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
Key dates
Applications open: Now
Applications close: 16 January 2026
Finalists announced: 2 March 2026
Winner announced: 24 April 2026
Think your leadership stands out among the best? Apply now to join the region’s most visionary executives.
