As The CEO Magazine launches the 2026 Executive of the Year Awards – Middle East & Africa, we are proud to introduce this year’s distinguished panel of judges. These accomplished leaders, representing industries from technology and manufacturing to investment and sustainability, will ensure every finalist is assessed with fairness, insight and a deep understanding of what it takes to drive excellence across the Middle East and Africa region.

Judging panel

Mohammed H Al Qahtani
Chair & CEO, Saudi Arabia Holding Company

Lance Kawaguchi
Chair, Middle East & Australia and Group Sustainability, Breton Technology

Fadle Saad
Managing Director, HP Saudi Arabia

Khalid Al-Khatib
Group CEO, National Fire Fighting Manufacturing Company

Phillip Khoury
Managing Director, ADSO

Alaba Fagun
Group Managing Director, Berger Paints Nigeria

Tapan Vaidya
Group CEO, PJP Investments

Mishal Kanoo
Chair, The Kanoo Group

Think your leadership stands out among the best? Apply now to join the region’s most visionary executives.