The MENA region’s most talented CFOs recognised at Annual MENA CFO Awards

Some of the most successful CFOs in the Middle East have earned recognition for their contributions and professional excellence, following yet another successful edition of the Annual MENA CFO Awards.

The awards span six categories, including the coveted MENA CFO of the Year Award. This year, the award was presented to two winners in the private sector: George Riding of SAP MENA, and Yuvraj Narayan of DP WORLD. Both of the winners are well-respected within the Middle East for their contributions to the growth and success of their respective organisations, and for setting the regional standard in executing the duties of a CFO.

Their achievements are especially impressive considering how rapidly those duties are changing. CFOs, who have traditionally occupied a purely analytical role, are increasingly being asked to turn their attention to risk assessment and risk mitigation, in the face of a possible second recession following the 2008 financial crisis.

With this is mind, the most prudent and successful organisations are keeping a careful eye on the contentment levels among their financial staff, and recognising those who have gone above and beyond in service of their company.

Talented CFOs will be recognised for their contribution to keeping Middle Eastern companies running smoothly as part of the 9th Annual CFO Strategies Forum, organised by Naseba. The CFO Strategies Forum is one of the only business platforms in the MENA region focused purely on CFOs. The prestigious two-day event brings together global and local finance professionals and distinguished thought leaders for business facilitation and networking purposes.  

The forum’s annual publication of the CFO Strategies Index sets it apart as a source of insight and information on the needs of finance professionals within the GCC, and it offers a platform for recognising excellence within the regional finance sphere through the Annual MENA CFO Awards.

This year, the MENA CFO Awards recognised Nazeer Hussain of Thumbay Group, who won the coveted Revolutionary CFO of the Year trophy in recognition of his innovative and forward-thinking strategies, and Anees Moumina of SEDCO Holding Group, who earned the corresponding Revolutionary CEO of the Year trophy for demonstrating innovation in leadership.

Commenting on his award, Mr. Mouina said: "I'd like to thank Naseba for organising this event for the 9th year. I'd also like to thank the judges for selecting me as the Revolutionary of the Year for the MENA region. At SEDCO Group, we're known for good corporate governance and it's a topic that's dear to me which was discussed very well at the forum."

Haifa Juma Al Khaifi of Petroleum Development Oman LLC was named Financial Executive of the Year, having been instrumental in the continued success of the company, and T.V. Ramesh of the Hamriyah Free Zone Authority earned the MENA CFO of the Year Award for the Public sector, having demonstrated exceptional leadership skills within a public organisation.

The coveted Finance Finance Team of the Year award was presented to DP World who had a productive year spent pulling together through notably effective teamwork.

Rajit Singh Walia, Deputy CFO at DP World, explained that his team constantly strives to set new regional and industry standards, saying: "Being the 4th largest port operator in the world, we constantly try and set new standards. There's a huge drive in the team to do their best and set the benchmark every single time. The last year has been great for us and it's nice that our colleagues in the finance community have recognised that, both for the MENA CFO of the Year and Finance Team of the Year."

Speaking at the award ceremony, Naseba's CEO Sophie Le Ray commented: "Through the MENA CFO Awards, we seek to recognise not only talent, but also hard work and commitment. All of this year's winners have spent years working towards the growth and success of their companies, and we commend them for their dedication."