IMI appoints new chief people officer to boost group talent strategy
Ahmed Embaby has more than three decades of experience at global companies in the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey
Abu Dhabi-based International Media Investments has appointed Ahmed Embaby as its new chief people officer, boosting the group's talent strategies and organisational effectiveness.
Mr Embaby brings more than three decades of experience across global companies including Pfizer, PepsiCo and Oracle, in multicultural environments spanning the Middle East, South Africa and Turkey.
In those roles, he designed and implemented leadership assessment processes, restructured executive roles and spearheaded human capital integrations during major acquisitions – boosting operational efficiency and elevating employee experiences.
At IMI, Mr Embaby will oversee the human capital strategy across its portfolio of media brands, including Sky News Arabia, The National, Al Ain News and CNN Business Arabic.
IMI is a privately owned, global media group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, with operations across 19 countries. Through RedBird IMI, its joint venture with RedBird Capital Partners, IMI invests in leading media, sports and entertainment brands globally.
'Ahmed's appointment highlights our commitment to cultivating a high-performing culture by attracting and developing best-in-class talent,' said IMI chief executive Rani Raad.
'He will lead strategic initiatives to enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement and organisational development, ensuring our workforce remains a key driver of our industry leadership.'
Mr Embaby holds a bachelor's degree in management information system from USI University Europe – England, and has completed executive leadership programmes at the University of Michigan's Stephen M Ross School of Business and IESE Business School, as well as certifications in leadership and human development.
'I look forward to collaborating with the group's talented team to strengthen capabilities, foster operational excellence and create a work environment that encourages innovation, all in line with the group's vision and ambitious goals for the future,' Mr Embaby said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arabian Post
4 minutes ago
- Arabian Post
Singapore Channels S$1.1 bn into Stock‑Market Boost
Singapore's Monetary Authority has designated S$1.1 billion to three fund managers as the inaugural allocation of its S$5 billion Equity Market Development Programme. The scheme aims to invigorate the bourse and broaden market participation, focusing on smaller- and mid-cap equities. MAS selected Avanda Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset Management and Fullerton Fund Management for the initial round. Fullerton is part of state-owned Temasek. MAS indicated that the providers were chosen based on alignment with EQDP's goals and their capacity to enhance local asset‑management expertise. Over 100 applications were received, with MAS rolling out five‑year funding commitments in phases. The EQDP was unveiled in February in coordination with the Financial Sector Development Fund. Its mandate is to deploy capital through Singapore‑based managers investing primarily in domestic listed equities, with an emphasis on diversifying participation outside large‑cap stocks. ADVERTISEMENT Following the EQDP announcement in August last year, the Straits Times Index has surged 23.9% to July 18, 2025, according to MAS. Authorities believe that targeted investment injection could foster deeper liquidity, narrower bid‑ask spreads and more vigorous price discovery across the exchange. Analysts welcomed the move. One equity strategist said the programme signals a critical shift: 'MAS is using its balance sheet to catalyse private capital into under‑represented segments.' Market observers noted that while headline liquidity in the FTSE Straits Times Index is healthy, mid‑ and small‑cap names typically suffer from thin volume and wide spreads, deterring institutional and retail interest. JP Morgan's involvement is expected to bring global asset‑management experience to bear on local strategies. Avanda, a Singapore‑grown emerging‑markets specialist, and Fullerton, with sovereign backing, strengthen confidence that domestic competence will benefit from the infusion of global best practice. Details of each manager's mandate have not been disclosed, but MAS emphasised that performance will be measured not only by capital deployment but also progress in building domestic expertise in portfolio construction, trading infrastructure and market‑making behaviours. These elements are crucial to achieving sustainable liquidity gains. Experts point out that Singapore's programme mirrors efforts overseas, such as Japan's ETF purchases by its pension fund, but with a distinctive twist: the EQDP partners with private asset managers rather than buying equities directly. That design aims to stimulate skill transfer and innovation in execution capabilities. Further co‑investment rounds are expected later this year, with MAS reviewing submissions in stages to expedite capital deployment. The S$5 billion envelope is expected to span several tranches, signalling long‑term commitment to market enhancement. Since introducing a broad stock‑market review in August last year, MAS and its review group have identified several friction points, including limited participation by retail investors, dominance by large‑cap counters and constrained institutional activity in smaller names. EQDP is one among several initiatives aimed at remedying structural imbalances. Regulatory adjustments are also on the cards, with potential reforms covering short‑selling rules, stock‑lending frameworks and promoting algorithmic market‑making. MAS has indicated a willingness to consult key stakeholders, including retail brokerages and the Singapore Exchange, to create complementary regulatory enablers. Market participants have pointed out that EQDP funding alone may not be sufficient. A private fund‑operations specialist commented: 'Capital without market infrastructure enhancements risks being parked rather than deployed actively.' MAS' selection criteria emphasise capacity building—suggesting this concern has been taken into account. Beyond boosting trading volumes, the manoeuvre may help Singapore position itself as a regional equity hub. By fostering advanced trading strategies, tighter spreads and higher turnover, the city‑state stands to attract more international fund flows. Simultaneously, support for domestic managers reinforces Singapore's ambition to strengthen its plug‑and‑play asset‑management ecosystem. MAS confirmed that progress and outcomes will be tracked and disclosed periodically. Selected managers will have to report on liquidity metrics, investment activity and capability transfer milestones. This level of oversight reflects a strategic approach to ensure that public‑private collaboration delivers measurable structural improvements.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Daman Markets launches UAE stock trading with Dirham-based accounts
Bringing local market access and global trading tools to the UAE's booming capital landscape , the premium forex and CFD trading service from Daman Securities, has officially launched access to UAE-listed stocks on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). This new feature provides regional traders with access to large, significant Emirati companies such as Emaar, ADNOC, Emirates NBD, Salik, and more. By introducing UAE stocks, Daman Markets becomes one of the few brokers that enables traders to experience global trading while addressing the specific needs of regional traders. Their newest CFD (Contracts for Difference) offering on some of the bookrunners of the UAE allows traders to diversify their portfolios and benefit from the rapid growth of the local market. A key feature of the launch is the introduction of Dirham-based accounts. This allows traders to participate in local markets using the UAE's national currency with zero conversion fees. Operating in the UAE's national currency ultimately enables regional traders to simplify the complexities involved in converting local transactions or assets into items that hold alternative currencies for foreign exchange purposes. Samer Mourched, CEO of Daman Markets, emphasized the significance of the launch. "This launch is about more than simply starting in new markets; it's about opening our doors for traders to opportunities in their background," he said. "As a global broker with roots in the UAE, our goal is to provide traders with access to local markets in their currency, backed by teams deeply immersed in the region. We want to empower traders to trade smarter, closer to home, and with the confidence they deserve." The introduction of UAE stock trading is taking place during a period of rapid growth and global prominence for the UAE's capital markets. With record IPOs and a greater range of international and local investors, the DFM and ADX have become the main drivers of the UAE's regional economy. However, access to these markets is limited, as primarily retail-run traders are looking for localized and competitive trading solutions. Daman Markets provides localised solutions to stock trading, providing a platform that meets regional expectations while maintaining a global trading experience. The company is unique in its approach with dirham-based accounts and local compliance regulation, partnered with support teams that are fluent in the jurisdiction policies and the specific attitudes of the UAE market. This localisation-first approach allows Daman Markets to offer an unparalleled level of service and expertise to the GCC trading community. Daman Markets has been steadily growing since it first launched, with a promise to create a trusted platform for trading tools, educational opportunities, and a simplified trading interface for users. The introduction of UAE stocks is another significant advancement on the path toward building a trading platform that connects regional traders with the country's growing economy. Daman Markets is committed to providing unparalleled value to the regional trading community with an entire suite of innovative trading tools, reliable support, and a trading platform incorporating local knowledge.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
Mubadala breaks ground on landmark Al Maryah Island Waterfront transformation
ABU DHABI: Mubadala Investment Company PJSC (Mubadala), today announced the official commencement of the Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project, a monumental development that will transform Al Maryah Island lifestyle offerings and experiences, while further bolstering Abu Dhabi's standing as a premier global destination. The groundbreaking was officiated by Waleed Al Mokarrab Al Muhairi, Mubadala's Deputy Group CEO, who was joined by Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments, as they jointly broke ground to mark the start of the project. The project will deliver a suite of world-class features and amenities meticulously designed to elevate the guest experience and unlock new opportunities for lifestyle, entertainment and engagement. At the heart of the project is a 30-metre-tall luminous sphere, enveloped in flowing water and set within the bay, surrounded by over a 1000 AI-powered jets of water soaring more than 75 meters skyward in dazzling choreography to music by acclaimed composer Ramin Djawadi. These features are designed by WET, the premier water design firm in the world. The development also includes: • A sea boardwalk extension providing the guests access to the water's edge • A shaded outdoor cooling system, enhancing comfort during hot seasons • New F&B zones and event-ready public spaces elevating the guest experience "The Al Maryah Waterfront enhancement project is a strategic investment in the future of Al Maryah Island' said Dr. Bakheet Al Katheeri, CEO of UAE Investments, Mubadala. 'This project will deliver iconic elements that elevate the quality of life and offer a diverse experience for visitors, while reinforcing the island's position as a premier lifestyle destination.' Once completed, the Al Maryah Waterfront will serve as a dynamic backdrop for public life, designed to attract global visitors, support the capital's tourism ambitions, and provide premium opportunities for leisure, culture, and commercial activation. This project is part of Mubadala's broader commitment to enabling the emirate's long-term vision of a sustainable, globally competitive, and future-ready urban landscape.
