Maher Sabbagh is an experienced C-Suite leader and HR strategist with more than 20 years in transformation and change leadership in top FMCG and Fortune 500 companies in the Middle East, Europe, Africa, Asia, and emerging markets. Currently Assistant Vice President People and Performance at DAMAC Group, he has proven strengths in strategic leadership and adaptability and has successfully implemented many high-impact initiatives throughout his career.

At JAT International, Maher developed an integrated HR strategy that streamlined operations in multiple geographies. He was instrumental in turning around the business in Iran, scaling the headcount from 60 to 300 in one year and resulting in exponential revenue. He laid the foundation of HR operations at Japan Tobacco International (JTI) in Jordan and supported the business entering new markets in the Baltic region.

Some of the major accomplishments in Maher’s career include his leadership in the headcount restructuring at JTI, which yielded substantial efficiency gains, and the HR integration of the largest foreign direct investment in Bangladesh. He also initiated the pioneering Women in Leadership programme in Bangladesh and Asia Pacific, which has built a solid pipeline of women leaders.

With a strong record in enhancing operational efficiencies, talent development, and business growth, Maher continues to be a pioneer in changing the storyline in HR.