Advisory Board
Marwan Moukarzel is the CEO of Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, a leading fashion retail group in Saudi Arabia. At Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, Moukarzel oversees all facets of the business, across all operating territories. He drives growth and maximises value for shareholders, brand owners and customers, pivoting the company to new heights of success. Prior to joining Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, Moukarzel served as general manager of AZADEA Group. Under his leadership, AZADEA Group witnessed immense growth, entered new markets and fostered strong relationships with brand owners and major real estate developers. Prior to taking on this position, Moukarzel also served as the deputy CEO and CFO of the company. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has held various other positions – including external auditor with Deloitte (Abu Dhabi) and Ernst & Young (Lebanon) and head of internal audit for a major retail and wholesale operator in Qatar. Moukarzel is a certified public accountant (US), certified internal auditor (US) and holds a Bachelor Degree from Notre Dame University (Lebanon) and an Executive MBA from INSEAD.
Marwan Moukarzel is the CEO of Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, a leading fashion retail group in Saudi Arabia. At Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, Moukarzel oversees all facets of the business, across all operating territories. He drives growth and maximises value for shareholders, brand owners and customers, pivoting the company to new heights of success. Prior to joining Fawaz Alhokair Fashion Retail, Moukarzel served as general manager of AZADEA Group. Under his leadership, AZADEA Group witnessed immense growth, entered new markets and fostered strong relationships with brand owners and major real estate developers. Prior to taking on this position, Moukarzel also served as the deputy CEO and CFO of the company. With over 25 years of professional experience, he has held various other positions – including external auditor with Deloitte (Abu Dhabi) and Ernst & Young (Lebanon) and head of internal audit for a major retail and wholesale operator in Qatar. Moukarzel is a certified public accountant (US), certified internal auditor (US) and holds a Bachelor Degree from Notre Dame University (Lebanon) and an Executive MBA from INSEAD.
Khurshid Vakil is co-founder of Marina Retail Corporation, under which Marina Home Interiors retail chain operates. The avant-garde lifestyle & home décor company, headquartered in Dubai, operates its large format stores across most Middle East markets, North Africa and the sub-continent. Born in India and having lived and worked in Switzerland, Spain and the UAE, Vakil understands cross-cultural influences that can be vividly seen coexisting in his company’s corporate culture and design harmony of the product mix at Marina Home Interiors. Vakil remains at the forefront of Marina Home’s expansion and brand building strategy with a vision to take the brand forward globally through company-owned operations and franchise licensing. He ensures Marina Home’s philosophy is clearly visible at its each leap of development, strategic approach, external interface and in its internal environment thus helping create tremendous passion at workplace, while bringing in global accolades for the organisation. Vakil is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Khurshid Vakil is co-founder of Marina Retail Corporation, under which Marina Home Interiors retail chain operates. The avant-garde lifestyle & home décor company, headquartered in Dubai, operates its large format stores across most Middle East markets, North Africa and the sub-continent. Born in India and having lived and worked in Switzerland, Spain and the UAE, Vakil understands cross-cultural influences that can be vividly seen coexisting in his company’s corporate culture and design harmony of the product mix at Marina Home Interiors. Vakil remains at the forefront of Marina Home’s expansion and brand building strategy with a vision to take the brand forward globally through company-owned operations and franchise licensing. He ensures Marina Home’s philosophy is clearly visible at its each leap of development, strategic approach, external interface and in its internal environment thus helping create tremendous passion at workplace, while bringing in global accolades for the organisation. Vakil is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Said G. Daher is CEO of AZADEA Group Holding. AZADEA Group was established in 1978 and today is spread over 15 markets and manages more than 50 brands across clothing, accessories, food, multimedia, home furnishings and sports goods. Daher has played an integral part in the development of AZADEA; he was appointed as director of operations in 1995, chief financial officer in 2000, chief operating officer in 2005, and then CEO in 2008. He has also gained retail experience through working at Saks Fifth Avenue as a marketing analyst in the early 1990s. Currently, he is spearheading the Group’s strategy of regional expansion and retail business diversification through acquiring new franchises as well as entering new markets. Daher is a founding member and sits on AZADEA Foundation Board; he also serves as a board member of Bader Young Entrepreneurs Program. He is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Said G. Daher is CEO of AZADEA Group Holding. AZADEA Group was established in 1978 and today is spread over 15 markets and manages more than 50 brands across clothing, accessories, food, multimedia, home furnishings and sports goods. Daher has played an integral part in the development of AZADEA; he was appointed as director of operations in 1995, chief financial officer in 2000, chief operating officer in 2005, and then CEO in 2008. He has also gained retail experience through working at Saks Fifth Avenue as a marketing analyst in the early 1990s. Currently, he is spearheading the Group’s strategy of regional expansion and retail business diversification through acquiring new franchises as well as entering new markets. Daher is a founding member and sits on AZADEA Foundation Board; he also serves as a board member of Bader Young Entrepreneurs Program. He is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Patrick Chalhoub began his career in 1979, becoming involved in the realisation of his father’s vision to build a bridge between the east and west and be the ambassador of luxury lifestyle in the region. In 1990, he created a regional distribution platform in the Jebel Ali Free zone. From 2000 he developed the retail network encompassing 700 stores, 12.500 employees regionally and local implementation in 14 countries. Fully involved in the Group’s strategic development to guarantee its long-term success, he continues to expand the distribution, retail, marketing and communication activities, whilst being very engaged in the current digital transformation. Chalhoub has been instrumental in guiding the development of the Group’s sustainability strategy and is a board member of the UNGC. He is regularly consulted by local governments on economic development, governance social responsibilities, entrepreneurship and family business. Chalhoub is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Patrick Chalhoub began his career in 1979, becoming involved in the realisation of his father’s vision to build a bridge between the east and west and be the ambassador of luxury lifestyle in the region. In 1990, he created a regional distribution platform in the Jebel Ali Free zone. From 2000 he developed the retail network encompassing 700 stores, 12.500 employees regionally and local implementation in 14 countries. Fully involved in the Group’s strategic development to guarantee its long-term success, he continues to expand the distribution, retail, marketing and communication activities, whilst being very engaged in the current digital transformation. Chalhoub has been instrumental in guiding the development of the Group’s sustainability strategy and is a board member of the UNGC. He is regularly consulted by local governments on economic development, governance social responsibilities, entrepreneurship and family business. Chalhoub is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Mona Ataya, CEO & founder of Mumzworld.com, has proven to be one of the Middle East’s most prominent women entrepreneurs. Beyond leading a successful and growing SME, and inspiring her employees and communities, Ataya is on a mission to change the region, one mum at a time. She has managed to grow Mumzworld from a business plan on paper to a leading brand reaching more than 2 million mothers across the region over the past nine years. Founded in 2011, Mumzworld has pioneered a revolutionary and gold standard e-commerce shopping experience for all things mother, baby and child in the Middle East region. Today, Mumzworld offers over 250,000 products, an engaged community, exclusive product offerings and delivery to over 20 different countries in the fastest, most convenient and cost-effective way, at everyday low prices. Under Ataya’s leadership, Mumzworld has undergone tremendous growth and successfully established itself as the regional leader in this vertical space. Ataya is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Mona Ataya, CEO & founder of Mumzworld.com, has proven to be one of the Middle East’s most prominent women entrepreneurs. Beyond leading a successful and growing SME, and inspiring her employees and communities, Ataya is on a mission to change the region, one mum at a time. She has managed to grow Mumzworld from a business plan on paper to a leading brand reaching more than 2 million mothers across the region over the past nine years. Founded in 2011, Mumzworld has pioneered a revolutionary and gold standard e-commerce shopping experience for all things mother, baby and child in the Middle East region. Today, Mumzworld offers over 250,000 products, an engaged community, exclusive product offerings and delivery to over 20 different countries in the fastest, most convenient and cost-effective way, at everyday low prices. Under Ataya’s leadership, Mumzworld has undergone tremendous growth and successfully established itself as the regional leader in this vertical space. Ataya is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Mishal Al Hokair has the direct responsibility for the family entertainment centres’ performance within Saudi Arabia-based Al Hokair Group. He took full operational responsibility for the entertainment division after gaining considerable experience as deputy CEO & vice president for marketing of the Al Hokair Group. In November 2010, he joined Al Hokair Group as a member of the board of directors and later on served as the deputy CEO and general manager of the entertainment division, a position he occupies today beside holding other positions – including chairman of LUX Entertainment Company and also a board member of MENALAC (Middle East and North America Leisure and Attractions Council). His passion for entertainment, solid marketing background and wide business experience have enabled Al Hokair to undertake remarkable evolution in all of the group business sectors, especially entertainment. He is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Mishal Al Hokair has the direct responsibility for the family entertainment centres’ performance within Saudi Arabia-based Al Hokair Group. He took full operational responsibility for the entertainment division after gaining considerable experience as deputy CEO & vice president for marketing of the Al Hokair Group. In November 2010, he joined Al Hokair Group as a member of the board of directors and later on served as the deputy CEO and general manager of the entertainment division, a position he occupies today beside holding other positions – including chairman of LUX Entertainment Company and also a board member of MENALAC (Middle East and North America Leisure and Attractions Council). His passion for entertainment, solid marketing background and wide business experience have enabled Al Hokair to undertake remarkable evolution in all of the group business sectors, especially entertainment. He is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Kamal Jamjoom is the owner and chairman of Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group LLC. Jamjoom graduated from Lanchester University, UK with a BSc in Production Engineering following his schooling in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. In 1987, Kamal Osman Jamjoom Est. (KOJ) was founded and is now a multi-channel retail group with operational headquarters in Dubai and regional offices in all the Gulf countries. The Group today has eight main chains of stores – Nayomi, Mikyajy, Mihyar, Nayomi Beauty Salon, Nayomi Abaya, The Body Shop, Early Learning Centre & Neals Yard Remedies. KOJ owns and operates 698 stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Morocco. Over the years the company has now become a franchisee, franchisor and own brand channel organisation. This depth of skills and knowledge allows for rapid deployment of strategies and tactical initiatives. The Group employs over 2000 staff through six countries. Jamjoom is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Kamal Jamjoom is the owner and chairman of Kamal Osman Jamjoom Group LLC. Jamjoom graduated from Lanchester University, UK with a BSc in Production Engineering following his schooling in Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. In 1987, Kamal Osman Jamjoom Est. (KOJ) was founded and is now a multi-channel retail group with operational headquarters in Dubai and regional offices in all the Gulf countries. The Group today has eight main chains of stores – Nayomi, Mikyajy, Mihyar, Nayomi Beauty Salon, Nayomi Abaya, The Body Shop, Early Learning Centre & Neals Yard Remedies. KOJ owns and operates 698 stores across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Morocco. Over the years the company has now become a franchisee, franchisor and own brand channel organisation. This depth of skills and knowledge allows for rapid deployment of strategies and tactical initiatives. The Group employs over 2000 staff through six countries. Jamjoom is a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Ashish Panjabi is the COO of Jacky’s Business Solutions. Panjabi also runs Jacky’s Retail LLC, which operates Samsung Brand Shops across the UAE and is a partner in Cutting Edge Solutions FZE. He is a board member and president-elect for the UAE Chapter of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneur), where the focus is on fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation. He is also involved in various mentorship activities, as a Tech Mentor at in5 Tech and at Techstars, which is a seed accelerator. Panjabi is also a board member of the Dubai Computer Group, which represents the interests of the computer industry in Dubai and is formed under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is currently a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) MENA One Chapter as well as a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
Ashish Panjabi is the COO of Jacky’s Business Solutions. Panjabi also runs Jacky’s Retail LLC, which operates Samsung Brand Shops across the UAE and is a partner in Cutting Edge Solutions FZE. He is a board member and president-elect for the UAE Chapter of TiE (The Indus Entrepreneur), where the focus is on fostering entrepreneurship through mentoring, networking, education, funding and incubation. He is also involved in various mentorship activities, as a Tech Mentor at in5 Tech and at Techstars, which is a seed accelerator. Panjabi is also a board member of the Dubai Computer Group, which represents the interests of the computer industry in Dubai and is formed under the auspices of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. He is currently a member of the Young President’s Organization (YPO) MENA One Chapter as well as a member of the Advisory Board for RetailME and MRF.
