Industrial Advisory Panel
Dr. Sohan Roy SK
Media/Marine/Entertainment
A Creative Designer by profession and a Visionary by action, Sohan Roy is an accomplished, performance-driven entrepreneur, poet, lyricist, producer, and a proven leader who has been credited with pioneering innovations in Movie, Media, Maritime and Medical industries. His first directorial Hollywood venture DAM999 was a thought-provoking movie on Dams and its effect on human life. The movie was well appreciated and found its place in many national and international film circuits. The movie also garnered 5 Oscar selections in 3 categories including Best Picture, Original Song (3 songs) and Original Score. He is also the founder director of Concept Indywood, the USD 10 billion project to elevate the Indian film industry at par with Hollywood, author of ‘Anukavyam’ and Founder Chairman and CEO of Aries Group of Companies, and a multinational consortium of 50 companies in 16 countries. He has also completed his Doctorate from European International University, Paris where his subject for Doctorate was EFFISM – The innovative efficiency improvement management system based on the time management principle of 1:1:1. Incorporates 200 parameters, EFFISM, helps in changing the basic character of an individual improving it on daily basis.
Dr. Sunilkumar PG
Marine/Education
Prof (Dr) Sunil Kumar P G is a Navy veteran, and is at present working as Professor of Naval Architecture & Shipbuilding and the Dean of Research at SNG College of Engineering, Kerala, India. He is an alumnus of Cochin University of Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology New Delhi and University College London, with PhD in structural analysis of ships. His vast experience as a professional engineer for 3 decades covers academic and industrial fields including teaching in reputed universities and colleges, academic and industrial research guidance and mentoring, design maintenance and repair of ships and submarines, operations and maintenance of marine assets etc.
Dr. B. Anirudhan
Education
Dr. B. Anirudhan is the Principal of Nehru Arts and College with 28 years of experience in Teaching Research and Administration. He has organised 35 Conference, Seminar and Workshops at national and international levels and published more than 40 Research Articles and 3 books. He has organized and chaired International Conferences in Malaysia, Bangkok, Dubai, Indonesia and Australia. Being a coordinator of the Winning Team in the VI National Youth Parliament Competition, he was awarded by Mr. Gulam Nabi Azad, Hon. Minister, Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and Govt. of India on 17 th Feb. 2005 at New Delhi. The College has got the 2 (f) and 12 (B) status of UGC and “A” by NAAC through his guidance. For his dedicated services to the education he has been honored with many awards and accolades including Rajiv Gandhi Education Excellence Award, Shri P K Das Life Time Achievement Award, Rashtriya Vibhushan Samman Puraskar with a Gold Medal and many more.
Dr. Satheesh Kumar
Medical
Dr. Satheesh Kumar is a former Drug controller of the Drugs Regulatory Dept (Drugs Control Department under Ministry Health & Family Welfare, Govt of Kerala. After 30 years of his service to the organization, he retired in 2013 to join as the Sr. Vice President, Operations, AGAPPE Diagnostics Ltd, Cochin. Dr. Satheesh is also working as a Visiting faculty for Lectures on topics on Regulatory affairs for different Pharma colleges and Examiner for Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences at JSS University, Mysore/Ooty. He completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from Vinayaka Missions, Salem; Diploma in Business Management and LL.B from M.G. University. He has been instrumental in auditing and supervising many Pharmaceutical firms and Medical Devices for regulatory certifications and assessment of quality standards. For his dedicated services, he has been bestowed with various awards and accolades.
Dr. Edward Roy Krishnan
Founder & Director General
Dr. Oliver Massman
Visiting Professor, International Business Law
Dr. Joel Franworth
Dean, Business & Management Studies
Dr. Chrysanthi Balomenou
Director of Research & Innovation
Dr. Ajay Desai
Global Promoter
European International University
Documents Required for Submission
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Curriculum vitae
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Professional biography
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Career Path and Distinguished achievements
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Individual achievements and contributions to the international maritime profession
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Details of Industrial/technical papers/presentations and reports (where appropriate)
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General substantiation providing pertinent information not covered in the above categories.
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A video of Technical paper presentation
**A professional biography of the nominee or a published work by the nominee is mandatory, as a thesis. In case the candidate doesn’t have a Professional Biography, AIMRI shall help you create one to satisfy the criteria.
Contact us
For more details or submit your nominations at industrialdoctoratecouncil@aimri.ae
Or Call: +971 56 679 6096 / +91 95390 00727
HALL OF FAME
Honorary Doctorate 2014
Ravi K Mehrotra
Founder & Chairman - Foresight Group
It's an honor and privilege to have been bestowed with the Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI. I express my gratitude to the institute for encouraging individuals for their work and expertise, my company staff, family and all the other members of the industry who have stood by me through time to make this day Possible. Thank you again for the prestigious honor.
Dual Doctorate 2021
Dr. Guru Pali Chandra
A renowned Kathak Dance educationist with over 30 years of industry experience. Her work encompasses performance, choreography, training, and dance evaluation. She is a committee member of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing, U.K., and a graded member of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Dance Education from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Performing Arts from AIMRI
Dr.Shajikutty K
An Engineering Graduate and Industrial EPCM Professional with over 26 years of progressive experience across the Oil and Gas, Energy, petrochemical, refinery and infrastructure industries. He is the co-founder and Managing Director of Global Sources – A Premier Industrial EPC Contractor in Saudi Arabia, Team Global sources, KSK Engineers Ltd., and KSK International Trading LLC in the United Arab Emirates, KSK International consulting Bahrain and Global Sources Technical solutions – Oman and founder of KSK Group of companies which is engaged in diverse business operations.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Industrial Project Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from AIMRI.
Dr.(Capt) Khalid Al-Owais
An Emirati Underwriter Marine Damage Expert at the Ministry of Justice and Arbitrator at Dubai International Arbitration Centre. With almost twenty years of experience in Management, H.S.E., I.S.M., and Marine; his core competencies include General Trading and Logistics, International Business Management, Strategic Planning, Legal Marine, H.S.E., I.S.M. in Oil and Gas as well. He is also a veteran in International Business and Management, Legal Marine, General Trading and Logistics, Marine, I.S.M., H.S.E. in Oil & Gas Fields, etc.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Maritime Law and Logistics from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI.
Dr.Harish Tahiliani
He started his entrepreneurial journey with his family's humble Indian spices and pulses trading company in Sharjah. He soon became instrumental in turning a small Indian spices and pulses trading firm in Sharjah into Arab India Spices, a global giant in the Dry Food Supply industry. Arab India Spices is one of the most extensive food sourcing and processing firms in the GCC, working hand-in-hand with farmers in Canada, Australia, China, and Africa. He currently serves as the Managing Director and co-founder of the firm.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Food Manufacturing and Technology from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in FMCG from AIMRI
Dr.June Manoharan
She is a senior executive with over 20 years of experience, she is presently the Managing Director at one of the largest marine lubricant suppliers globally, LUKOIL. She currently looks after the Marine Lubricant business in the core East part of the world, the eastern part of Africa to Australia. She is also looking after the Automotive lubricant in selective markets on the east side of the world. She is also the founder member of WISTA Dubai and a big supporter of Mission to Seafarers.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Marine Lubricant Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Oil & Gas from AIMRI
Dr.Meena Mathews
A dynamic woman who has walked along the challenging paths to assume the position of power in the Maritime industry she was among the first Maritime woman lawyers in the Middle East who sowed the seeds of change in the Maritime and Legal Industry. She is currently a Director at Arabian Ocean Services, one of the leading companies in the procurement of material and equipment for the Oil and Gas Industry.
She is being awarded Doctorate in Maritime Law from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI
Dr.Ibrahim M.Behairy
He is a renowned Egyptian Marine Engineer and a marine veteran with over 35 years of industry experience; he currently serves as the Managing Director at Winterthur Gas & Diesel Ltd. A well-respected professional figure in the Middle East Maritime Industry, Behairy specializes in planning day-to-day group marketing strategies and business development.
He is being awarded Doctorate in New Dual Fuel Engines for Eco Shipping from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI
Dr.Shailendra Rughwani
He is one of the known faces in the Global IT industry. He started his professional journey in Japan and moved to Dubai to establish Experts Computer LLC in 1994. Regarded highly amongst Dubai's reseller community, he is the Chairman of Experts Computer and president of the new Dubai Computer Traders Group.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Business Management from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Information Technology from AIMRI
Dr.Joginder Singh Billowria
Hailing from a small town in Kashmir, he started his professional journey by joining the Indian Navy as an Apprentice in 1982 and completed his engineering while serving his term in 1986. He left Indian Navy in 1991. After having a gleeful time sailing ,Joginder decided to step down to established Heritage Offshore and Marine Services in the heart of UAE – Dubai, one of the largest ship repairs and offshore companies.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Marine & Industrial Technology from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI
Dr.James George
He is an accomplished entrepreneur whose passion for learning and innovating led him to establish the leading Medical Disposable manufacturers in India. He is a Master's degree holder in Business Management. He has an impeccable record of three decades in the manufacturing and marketing of medical disposables. He leads Careon Healthcare Management Solutions as Managing Director.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Entrepreneurship from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare from AIMRI
Dr.Joseph Jegan Morrais
Hailing from Kanyakumari. South of Tamil Nadu, his passion in fishing was ignited when he saw his father going to sea. He took a plunge into the Export business at the age of 22, and started as a Merchandise Exporter in Neema Cold Storage, Tondairpet, Chennai. It was 1981 when he established St. Peter & Paul. The core areas of his business include export and local market, and they soon plan to introduce consumer supply.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Management Specialization in Seafood Exports from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Sea Food Export from AIMRI
Dr.Berthold Josef Peikert
With over 25 years of valuable experience, he has experience in diverse industries, including Defense, Government/Security, Automotive, High-Tech, Oil & Gas, Healthcare. He is a perfect example of visionary leadership with expertise in shaping companies’ business strategies and achieving top & bottom-line growth objectives..Berthold is currently the Advisor to CEO Emirates Advanced Research & Technology Holding LLC.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Strategic Planning and Operations from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Defence Aero Space from AIMRI
Dr.Riaz Abdul Aziz Khan
A veteran professional in the UAE and Indian healthcare sector, he leads business transformations and facilitates business setups. He is a prominent figure in the healthcare industry in the Middle East as well as in India. He has almost three decades of experience in the field and significantly towards Hospital/Healthcare Facility Design, Development and Operation, Hospital/Healthcare Project Management, M&A, Business Turnaround, and Revenue Generation.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Hospital Management and Operations from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Healthcare from AIMRI
Dr.Ahmed Golchin
He is the founder &CEO of the phars film group also credited as the father of the middle east film cinema. Educated in Iran, he established himself as a reputed publisher. Due to an onset of war in his country, he later left his publishing career behind and relocated to the UAE carrying a Persian dubbed Mexican language film in hand. Since that day, he has been building the foundations to what is now the largest and most successful film empire in the middle east. Mr. Golchin’s partnerships and investments span the middle east and operate in as diverse sectors as distribution, exhibition, post-production, media, hospitality, property development and property management.
He is being awarded The Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI
Dr. Ram Buxani
He is a Forbes-listed Indian Leader and Chairman of ITL-Cosmos Group. A visionary entrepreneur endowed with unfailing business acumen, for more than 60 years, he has been a father-figure to many young entrepreneurs. A Truly multi-faceted, he is a community leader, spokesperson of the non-resident Indians, writer, theatre actor, cultural ambassador, and social organizer.
He is being awarded The Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI
Dr.Surender Singh Kandhari
He is the Chairman and founder of the Al Dobowi Group. He landed in Dubai in 1975 to grow his family business but ended up establishing a multinational company with diverse business interests. On Sept 6 2018, H.E. Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Cabinet Member and Minister of Tolerance UAE, released the autobiography of Mr. Surender Kandhari released his autobiography. He later released his second book titled – the Lighthouse of Tolerance, offering a general understanding of issues pertaining to tolerance, appreciation for multiculturalism and diversity. Mr. Kandhari is also the Chairman and founder of the Guru Nanak Darbar Sikh Temple the first official Sikh temple in the UAE which is also known as the epitome of Hope, Peace and Solace.
He is being awarded The Honorary Doctorate by AIMRI
Dr.John Peter Gray
He started his professional journey at 17. He joined P & O as an engineering cadet and later completed a four-year sandwich course with an engineering diploma in mechanical and marine engineering, including a year at sea on general cargo vessels and first-generation container vessels. Moving up the career ladder, he was soon promoted to Passenger ships as a senior engineer and eventually returned to the shore to take up new challenges. John Gray currently works as the Chief Operating Officer at Fair Deal, focusing on fleet management and technical and safety services.
He is being awarded Doctorate in Corporate Strategy from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Maritime from AIMRI
Dr.Padma Shankar Coram
She is a well-respected and globally recognized Spiritual Healer, Meditation & Emotional Wellness specialist, and motivational mentor. For the past 30 years, she has traveled extensively, learning different aspects of wellness modalities from the masters. She brings a wealth of knowledge around leadership effectiveness, talent development, team building, change of family engagement, culture, and goal achievement.
She is being awarded Doctorate in HOLISTIC WELLNESS Specialization in ASHTA YOGA from ECOLE SUPERIEURE ROBERT DE SORBON and Honorary Doctorate in Wellness and Spirituality from AIMRI
Dual Doctorate 2022
Sanjiv Kumar Khurana
President, Eros Tours and Travel Inc and Airtkt.com
He has 33+ years of experience in the travel industry, both as the travel agent and conceptualizer of a popular ticket booking site, AirTkt.com. He has worked as a travel agent and amassed a vast knowledge of all leading booking software, including Worldspan, Sabre, Amadeus, and Apollo. He is also adept at working with all major Airlines, has visited most the Countries, and has handled the passengers for a long time.
Group Captain KN Gopakumaran Nair, VM(G)
Chairman and Managing Director, Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd.
He is an Indian Air Force Veteran with a rich experience in Aviation. He took retirement from Airforce in 1998 and started his entrepreneurial journey. He has over 14,500 hours of accident/incident free flying in the 40 years of his aviation career. The President of India has also awarded him the prestigious Vayu Sena Medal Gallantry. He conceptualized the concept of HeliTaxi in 2017 after two years of market study, led by a solid vision to provide the fastest means of travel for a passenger from the city to the airport and vice-versa.
Capt. Yasser Jalal Yasser Hashem
Director, Fleet personnel, BAHRI Ship management
He is a highly proficient mariner with upstream & downstream expertise in world-wide hydrocarbon exploration, production and delivery. He has over a decade of sailing experience and dealing with hydrocarbons in ascending ranks from a Deck Cadet to a Harbor Pilot (Since 1999) on VLCC’s, Suezmax , Aframax Oil Tankers and Product Carriers. He also has a strong background in Internal and External Auditing for ISM, ISO 9000, SIRE inspections, Marine Quality Assurance, operation excellence and Risk Assessment.
James Mathew
CEO & Managing Partner of UHY James (Chartered Accountants & Management Consulting)
A renowned financial practitioner in the audit & advisory space in the UAE, backed by almost 30 years of experience and profound expertise on the workings of diverse industries. A seasoned professional with sharp business acumen and a passion for precision, his leadership style focuses on integrity while helping organizations drive strategic growth. He is the fellow member of ICAI and a certified member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (CPA) -Colorado USA.
Devrish Malik
Director, Marketing and Operations, Five oceans Ship Repairing and Marine Services LLC
An Experienced Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the maritime industry. He is a strong professional skilled in Negotiation, International Shipping, Engineering, Maritime Operations, and Project Engineering. As the Director of Five Oceans, he is responsible for all divisions, right from budgeting to decision making. He also ensures the incorporation of new technology into the company and the continual development of his staff
Sonja Louise de Pattenden
Regional Employee Benefits Business Development Director, AXA Gulf
A seasoned insurance professional with over 30 years’ of experience in the industry. She held the position of General Manager, Middle East and Africa at Now Health International and was part of the senior management team that set the company up from inception in 2011. Prior to Now Health, she also held the position of Head of Business Development for the Middle East and Africa for Aetna. She has spent more than 20 years in the Middle East, in management and business development within the employee benefits insurance industry.
Dr. Suma Velekat
CEO/ Founding partner, Maisaloon Group
A Dynamic, results-oriented leader with a strong track record of performance in turnaround and high-paced organizations. Utilize keen analysis and insights and team approach to drive organizational improvements and implementation of best practices. She has superior interpersonal skills, capable of resolving multiple and complex (sales, human resources, legal, financial, operational) issues and is adept at motivating staff to peak performance.
Bhavishya Gupta
Managing Director, Sensation Group
He is an MS holder in Real Estate from NYU, and has 15+ years rich experience in RE across land acquisition, local legalities and JVs. He keeps himself well versed with the latest developments in the industry & enjoy a great relationship with Real-Estate linked Consultants Globally. Sensation is always enthusiastic of adapting new technologies & systems for improving all spheres of Real Estate development under its umbrella.
Mr. Ved Chhabra
Chairman and Managing Director of Interocean Ship Repairs LLC
An outstanding leader in the maritime industry. An entrepreneur whose skills and expertise has earned him recognition in both India and the Middle east. He went on to become the ‘first’ private entrepreneur to build and export the ‘first’ sea-going vessel from India. For his achievements, he was associated with the Government of India’s Engineering Export Promotion Council, Ship Building Division in 1976. Featured in Forbes Middle east four consecutive times and conferred with the UAE Business Leaders Award and the Lifetime Achievement award in Dubai this man demonstrates the success story of someone who had braved trying times with passion, perseverance and will.
Mr. Shyam Alimchand Bhatia
Founder, Alam Steel group
An entrepreneur and the head of a diversified business group in the Middle East he is an author, a sports enthusiast and a social worker who had been conferred with the Mother Teresa Award. He is named as one of UAE’s 40 most influential Asians, he has initiated his own foundation ‘Cricket for Care’ in 2007 and curated his own one -of – a -kind cricket museum. Under his astute leadership, Alam Steel has become one of the largest steel companies in the Middle-East in the last 30 years. Alam Steel was ranked as one of the top 20 most influential suppliers in the Middle East.
Doctorate 2023
Dr.Christopher Percival QVRM
Managing Director - Regent Asset Management International
He is an experienced international executive with a proven track record, high reputation, and the ability to build and grow teams and sustainable and scalable business within the International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) and Financial Services sector. His experience includes Group Life and Insurance Brokerage. He has a deep market knowledge within the HNWI space, the Group and Corporate sector with 10+ years’ experience in the UAE/GCC market, as well as the setup of new regulated entities and extensive international business development in the UK, Asia and the Middle East. He is the fellow of the Chartered management institute and CEO & managing Director of Regent Asset Management International Limited.
Dr.Muhammad Akbar Laghari
Chief Human Capital Officer-Abdul Latif Jameel
He is a dynamic HR Professional with a strong track record, he holds the position of Chief Human Capital Officer at Abdul Latif Jameel (ALJ). Based out of Dubai, he supports the firm’s international operations through HR, in the EMEA region, Turkey and the Far East. Before joining ALJ, he worked for Mercer as the regional business leader for Broad-based Performance and Rewards. In addition, he has years of working experience for Oil & Gas companies, with a short stint in the Hospital & Healthcare sector in KSA, and a few years in Agriculture He has corporate and Consulting experience and thus has had the privilege of seeing many different organizational systems and cultures
Dr.M M Abdul Basheer
Managing Director- Indo German Carbons Ltd & Mfar Hotels & Resorts
With over 30 years of experience in the carbon black industry, he has a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field and has played a crucial role in the growth and success of Indo German Carbons Ltd. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its operations and established a strong presence in domestic and international markets, focusing on innovation, quality, and sustainability. His commitment to excellence and ability to inspire and lead his team have earned him a reputation as a respected figure in the industry.
Dr. Muhammed Ishtiaq
General Manager Production- ATM Enterprises FZE
He is an energetic management professional having 30+ years of experience with a varied background, combining the best elements of manufacturing, technical assessments, production planning, sales, procurement, projects management, product designing & development, operations management, quality management, multi-site management with implementation of quality management systems and food safety management systems, ISO 22000, HACCP, ECAS. He is currently the General Manager Production at ATM Enterprises.
Dr.Sekharipuram Viswanathan Veeramani
Chairman & Managing Director- Fourrts
He is the Chairman and Managing Director of Fourrts (India) Laboratories Pvt Limited with All India marketing and exports to more than 50 countries. He has served as National President of the Indian Drug Manufacturers’ Association for 3 consecutive years from 2014-2016. He continues to work with IDMA for the development and welfare of the Indian Pharmaceutical Industry. He currently serves as Chairman of Tamilnadu Pharmaceutical Sciences Welfare Trust (TNPSWT), and also helps manage PKTI (Pharma Knowledge Training Institute). He was also the President of Indian Pharmaceutical Congress 2016 held at Visakhapatnam and member of the Jury for UBM India Pharma Awards and AWACS Awards for Marketing. He is also a Member of Committee of Administration (COA) for the year 2021-22 of the Pharmaceutical Export Promotion council of India (PHARMEXCIL), Government of India and Member of CII (Confederation of Indian Industry) National Committee on Pharmaceuticals 2020`-22. He has been bestowed with many awards and accolades for his contributions to the industry.
Mr.Saeed Al Malik
President- Middle East Fuji Group of Companies
He is a distinguished professional who has served the maritime industry for over three decades in various positions. Through his years of expertise and experience, he has played an instrumental role in bringing marine and industrial sectors together while following development plans and protecting the interests of ship suppliers. He is the founding member of UAE National Ship Supplier Association (UNSSA) and headed UNSSA as the President from its inception in 1999 until 31st December 2017. He was first elected to the Executive Committee of ISSA as an Executive Vice President in 2010. Since then, he has continued as a member of the Council and is currently the International Ship Suppliers and Services Association (ISSA) President. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of Emirates Maritime Arbitration Centre (EMAC) and 3rd-time president of I.S.S.A. Under his exemplary leadership, Middle East Fuji is now one of the most renowned names in the maritime supply business.
H.E. Fareed Lufti
Secretary General- EIA
He is the Secretary-General of the Emirates Insurance Association and the Gulf Insurance Federation Secretary-General. He was earlier Group Director, Insurance Services at Dubai Holding, and remains one of the best-known insurance personalities in the GCC. He previously served as General Advisor of Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Co. and was Chief Executive Officer of Alliance Insurance in Dubai. He was a Founding Board Member and Advisor of Dubai International Financial Centre across insurance and reinsurance issues. He was also a member of the finance working group for the Dubai-United Kingdom Trade and Economic Committee (DUKTEC). This eminent personality continues to work tirelessly as a powerful lobbyist for the cause of insurance and correct insurance practice across the UAE and the GCC.
Mr. Brent Perry
CEO- Shift Clean Energy
He is a distinguished expert who defined an industry when he oversaw the development of the world’s first battery for marine propulsion. His 30-year history in commercial shipbuilding and deep knowledge of energy systems gives him a unique perspective on the hybrid and electric marine industry. He has personally been involved in most of the large hybrid and electric ferry projects on the water today. From Ampere in Norway to Scandlines Benedikte and the For Seaferries Aurora and Tycho Brahe, he has unsurpassed experience in the sector. He is an experienced, engaging and impassioned speaker. Major presentations include speeches at the UN Conference on Climate Change, COP21 in Paris and COP23 in Bonn.
Capt. Gamal Fekry
Managing Director- MC Ship Management – Dubai
He is a distinguished Master Mariner with nearly 42 years of experience in the shipping industry. He was Global Manager Ship Vetting, then Manager of Vetting and Clearance at British Petroleum Shipping in London. He served with BP for 11 years and was the Regional Manager for Marine Assurance (Middle East). He was seconded to The Supreme Petroleum Council of Abu Dhabi as a Marine Manager, where he set up and established the ADNOC Vetting Department. Before BP Shipping, he worked with Kuwait Oil Tanker Company for 24 years. He was appointed as Chief Executive Officer and Member of the Board of Directors in Feb. 2014 after having served three years as Managing Director of Red Sea Marine Management DMCC (RSMM) in Dubai, one of Bihar International Co. Ltd.’s companies (formerly known as Bakri Group of Companies), a Saudi-based company involved in shipping, marine-related activities, and energy trading. After serving the company for 7 Years, he started his entrepreneurial journey in 2018 and established MC Ship Management in UAE and Misr Ship Management in Egypt.
Capt. Mohamed Al Ali
Senior Vice President - ADNOC Logistics & Services
He is a successful professional with over 27 years of experience in oil and gas and shipping, Starting his career as a deck cadet with National Gas Shipping Company Ltd (NGSCO), he rose to become the first UAE National Master on an LNG carrier in 2008. He is currently the Senior Vice President of Offshore Logistics at ADNOC Logistics and Services (L&S). In his current role at ADNOC L&S, he oversees the commercial logistics and operational activities of the ports, offshore supply, and support fleet to provide end-to-end Offshore Logistics Solutions. Captain Al Ali successfully led the implementation of the Offshore Integrated Logistics service platform, one of the largest in the world, providing substantial efficiencies to UAE Offshore Industry.
Mr. Ali Rakhbarmadani
Vice President- Mairin Shipping and Management Consultancy DMCC- Dubai
He is a result driven VP with an ability to strengthen business growth with cost effectiveness. He has over 20 years of valuable holistic experience and contribution in the Shipping industry organizing and implementing projects to meet business needs. With a master’s in mechanical engineering, he started his career in 2000 as a Technical Manager at IGAB Transport. He then worked with Admiral Line Shipping in 2003 as Asst Managing Director (MD) and promoted to Managing Director. He joined Marshal Shipping LLC fleet from 2009 to 2013 as Managing Director liaising with Shipping Line customers which led to increased business flow. He is currently the Vice President (VP) at Mairin Shipping and Management Consultancy DMCC, Dubai.
Mr. K K Devanandan
Ex. CEO, TMT Shipping, Ex. Managing Director MSI & V. Ships
He is a well-accomplished professional with extensive experience in the maritime industry. He is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Avantgarde Shipping, a Singapore-based company that offers Ship Management, Ship Chartering, Ship Broking, and Sale and Purchase activities. In his professional journey, he held various key positions in his career, such as the Chief Operating Officer of TMT Singapore, the Chief Operating Officer of NOS Ship Management, the Managing Director of MSI Holdings, and the Managing Director of V.Ships Asia MSI Singapore Pte Ltd. In these positions, he streamlined operations, improved relationships with charterers and shipbrokers, and settled disputes with external parties and owning companies. He also supervised the implementation of systems such as BASS and accounting, effectively supervised new building processes, and led successful TMSA audits. He holds several accomplishments in his career, including the successful design, building, and delivery of FPSO Cyrus to the Persian Gulf region, the successful design, building, and delivery of FSO Admiral 1 in Indonesian waters, and securing 88 vessels in full management (out of 5 in Shanghai) and 10 in crew management for MSI Holdings
Mr. Osama Mohamed El Shafei
Projects Director- Abu Dhabi Ports
He is a Qualified graduate Mechanical Engineer, with more than 35 years of experience in Oil & Gas industry (onshore and offshore facilities). During this time, he worked with international companies like Abu Dhabi Ports, ADNOC Offshore, ZADCO, SUCO, Cx.C.C and Suez Canal Authority. In addition he has offshore experience on different types of barges in Arabian Gulf. As Mechanical engineer, he has been responsible for maintenance and condition monitoring of static equipment and rotating equipment in Zeit bay, and long term and short term planning for shut down activities and major overhauls. In his last 13 years of experience, he was focused in the field of offshore inspection, maintenance of Structures, pipelines and S.B.M's onboard inspection and maintenance vessels in Zakum, Satah, Zirku and Umm Al-Dalkh fields, usage of Navigation system DGPS(Starnav) and Fugro navigation system.
Mr. Joe Brincat
Former Vice President - Middle East Region at American Bureau of Shipping
He is a very respected and accomplished maritime professional. He began his career as an apprentice with Malta Dry-docks. He worked as an Engineer on ships with Texaco and Cunard before returning to the shipyard as a ship repair manager. In 1982, he joined ABS as a Surveyor based in Lisbon, Portugal and later moved to Malta in 1984. He was transferred to Dubai in 1997, where he was responsible for the UAE operations and subsequently promoted to various positions, including Principal Surveyor for the Middle East Region, Country Manager for UAE & Oman, and District Manager for the Southern Middle East Region. As of July 2009, he was Vice President for the Middle East Region, responsible for 18 countries. During his time in the Middle East, he was responsible for several notable achievements, including leading the team in the classification of the first jack-up drilling unit being built in UAE, five FPSOs conversions in Dubai, and 24 jack-up units. He has been nominated to various Judging panels over the years with Lloyds List and Seatrade Middle East, Indian Subcontinent & Africa Awards.
Capt. Naresh Kalra
Owner- KNK Group of Companies
He has an experience of more than three decades in the industry and has been trained as a cadet and sailed on cargo vessels. This has helped diversify the revenue profile, with services such as fleet and manpower management and tug and pilot boat chartering, along with building healthy relationships with counterparties. Established in 1990, KNK GROUP OF COMPANIES provides a wide array of complete shipping services, air travel, shipping-related training, courier, and logistic support. They aim to be a premier management service providing units offering economical, quality, and high safety standard services to their clients under one roof.
Mr. Romany Nagib M.Ekladyous
Manager- Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)
Our next AIMRI Industrial doctorate honoree is a seasoned professional who currently works as the manager at the Dubai Electricity & Water Authority. DEWA works within the main three themes of the fourth generation of government excellence system, as a reference for all of its government excellence programmes to make people happy. DEWA manages the entire chain of electricity and water, from electricity and water production to transmission and distribution to its customers.
Capt. Rado Antolovic
CEO- Dry Docks World - Dubai (LLC)
He has over three decades of extensive experience in leading maritime projects and port management. Throughout his career, he focused on directing strategy and operations, to drive innovation and large-scale transformation across international ports in Australia, Hong Kong, the EU and Russia. In his previous roles as CEO of NCSP JSC and a number of senior positions within DP World, P&O, APL and his seagoing experience with MOL, he successfully set-up, restructured, and managed their transformation to accelerate growth. In addition to his professional accomplishments, he has a passion for sports, having successfully represented the Yugoslavia Olympic team at the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980. He is currently the CEO of Drydocks World.
Mr. Svein Eloff Pedersen
Director- Delta Corp Ship Management
Born and raised on a small island north of Norway, he grew up in a family of fishermen and was the youngest of four brothers who all went to sea at 15. When it was his turn, he traveled from Oslo to Miami at 16 to work as a deck boy on a cruise ship. After three years of sailing, he applied to Technical College and became a Ship's Electrician. He completed his university education in Trondheim and later served as a petty officer at the coastguard base in Ramsund, North of Norway. He worked in Korea as a Newbuilding Superintendent and was soon hired by Siemens Norway as a Project Engineer. He was then assigned a management job with Norsk Hydro during the construction of the Oseberg Platform in the North Sea and was moved to Korea again. After working at DNV as a Newbuilding Surveyor in Korea and Bahrain, Pederson joined Wilhelmsen Ship Owning for their Ship Management arm in Dubai as a Technical Manager. He later became the Vice President of ITM. He was again appointed Managing Director of Barber Ship Management worldwide services in Kuala Lumpur before moving to the Senior Directors in Norway
Mr. Joaquim Kiteculo
President & CEO- Sonaref
He is a seasoned maritime professional with over 30 years of experience in the Oil & gas industry. He has a proven record of executive management and driving complex projects such as Industrial facilities, Tank Farms, Marine oil Terminals, and Refineries. Before Sonaref, he was the Director of Strategic Major Capital Projects at Sonangol, managing a project portfolio of over 5 billion dollars. With a background in mechanical engineering, he has held roles as a technical engineer, project manager, and project director, supporting Sonangol's group projects. He holds a PMP certification, a Master's degree in Project and Programme Management from George Washington University, an MBA from Imperial College London, and Harvard School of Business certifications.
Mr. Ahmad Al-Ghamdi
QHSSE Vice President- International Maritime Industry
He is a distinguished QHSSE professional with extensive experience working in international multinational companies worldwide. He is an accomplished and technical-minded professional with an engineering background and over 32 years of experience in QHSSE, engineering design, and development of QHSSE management systems—a member of the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics. He has successfully provided effective solutions for continuous process improvement to increase work efficiency and revenue. He is currently the QHSSE Vice President at the International maritime industry.
Mr. Jamil Al Ali
Middle East Regional Commercial & Business Development Director- Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore
He graduated in 1990 as a Marine Engineer from South Tyneside College, UK, after completing his engineering cadetship sponsored by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC) and spent 30 successful years in the organization sailing and rising up to the rank of Chief Engineer before joining KOTC Head office as technical Superintendent in 2002. He has held various managerial positions in KOTC Head Office, from fleet engineering group manager to managing the Fleet new building group. He was often recognized for his key role in ensuring the KOTC fleet was maintained to the highest industry standards. He has headed the Kuwait delegation at the IMO MEPC meeting in London and represented Kuwait at COP 23 – Shipping Initiative in Bonn, Germany. He has now been appointed Head of Regional Commercial & Business Development for the Middle East Region within the Marine and Offshore Division of Bureau Veritas.
Mr. Youcef Grebici
Technical Director | EX NGSCO- Gulf Navigation
He is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the industry. He is a former Technical Manager on LNG fleet Technical operation and Senior Technical Superintendent, with a record of maintaining good standards and performance to meet the challenging business demands within the Oil and Gas Shipping industry. He has four years of experience in Marine Technical Consultancy projects management, 11 years as Head of technical and Senior Technical Superintendent for LNG/C Fleet with National Gas Shipping Company -NGSCO, ADNOC group. (Abu Dhabi, UAE),11 years as Senior Marine Surveyor & Lead Auditor ISM, ISPS & BV/QI with Bureau VERITAS. (Dubai, UAE) and14 years as a seafarer, exclusively on LNG carriers, Oil & Chemical tankers, HYPROC Oil & Gas National Shipping Co, Algeria. He is currently the Manager, Principal Marine Technical Consultant and superintendency, for projects for LNG ships, LPG ships, Oil Tankers, Containers ships and other type of ships for Refit Execution Support and Tasks Management supervision.
H.E. Abdullah Sultan Al Owais
Chairman of Sharjah Chamber of Commerce & Industry & Expo Centre/ Vice Chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry
He is a respected and distinguished professional who has Occupied several positions at the UAE Ministry of Economy and Commerce from 1990 until 2003. He was the Assistant under Secretary of the UAE Ministry of Energy from 2005 until 2008, and Board Member of Emirates NBD from 2005 until 2013, He has also been vice chairman of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry since December 2014. He is currently the chairman of the Sharjah Chamber of Commerce and Industry and also chairman of the Expo Centre Sharjah since May 2014.