Sanad announces second cohort of Future Leaders Programme to foster future aerospace leaders

Sanad, the global aerospace engineering and leasing solutions leader wholly owned by Abu Dhabi’s sovereign investor Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), announced a collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one of the world's most respected universities specializing in aviation and aerospace.

This landmark collaboration marks the commencement of the second cohort of the Sanad Future Leaders Programme, which aims to advance the next generation of national leaders and drive the sustainable growth of aviation Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).

This new phase underscores Sanad’s continued commitment to talent development, building on the success of the inaugural Sanad Future Leaders Programme conducted in 2023 in partnership with a prominent European business school, which resulted in the successful graduation of five national employees in the aviation sector.

Under this new partnership, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide will curate a leadership development programme for Sanad employees. Eight talents demonstrating leadership skills – two-thirds of whom are females - from Human Resources (HR), engineering, operations, and quality will embark on a new journey, gaining essential skills to deliver exceptional services to global OEMs and local and international airlines.

The programme, which spans one year, will enable participants to engage in immersive and practical sessions both at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University's campus in Florida, USA, and in Abu Dhabi, delving into subjects including project management, business communication, strategic development, and financial solutions. The programme enables access to industry experiences that have the potential to elevate the expertise of Sanad’s aviation MRO experts, emphasising innovation, transformative strategies, and exposure to global best practices.

Key stakeholders attended the second cohort announcement ceremony, including Ismail Ali Abdulla, Head of UAE Clusters at Mubadala’s UAE Investments Platform; Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad; Ebraheem Budebs, Group Head of Human Resources at Sanad; and Dr. Maneesh Sharma, Dean of the College of Business at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

Mansoor Janahi, Managing Director and Group CEO of Sanad, commented, “Our collaboration with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University signifies a pivotal step forward in nurturing talent and leadership within Abu Dhabi's aerospace industry. This partnership drives innovation and excellence, essential for navigating the aviation sector's robust potential. Equipping and empowering our talent to seize opportunities and drive sustainable growth ensures we meet market demands while delivering service excellence.”

Ebraheem Budebs, Group Head of Human Resources at Sanad, said, “The Sanad Future Leaders Programme is pivotal for our workforce's professional growth, focusing on managerial and leadership skills. Teaming up with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University for the second cohort elevates our technical staff, exposing them to global experts and integrating academic-practical knowledge for aviation leadership excellence.”

John Watret, Ph.D. Chancellor, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide, added, “Our collaboration with Sanad, a leading independent Aviation MRO company, reinforces our dedication to the future growth of aviation. With the industry evolving rapidly, the Sanad Future Leaders Programme plays a vital role in keeping Sanad's top talent agile and ready to lead in delivering outstanding service within the dynamic global aviation sector.”

The Sanad Future Leaders Programme was launched in August 2022 to develop Sanad's talent and future leaders by covering essential areas of leadership and management, providing insights into topics such as effective communication, project management, financial acumen, and data-driven decision-making.