Retail disrupters in the Middle East to look out for in 2022

As the world emerges from the social restrictions of Covid-19, we profile four of the most forward-looking entrepreneurs who are driving cutting-edge innovation in the retail sector across the Middle East. These disruptive CEOs range from shopping mall development executives to high-end jewelry entrepreneurs and are changing the way we look at the modern retail industry.

Meshaal Bin Omairh, Al Othaim Investment Co.

Mr. Bin Omairh joined Abdullah Al Othaim Investment Co. in 2021 as Group CEO. His status as the first non-member of the eminent Al Othaim family to lead the company reflects his extensive 25-year experience of corporate governance, organizational development, and capital optimization. He has led multinational companies and worked with some of the largest companies operating in KSA including Rajhi Steel and Aljazierah Home Appliances.

The responsive and pioneering nature of Mr. Bin Omairh’s leadership is fundamentally rooted in his dedication to making Al Othaim the 1st?choice community shopping and entertainment destination in the Kingdom. His ambitious vision for Al Othaim shopping malls goes beyond providing a communal meeting place, instead aiming to offer a fully interactive and truly integrated experience to all tenants and shoppers through the development of mixed-use retail space.

Retaining the values of a family business and establishing industry-leading HR standards is at the forefront of Mr. Bin Omairh’s trendsetting socially minded vision for the future of Al Othaim. Fully tuned into the determined momentum of social and economic reforms in Saudi Arabia, the CEO aspires to, for example, integrate women throughout all levels of the organization and to create an ambitious socially responsible shopping experience which will improve Saudi nationals’ quality of life, in line with Vision 2030.

Stephen R Thomas, Renaissance Services

Mr. Thomas joined Renaissance Services in 1998 as CEO. He has extensive international retail experience, having worked with Grand Metropolitan Group, and served as Chairman for the Oman Society for Petroleum Services (OPAL). In 2019, he won the Top CEO Award at the Fifth Top CEO Conference Awards in recognition of his contribution to the growth, profitability, and corporate governance of Renaissance Services.

Under Mr. Thomas’ leadership, Renaissance Services has continuously evolved to stand at the forefront of emerging technologies and provide meaningful innovation for the businesses they serve. The company has gained significant expertise handling cutting-edge technologies, such as robotics for cleaning, computer-aided FM, and advanced remote monitoring solutions. In addition to these technological solutions to practical issues, the company is dedicated to developing advanced solutions for food wastage and nutrition management.