AI Innovators Redefining Business Strategy for a New Era

The Future of AI-Powered Business Strategies

Artificial intelligence (AI) investment and enthusiasm have surged recently, promising transformative changes across all business functions. Leading professionals from diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing are driving progress in automation, enterprise AI, and digital transformation.

This article highlights key executives and thought leaders who are actively shaping AI’s application in business. Their work spans research, leadership, and innovation, demonstrating practical impact and global influence. Presented alphabetically, these profiles offer insight into how AI strategies are evolving.

Abhinav Sharma, CTO, Cisco APJC

With over 20 years of experience, Abhinav Sharma directs AI-powered automation and enterprise modernization across global markets. At Cisco APJC, he leads initiatives embedding AI and machine learning in IT operations and customer experience platforms. His projects include an AI-powered Observability Platform that enhances fault prediction and incident resolution. Sharma advocates for integrating large language models (LLMs) using methods like supervised fine-tuning and reinforcement learning, deploying models on platforms such as OpenAI and Hugging Face. His technical expertise covers OSS/BSS integration and MLOps orchestration.

Ahmed Serag, Chief AI Officer, Weill Cornell Medicine

Professor Ahmed Serag spearheads AI innovation at Weill Cornell Medicine in Qatar, managing research and fostering partnerships. With over 150 publications, his career includes leadership roles at Philips and Novartis, developing AI algorithms for healthcare and other industries. Serag emphasizes ethical AI use and advancing the Middle East’s position as an innovation hub.

Dr. Akram Awad, Managing Director & Partner, BCG

Dr. Akram Awad leads BCG’s global Smart Cities initiatives, advising governments on AI and data strategies. With nearly two decades in consulting and technology, he is known for his work on AI in urban innovation and public policy. Awad developed BCG’s ASPIRE framework for national AI strategies and co-led studies on AI maturity and regional AI adoption. He advocates for human-centric AI and participates in global forums like the Global AI Summit.

Alessio Bagnaresi, Vice President of AI – Middle East, Africa, and Turkey, Oracle

Alessio Bagnaresi brings 25 years of tech industry experience, including roles at Microsoft, Google, and IBM. At Oracle, he supports enterprises and AI-native companies in scaling AI infrastructure and platforms securely. Bagnaresi has commercialized generative AI platforms like Google Gemini and Microsoft OpenAI, and actively promotes AI adoption among startups and academic institutions in the region.

Amel Chadli, President of Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric

Amel Chadli drives AI adoption in sustainability, energy management, and industrial automation at Schneider Electric's Gulf Cluster. Since 2024, she has advanced local AI-ready data center initiatives in the UAE, supporting economic growth and technological progress. Chadli champions innovation, sustainability, inclusivity, and the advancement of women in technology.

Amit Rawal, Chief Product & AI Officer, Cafu

Amit Rawal leads AI-driven transformation in mobility, logistics, and personalization at Cafu in Dubai. Formerly an AI product leader at Apple and Stanford Fellow, he focuses on building AI systems that are scalable and user-centric. Rawal also teaches AI-enhanced data analysis and founded Superchargelife.ai, an AI-powered platform to improve productivity and wellbeing.

Ashish Koshy, CEO, Inception

Ashish Koshy oversees AI-powered solutions development at Inception, partnering with public and private sectors to accelerate innovation. With a background in healthcare technology and digital transformation, he promotes AI adoption for sustainable business growth and societal benefits. Koshy is committed to empowering professionals with AI and digital skills.

Awad Ahmed Ali El-Sidiq, Head of Artificial Intelligence & Data Science, ADNOC

Awad El-Sidiq has over 20 years of experience in enterprise analytics and AI solutions, pioneering AI and machine learning applications in the oil and gas industry across the Middle East and Africa. His leadership has generated significant business value through AI-driven insights.

Bahaa Farouk, Chief Digital & Data Officer, Suez Canal Bank

Bahaa Farouk leads digital transformation at Suez Canal Bank, bringing two decades of expertise in IT, telecommunications, and banking across Egypt, the Gulf, and Europe. He drives innovation through cloud computing, agile methodologies, and IT modernization to enhance operational excellence.

Bart Pietruszka, Founder & CEO, Refocus AI

Bart Pietruszka advises organizations in the GCC on leveraging AI, data, and analytics for business growth. Formerly HSBC’s Chief Data & Analytics Officer, he combines commercial insight with AI expertise. Refocus AI supports banks, enterprises, and startups, and Pietruszka actively fosters the UAE’s tech community.

Caner Canak, Group Director of AI & Data Science, Ooredoo Group

Caner Çanak leads AI and data science initiatives at Ooredoo Group, specializing in transforming data into actionable insights. His projects include AI applications in video processing, chatbots, robotic process automation, and network analytics, delivering new digital revenue streams and improved decision-making.

Chiara Marcati, Chief AI Advisory and Business Officer, AI71

Chiara Marcati drives AI solution design and scaling at AI71, focusing on embedding AI into business processes to unlock value. With 20 years as a McKinsey partner and leadership in QuantumBlack, she advises organizations on big data, AI, and cost optimization, combining change management with technology adoption.

Chris Shayan, Head of AI, Backbase

Chris Shayan leads AI innovation at Backbase in the banking and fintech sectors. He develops AI capabilities that enhance customer engagement and simplify machine learning workflows. Shayan envisions proactive AI financial coaching agents that manage finances intelligently with minimal user input.

Dena Almansoori, Group Chief AI and Data Officer, e&

Dena Almansoori shapes AI and data strategy across 38 countries at e&, with a strong track record in digital transformation. Founder of the AI tech company WhiteBox HR, she champions innovation and progressive organizational culture in Fortune 500 firms and beyond.

Dr. Dirk Jungnickel, Senior VP Enterprise Analytics & Intelligence, Emirates Group

Dr. Dirk Jungnickel leads AI and data science at Emirates Group, applying machine learning to improve customer experience and operational efficiency. With a background in physics and over 25 years in various industries, he drives AI adoption and digital decision-making while managing organizational change.

Lt. Colonel Dr. Essa Almutawa, Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, Dubai Civil Defense

Lt. Colonel Dr. Essa Almutawa directs AI integration at Dubai Civil Defense, enhancing emergency response through data-driven systems. His expertise in crisis management and digital transformation supports national and international safety standards, positioning Dubai as a model for innovative public safety.

Dr. Eva-Marie Müller-Stüler, Partner EY Data & AI

Dr. Eva-Marie Müller-Stüler leads EY’s Data & AI practice in MENA, developing AI strategies for governments and Fortune 500 companies. She focuses on ethical AI and autonomous systems, having previously served as IBM’s CTO for AI in MEA. She is an advocate for diversity and mentors women in STEM.

Gopinath Polavarapu, Chief Digital & AI Officer, Jaggaer

Gopinath Polavarapu has over 20 years of experience turning AI into significant business growth. At Jaggaer, he develops enterprise AI roadmaps leveraging fine-tuned LLMs and autonomous workflows to improve procurement and compliance. He mentors startups and promotes ethical AI development.

Dr. Hanan El Basha, Co-Founder & CSO, Maverika

Dr. Hanan El Basha co-founded Maverika, developing AI agents to enhance enterprise operations. She focuses on making AI accessible for resource-limited businesses, combining business strategy with technology to create inclusive and practical AI solutions.

Hussein Al-Natsheh, CTO – GenAI & Unstructured Data, Beyond Limits

Dr. Hussein Al-Natsheh is CTO of Generative AI and Unstructured Data at Beyond Limits. He founded a Center of Excellence for Unstructured Data and launched AI solutions in machine vision and no-code ML optimization. Previously, he developed leading Arabic NLP toolkits and contributed to Jordan’s knowledge economy.

Jack Hidary, CEO, SandboxAQ

Jack Hidary leads SandboxAQ, focusing on AI and quantum computing SaaS solutions. Author of a leading quantum computing textbook, he is a serial entrepreneur and trustee of the X Prize Foundation, supporting technology initiatives that empower entrepreneurs worldwide.

Joe Devassy, Director, Strategic Alliances & Generative AI – Center of Excellence, KPMG Lower Gulf

Joe Devassy brings over 30 years of tech sector experience, focusing on AI strategy and partnerships. He leads KPMG’s Generative AI initiatives in the UAE and Oman, fostering collaborations with major tech firms and promoting internal AI adoption, including Microsoft Copilot.

Joe Dunleavy, EMEA CTO and Head of Dava.X AI, Endava

Joe Dunleavy heads AI strategy and innovation at Endava, developing agentic AI accelerators. With over 20 years of experience in AI and software delivery, he mentors and advocates for growth driven by technology and innovation.

Kiril Evtimov, CEO of Core42 and Group CTO, G42

Kiril Evtimov leads Core42 and serves as Group CTO at G42, focusing on cloud and AI platform infrastructure. He advises companies and serves on boards of AI and SpaceTech firms, contributing to the UAE’s digital transformation and leadership in AI technology.

Krishna Sai, Chief Technology Officer, SolarWinds

Krishna Sai is CTO at SolarWinds, overseeing engineering and architecture with a focus on resilient AI-driven enterprise systems. His leadership supports building scalable technology solutions aligned with modern business needs.

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