17 Lebanese Execs Just Dominated The Forbes Middle East’s 'Global Meets Local' 2024 List
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