Vibha Thusu
Global Marketing & Communications Program Leader
Schneider Electric

Vibha Thusu is a seasoned marketing and communications leader with over 21 years of experience at the intersection of technology, brand strategy, and business growth. She has worked across diverse industries including IT & Services, FMCG, Energy Management, Electrical, & Industrial Automation. She currently serves as the Global Marketing & Communications Program Leader (Industrial Automation E-commerce) at Schneider Electric, where she drives strategic communications, demand generation, and cohesive internal engagement across IA Distribution & eCommerce Lines of Business. A Schneider Electric veteran of 16 years, she previously led global marketing, communications, and e-commerce for an independent brand under the SE umbrella, accelerating market expansion and brand equity across more than 65 countries.

Suad Merchant
Global Chief Marketing Officer
GEMS Education, Former Global Head of Brand, Corporate Communication, Partnerships & Social Strategy at Mashreq Bank

Suad Merchant is the Global Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at GEMS Education, where she  leads global marketing, brand strategy, and communications. In this role, she reinforces GEMS  Education’s reputation as a trusted, family-run institution delivering world-class education with  heart and vision. Her mandate goes beyond communications, she is a key driver of business  growth and impact, ensuring GEMS continues to lead in a sector critical to regional and global  development. 

Previously, Suad was the Global Head of Brand & Growth Marketing, Partnerships, and  Corporate Communications at Mashreq, the UAE’s oldest bank with a presence in 15 countries.  She defined and executed the bank’s global brand and marketing strategy, corporate  communications, strategic partnerships, and ESG marketing. Suad also played a pivotal role in  shaping Mashreq’s strategic vision, acting as brand custodian, and steering its customer-centric  digital transformation. Under her leadership, Mashreq was recognized as the fastest-growing  brand in the Middle East by Brand Finance in 2024. 

Ravi Raman
Publisher
Fast Company Middle East

Ravi Raman, a TEDx speaker and no stranger to a stage, is a media professional with more than two decades of content strategy, brand marketing and team leadership experience.
He launched the regional editions of world-renowned brands such as Wired and Bloomberg Businessweek, and his reach has extended to other leading publications from the New York Times to India Today.

Hazem El Zayat
Chief Experience Officer MENA
Memac Ogilvy

Hazem graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The American  University in Cairo in 2002. Since then, he has developed a passion for and built a career in  connecting the business world with technology.  

He has led projects across all areas of the digital mix including web platforms, mobile solutions, social media, content, performance marketing, search engine optimization and marketing, paid digital advertising and programmatic, data and analytics, CRM, and ecommerce… making him not only an advocate but also a hands-on practitioner of omni channel marketing. He has been a consultant to many brands, defining and implementing their digital transformation strategies, and implementing complex MarTech solutions to influence data-driven customer engagement comms throughout their lifecycle.

Harsha Thawani
Associate Marketing Director – Digital Marketing Lead
KPMG (Lower Gulf)

Harsha is a seasoned marketing professional with over 18 years of experience in global digital and traditional media marketing.

She has left a lasting impact on consulting, professional services, travel, and consumer products sectors. Notably, she established PwC’s digital marketing practice in the Middle East and led digital marketing for UAE’s cybersecurity firm DarkMatter (now Digital14).

Currently, at KPMG Lower Gulf, Harsha is driving the transformation of the firm’s digital marketing and enhancing customer experiences, showcasing her enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in the field.i and is the founder of WOA (Work Of Arts), a boutique consultancy and concept studio. He also supports early-stage ventures and owns hospitality businesses in Asia.

Aamir Allibhoy
General Manager
SRMG Labs
Former Chief Marketing Officer at Tim Hortons ME

Aamir Allibhoy is the General Manager at SRMG | Labs, leading innovation and strategic growth initiatives within one of the region’s most influential media groups.

Aamir’s career spans more than two decades across marketing, creativity, and brand transformation. Prior to joining SRMG, he spent 21 years with Impact BBDO, where he served as General Manager for Saudi Arabia and worked with leading global brands including PepsiCo, Emirates, P&G, YUM, and others. He also played a key role in establishing the award-winning BBDO Pakistan office.

Gregoire Charpe Civatte
Marketing & CX Expert, Former Group Vice President of CX 
Majid Al Futtaim

Gregoire is a senior innovation and customer experience leader with more than 20 years of experience transforming major organisations across Retail, Luxury, Government, Real Estate, Hospitality, and Mobility. Most recently, Group VP of Customer Experience & Innovation at Majid Al Futtaim, his career also includes senior roles at Chalhoub Group, Emaar, Air Liquide, Rexel, and Orange.

An entrepreneur and investor, he co-founded the European mobility startup Otoqi and is the founder of WOA (Work Of Arts), a boutique consultancy and concept studio. He also supports early-stage ventures and owns hospitality businesses in Asia.