Latest news with #FortuneMostPowerfulWomenInternationalSummit
Daily Tribune
21-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Showcases Female Leadership at Fortune's Most Powerful Women International Summit in Saudi Arabia
Bahrain made a strong statement on global economic leadership and gender empowerment as an all-female delegation, led by Noor bint Ali Alkhulaif, Minister of Sustainable Development and Chief Executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), participated in the inaugural Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit held in Saudi Arabia. Hosted under the theme "New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity," the two-day summit marked Fortune's first-ever international event in the Middle East. It brought together influential female leaders from across the region and the world to explore emerging trends in the global business landscape and foster collaboration between the public and private sectors. The Bahraini delegation also included prominent figures: Rana Ebrahim Faqihi, CEO of the National Bureau of Revenue; Sara Ahmed Buhejji, CEO of the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA); and Hala Ali Yateem, Chairperson of the Board of Directors at the National Bank of Bahrain (NBB). Minister Alkhulaif featured in a fireside chat titled 'MPW Spotlight: Bahrain's Path to Economic Transformation,' where she outlined the Kingdom's progress in economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation. She emphasized Bahrain's strategic initiatives to attract investment, build a resilient business ecosystem, and cultivate a future-ready workforce. In another session, Hala Yateem took part in a panel discussion, 'Driving Growth and Innovation in a Changing World,' where she discussed the dynamic challenges in financial services and the necessity of agility in a rapidly evolving global economy. Bahrain's presence at this invitation-only summit underscored its commitment to empowering women as leaders and changemakers in the economic sphere. The Kingdom continues to lead in closing the gender skills gap, ranking among the world's top five countries where girls outperform boys in educational outcomes, according to data from the World Economic Forum and the World Bank.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cultural context is key to understanding the changes happening for women in Saudi Arabia
In today's CEO Daily: Diane Brady on the opportunities and challenges facing women in Saudi Arabia. The big story: Elon Musk reaffirms his commitment to Tesla. The markets: Trump tariffs hit Japan. Analyst notes from Oxford Economics and Pantheon. Plus: All the news and watercooler chat from Fortune. Good morning again from Riyadh, where Goldman Sachs Wealth Management CIO Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani said yesterday that she's noticed emotions having an outsized impact on investment strategy, with a growing behavioral divide between Republicans and Democrats. As Republicans invest, Democrats hold back—sometimes within the same family. Call your advisor. There's also an emotional component to the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit that wraps up here today. Change is coming fast and furious to the ancient culture of Saudi Arabia, and that's unlocking opportunities and some challenges that few ever expected to see. I'm meeting many women in leadership roles that didn't exist a few years ago or were always held by men. They're eager to find partners, role models and friends. The speed has surprised Lubna Olayan, a 12-time MPW honoree who's broken barriers throughout her career: 'I truly wasn't expecting that we would be where we are.' H.E. Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri, the first woman to lead the Saudi Arabia Human Rights Commission, illuminated the importance of understanding cultural context. 'We received a lot of harsh criticism on segregating schools but actually those of us who come from this part of the world know that if schools were mixed, many conservative families would not have sent their girls to school in the first place. Many of the educated women you see today, including myself, would not be sitting here because our families back then would not have accepted the fact that we'll be sitting next to boys in high schools.' That's food for thought. So, too, is the interactive art installation at the summit. Designed by artist and entrepreneur Caroline Ghosn, who also created the Burning Man 2024 temple, it's a prism on which attendees have written nuggets of wisdom. Wisdom was certainly on display as Fortune editor in chief Alyson Shontell interviewed Julie Sweet, chair and CEO of Accenture and #2 on Fortune's 2025 list of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business. 'When I joined Accenture in 2010 as the general counsel, I didn't know what a CIO [chief information officer] was. I came from a law firm. We didn't have such a thing. We didn't use technology. I'm old enough to remember when we didn't have the internet. I share with you where I was in 2010 because anyone can learn these skills. At 42, most of the skills that matter today I didn't have. Fifteen years later, I have them.' More news CEO Daily via Diane Brady at This story was originally featured on
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Lubna Olayan to Open Fortune Most Powerful Women Summit in Riyadh - Middle East Business News and Information
Olayan joins more than 40 distinguished speakers from 35 countries, including senior executives from FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, Marriott International, and other global firms. The Summit marks one of the most significant gatherings of senior Saudi female leaders from the government at an international women's gathering. NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 —Lubna Olayan, one of Saudi Arabia's most prominent business leaders, who has appeared 12 times on Fortune's Most Powerful Women in Business list, will open the Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh on May 20, 2025. Olayan will set the tone for the two-day gathering, which marks Fortune's first international Most Powerful Women summit in the Middle East — a milestone moment that reflects the Kingdom's focus on advancing women's leadership in business. The summit will also feature an unprecedented presence of senior Saudi female officials, representing leadership across multiple sectors of government, including: H.H. Princess Haifa Mohammed Al Saud – Vice Minister of Tourism H.E. Dr. Hala Al-Tuwaijri – President, Saudi Human Rights Commission H.E. Dr. Einas bint Suleiman Al-Eisa – Deputy Minister of Education Adwa Al-Arifi – Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs, Ministry of Sport Farah Ismail – Deputy Minister, Sectoral and Regional Development, Ministry of Economy and Planning These leaders will speak on how women in government are driving progress in key sectors—from economic diversification and education to wellness and tourism demonstrating the depth of Saudi Arabia's women leaders as the country continues to implement its Vision 2030 reform agenda. Taking place at The St. Regis Riyadh on May 20-21, the summit will convene around the theme 'A New Era for Business: Partnering for Global Prosperity.' It will bring together more than 150 of the world's most influential women—including CEOs, policymakers, and entrepreneurs—from 35 countries to explore new models of inclusive growth, innovation, and international cooperation. As part of the opening day, Fortune will also unveil its 2025 Most Powerful Women in Business list, celebrating the achievements of leading female executives and further elevating the event's global resonance. Joining the Summit's roster of global leaders is The Rt. Hon. Theresa May, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016–2019), who will headline the closing session on May 21. In a conversation moderated by Ellie Austin, Editorial Director of Fortune Most Powerful Women, May will offer her insights on fractured global alliances, climate leadership, and the role of bold, ethical leadership in navigating geopolitical uncertainty. The Summit's wider speaker roster includes senior executives from FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, Marriott International, Microsoft, and other Fortune 500 companies, as well as international public sector. In addition to business and policy discussions, the Summit will spotlight women driving change across culture, media, and sport. On Day 2, a special MPW Spotlight on Women in Sports will feature Adwa Al-Arifi, Assistant Minister for Sport Affairs, in conversation with Noor Nugali, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Arab News. Al-Arifi will highlight the country's growing investment in women's sports, from school leagues to elite training centers, and its broader impact on public health and societal change. This will be followed by 'Playing to Win: Women, Sports, and Breaking Barriers', featuring: Aalia Al-Rasheed, Head of Women's Football, Saudi Arabian Football Federation Zam Zam Al Hammadi, Fighter, Professional Fighters League Rasha Alkhamis, President of the Saudi Mixed Martial Arts Federation Mashael AlObaidan, Rally Driver Lebanese actress and TV presenter Daniella Rahme will also appear as a special guest speaker. In a session with Fortune's Ellie Austin, Rahme will discuss the power of representation, building authentic personal brands, and leveraging visibility to elevate regional identity on the global stage. About Fortune: Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum, Brainstorm Tech, and Fortune Most Powerful Women.
Mid East Info
20-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Two GCC Finance Leaders Make Fortune 2025 100 Most Powerful Women in Business List - Middle East Business News and Information
Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO at First Abu Dhabi Bank and Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer at National Bank of Kuwait, named among world's leading businesswomen. Announcement coincides with the inaugural Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia- Fortune's first international summit in the region. NEW YORK, May 20, 2025—Two of the GCC's most influential banking executives are featured in Fortune's 2025 edition of the Most Powerful Women in Business list. The 28th edition of the list honors 100 female leaders from the global business landscape—spotlighting those who hold power now and those on the rise to even greater influence. This year's iteration features 52 women from the U.S. and 48 from other countries—8 from China; 7 each from France and the U.K.; 3 each from Germany, Singapore, and Brazil; and 2 each from Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, and Spain, and one each from Kuwait and United Arab Emirates. Hana Al Rostamani, Group CEO at First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Shaikha Al-Bahar, Deputy Group Chief Executive Officer at National Bank of Kuwait, are ranked 76th and 92nd, respectively. As the Group CEO of the UAE's largest lender – a bank with roughly $330 billion in assets – Al Rostamani is currently the only female chief executive of a publicly listed corporation in the Emirates. She serves on several boards, including the Institute of International Finance, the U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council, and Buna, the Arab Monetary Fund's cross-border payment system. Al-Bahar was named Deputy Group CEO of the National Bank of Kuwait in 2014 after joining the institution in 1977. She is chair of the National Bank of Kuwait-France and the National Bank of Kuwait-Egypt as well as a board member with National Bank of Kuwait (International), the bank's UK subsidiary. Al-Bahar is credited with launching NBK RISE, a program designed to empower women leaders and prepare them for senior leadership roles. With over $135 billion in total assets at the end of March 2025, the National Bank of Kuwait is one of the largest financial institutions in the country and one of the leading banks in the region. In fiscal 2024, the bank's net profit rose 7% year-over-year to $1.9 billion while net operating income grew 7.2% to $4.1 billion. The list, compiled by Fortune editors is based on company size and health, as well as an executive's career trajectory, influence, innovation, and efforts to make business better. More than 50 women currently lead Fortune 500 companies, yet only 20 made this year's list—a testament to how increasingly competitive the ranking has become. 'In its 28th year, this iconic list of powerful women includes almost half from outside of the U.S., reminding us that the impact of women is being seen globally,' said Alyson Shontell, Fortune Editor in Chief and Chief Content Officer. 'These are women transforming business today and preparing for a future during a time of tumult and uncertainty.' There are 16 newcomers, including Costco's chief operator and merchant Claudine Adamo (No. 43), helping millions of Americans navigate inflation by keeping prices low on essentials, and next-gen execs such as Julie Gao, CFO of ByteDance (No. 81), steering the TikTok owner's finances through its tangles with the U.S. government. The top 10 Most Powerful Women in Business 2025 are: Mary Barra, Chair and CEO, GM (U.S.) Julie Sweet, Chair and CEO, Accenture (U.S.) Jane Fraser, CEO, Citigroup (U.S.) Lisa Su, Chair and CEO, AMD (U.S.) Ana Botín, Executive Chairman, Banco Santander (Spain) Tan Su Shan, Deputy CEO and Group Head of Institutional Banking, DBS Group (Singapore) Thasunda Brown Duckett, President and CEO, TIAA (U.S.) Marta Ortega, Chairperson, Inditex (Spain) Abigail Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Fidelity Investments (U.S.) Meng Wanzhou, Deputy Chairwoman, Rotating Chairwoman, and CFO, Huawei (China) 'This definitive ranking of the women at the top of the global business world…tells us both who wields power today and who is poised to climb even higher tomorrow,' writes Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune senior writer, author of Most Powerful Women Daily newsletter, and editor of the 100 Most Powerful Women in Business list of 2025. Today's MPW 100 list debut coincides with the inaugural Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia — Fortune's first international summit in the region. About Fortune: Fortune is a global multi-platform media company built on a legacy of trusted, award-winning reporting and information for those who want to make business better. Independently owned, Fortune tells the stories of the world's biggest companies and their leaders as well as a new generation of innovators who are moving business forward. Digitally and in print, Fortune measures corporate performance through rigorous benchmarks, and holds companies accountable, in regions around the world. Its iconic rankings include Fortune 500, Fortune Global 500, Most Powerful Women, and World's Most Admired Companies. Fortune builds world-class communities by convening industry thought leaders for exclusive summits and conferences, including the Fortune Global Forum and Brainstorm Tech.
Mid East Info
12-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
Fortune Announces Acclaimed Female Leaders at the Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh - Middle East Business News and Information
The Rt. Hon. Baroness Theresa May, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (2016-2019) More than 40 speakers, including top executives from FedEx, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, Marriott International, and others Speakers and delegates will represent 35 countries NEW YORK, May, 2025 — Fortune announced today a slate of confirmed speakers and special guests for its Fortune Most Powerful Women International Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Fortune's first international summit in the region, convening on May 20-21, 2025. Prominent public sector leaders will take the stage at The St. Regis Riyadh – including Ambassador Haifa Al Jedea, Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the European Union; H.E. Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, Japan; The Hon. Neema Lugangira, Member of Parliament from Tanzania; and Silvana Koch-Mehrin, President and Founder, Women Political Leaders (WPL) – to explore how women in public service are reshaping leadership, rebuilding public trust, and driving inclusive policy on a global scale. The Rt. Hon. Baroness Theresa May, who served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 2016 to 2019, will conclude Day 2 with a candid take on fractured trade ties, the erosion of multilateralism, and the race toward a greener economy. Moderated by Ellie Austin, Editorial Director of Fortune Most Powerful Women, May will share insights on navigating globalization, seizing opportunities in the energy transition, and the need for bold and creative leadership in a volatile world. Leaders from some of the world's most influential Fortune 500 and Global 500 companies will join the Summit to explore innovation within their respective industries, global markets, and more. They include: Olfat Berro, Area Head, Middle East, Roche Pharmaceuticals Julie Brill, Corporate Vice President, Global Technology and Regulatory Policy, Microsoft Amel Chadli, President, Gulf Cluster, Schneider Electric Leah Cotterill, Chief Executive Officer, Middle East and Africa (Outside KSA), Cigna Healthcare Jena Ladhani, Chief Executive Officer, Global Workplace Solutions, KSA, CBRE Lisa McGeough, President, CEO, and Head of Banking, HSBC U.S. Harmeen Mehta, Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, Equinix Sharmin Mossavar-Rahmani, Head, Investment Strategy Group; Chief Investment Officer of Wealth Management, Goldman Sachs Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer, Marriott International Shamina Singh, Founder and President, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and EVP of Sustainability, Mastercard Julie Sweet, Chief Executive Officer, Accenture Shazia Syed, General Manager, Personal Care Business Group, Unilever Arabia (GCC), Turkey, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, and Head of Unilever Arabia Kami Viswanathan, President, Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa, FedEx Additional speakers include: H.R.H. Princess Dr. Haya Bint Khaled Bin Bandar Al Saud, Senior Vice President of Research, Hevolution Foundation H.H. Princess Noura Bint Faisal Al Saud, Chief Executive Officer, Culture House H.E. Deemah Al Yahya, Secretary-General, Digital Cooperation Organization Jomana Alrashid, Chief Executive Officer, Saudi Research and Media Group (SRMG) Reine Abbas, Founder and CEO, Wixel Studios and SPICATech Zam Zam Al Hammadi, Fighter, Professional Fighters League (PFL) Hattan AlSaif, Fighter, Professional Fighters League (PFL) Teresa Carlson, President, General Catalyst Institute Emily Chiu, Chief Executive Officer, Novo Serene Farah, Vice President, Growth and Strategy, Pure Harvest Smart Farms Shahad Geoffrey, Cofounder and CEO, TAFFI Noosheen Hashemi, Cofounder and CEO, January AI Leila Hoteit, Managing Director & Senior Partner, Boston Consulting Group Dr. Somi Javaid, Founder, HerMD Rashida Jones, Former President, MSNBC Eunice Lee, Chief Operating Officer, Scopely Aidan Madigan-Curtis, General Partner, Eclipse Ventures Nadine Mezher, Cofounder, Sarwa Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO, Acumen Jessica Orkin, Chief Executive Officer, SYPartners Ellie Rubenstein, Cofounder and Managing Partner, Manna Tree Dana Settle, Cofounder and Managing Partner, Greycroft Emon Shakoor, Founder and CEO, Blossom Accelerator Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner, Global Ventures Yvonne Winter, Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer, FlyNow Aviation
