MENA's Most Powerful Businesswomen Leading: Family Firms

These ten MENA-based businesswomen have inherited the helm of some of the region's largest family conglomerates.

- LAYAN ABO SHKIER

1 Raja Easa Al Gurg

Company: Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group (ESAG)

Title: Chairperson & Managing Director

Nationality: Emirati Sector: Diversified

Al Gurg has been with ESAG since 1989 and was appointed to her current position in 2022. She oversees over 3,000 people. ESAG has over 30 companies in its portfolio. Al Gurg is also the founder and president of the Dubai Business Women Council and sits on the board of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. She is also a member of the Family Business Advisory Committee, which oversees the work of the Dubai Centre for Family Businesses. Al Gurg serves as chairperson of the Al Jalila Foundation and is a member of the board of trustees at Ajman University, among others.

2 Renuka Jagtiani

Company: Landmark Group

Title: Chairwoman

Nationality: Indian Sector: Retail 

Jagtiani has been at Landmark Group since 1993 and was appointed chairwoman in 2017. The group was founded by her late husband, Micky Jagtiani, in 1973, when he set up a baby products store in Bahrain targeting South Asian customers. He passed away in May 2023. Today, Landmark Group has over 2,200 stores across 21 countries and includes brands such as Babyshop, Centrepoint, SHOEMART, Max, and Lifestyle.

3 Lubna S. Olayan

Company: Olayan Financing Company (OFC)

Title: Chair of the Executive Committee and Deputy Chair

Nationality: Saudi 

Sector: Banking and Financial Services