian Military Industries in February 2025. He has more than 30 years of experience across organizations including SABIC, Almarai, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, and Saudi Chemical Company Holding. At SAMI, he is leading efforts to localize 50 percent of Saudi Arabia’s defense spending and advance the development of advanced defense technologies.
Aiman Al Mudaifer
Company NEOM
Designation Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Aiman Al Mudaifer was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of NEOM in May 2025, following his tenure as Acting Chief Executive Officer since November 2024. Previously, he led the Local Real Estate Investment Division at the Public Investment Fund starting in 2018. He also serves on the boards of several companies within the PIF portfolio.
Dimitris Moulavasilis
Company M42
Designation Group Chief Executive Officer
Dimitris Moulavasilis joined M42 in April 2023 and was appointed Group Chief Executive Officer in May 2025, succeeding Hasan Jasem Al Nowais, who continues to serve on the board. Moulavasilis previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Diaverum and led M42’s Global Patient Care platform. M42 operates more than 480 facilities across 27 countries through 18 subsidiaries, including Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi and Diaverum, which delivers approximately 6.5 million dialysis treatments worldwide each year.
Salmeen Alameri
Company Agthia Group
Designation Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
Salmeen Alameri was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Agthia Group effective June 2, 2025, succeeding Alan Smith, who led the company since 2020 and remains an advisor during the transition. Alameri has over 20 years of experience and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Silal. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at Al Dahra Serbia and Abu Dhabi Ports, where he contributed to the launch of Khalifa Port and the expansion of cruise tourism. In the first half of 2025, Agthia reported revenues of 660 million dollars and assets totaling 1.6 billion dollars.
Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi
Company ADNOC Drilling
Designation Chief Executive Officer
Abdulla Ateya Al Messabi was appointed Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Drilling in June 2025, succeeding Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Seiari. He has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector and previously served as Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Sour Gas and earlier as Chief Executive Officer of ADNOC Refining. In the first half of 2025, ADNOC Drilling reported a 30 percent increase in revenues to 2.4 billion dollars, with assets valued at 7.9 billion dollars.
Saad bin Abdulrahman Al Sadhan
Company Zain KSA
Designation Chief Executive Officer
Saad Al Sadhan joined Zain KSA in 2016 and assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer in July 2025 after serving as Acting Chief Executive Officer since August 2024. He has more than 22 years of experience and sits on the boards of Zain Omantel International and tamam. As of the first half of 2025, Zain KSA served 8.2 million customers and reported revenues of 1.4 billion dollars, with assets totaling 7.5 billion dollars.
Tamer El Mahdi
Company Telecom Egypt
Designation Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer
In September 2025, Tamer El Mahdi was appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Telecom Egypt, succeeding Mohamed Nasr. He joined the company’s board as a representative of the Egyptian government in March 2025 and brings more than 30 years of experience. El Mahdi previously led Orascom Telecom Media and Technology and founded Trade Globe and Terrawaves Networks. Founded in 1854, Telecom Egypt is the country’s oldest telecom operator, providing fixed and mobile voice and data services.
